Director of Student Affairs

University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

About The Position

Established in 2023 as UT Austin’s newest college, the School of Civic Leadership is a community of scholars and students dedicated to studying the foundational ideas and institutions of a free society, with the goal of advancing human flourishing. We value independent thought, civil discourse, reasoned deliberation, and intellectual curiosity as we prepare to meet the challenges of the present and sustain the blessings of liberty for future generations. SCL is home to the Civitas Institute, a national and international hub for excellence in scholarship, commentary and public outreach on economic dynamism, individual flourishing, civic virtue, and constitutionalism. Upholding the University’s motto—Disciplina Praesidium Civitatis, “Education is the guardian genius of democracy”—we advance The University of Texas at Austin’s mission to achieve excellence in education, research, and public service. The Director of Student Affairs will develop and manage programs that strengthen the SCL undergraduate experience through community-building, recruitment, and student support initiatives. This role will work with the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies to provide leadership for student life staff, oversee recruitment and orientation efforts, and collaborate with cross-campus partners.

Requirements

M.A. in an academic field relevant to civic leadership (political theory, government, philosophy, economic thought, constitutional democracy, etc.) and at least three years of teaching or programs experience.
Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects and priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in an academic field relevant to civic leadership.
Beyond required qualifications.
Five years of experience developing programs to sustain intellectual life for undergraduates.
Active faculty appointment.

Responsibilities

Develop programs that sustain the SCL undergraduate community and enhance student culture.
Direct student life staff, including recruiters and administrative associates, and assistant director for academic programs.
Collaborate with the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies and SCL recruiter to plan and execute recruitment efforts, including internal/external transfers.
Communicate admissions and transfer standards to prospective students, UT advising centers, and other relevant audiences.
Develop academic and cohort-building programs throughout the recruitment cycle.
Coordinate recruitment messaging with SCL communications, marketing, and UT Admissions.
Work with UT New Student Services and SCL Academic Affairs to design and deliver orientation.
Coordinate with UT Housing to establish and manage SCL housing opportunities.
Oversee undergraduate fellowships and coordinate with SCL Academic Affairs to create scholarship opportunities.
Develop and manage the SCL Student Life budget.
Lead special projects and collaborate with academic affairs staff as needed.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits (Employee premiums covered at 100%; family premiums at 50%)
Vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Teachers Retirement System of Texas (a defined benefit retirement plan)
Additional voluntary retirement programs: tax sheltered annuity 403(b) and a deferred compensation program 457(b)
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
Training and conference opportunities
Tuition assistance
Athletic ticket discounts
Access to UT Austin's libraries and museums
Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Capital Metro buses with staff ID card