Manager – Student Life Operations

the CIA•Hyde Park, NY

About The Position

The Manager – Student Life Operations serves as an operational partner to the Vice President for Student Life, playing a central role in advancing divisional priorities, institutional alignment, and a cohesive Student Life identity. This position functions as a confidential executive support lead, overseeing high-level communications, division-wide operations, and special projects that promote a culture of belonging, identity development, and intellectual growth. The Manager is responsible for supporting strategy through the organization and dissemination of Student Life communications across all campuses, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with institutional priorities. This role leads the management of digital content, policy infrastructure, and operational systems, while also serving as a key liaison between departments, campuses, and senior leadership. In addition, this position oversees executive-level reporting, supports institutional decision-making, and independently leads high-impact projects that enhance the student experience, strengthen retention efforts, and improve operational effectiveness across the division.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, higher education administration, business or related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of work experience in higher education, professional administrative office, or within a communication/marketing role.
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to produce executive-level communications.
Demonstrated strength in project management and operational planning.
Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels of an organization.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate needs and proactively develop solutions.
High level of initiative, adaptability, and self-motivation.
Knowledge of student development theory, communication strategies, and engagement practices.
Advanced computer proficiency, including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) and content management systems.
Awareness, insight, and creativity to support the needs of a diverse student population.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working in a higher education environment.

Responsibilities

Serve as an operational partner and confidential support to the Vice President, contributing to divisional planning, institutional priorities, and executive decision-making.
Lead the development, coordination, and oversight of all Student Life communications, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and alignment across campuses.
Oversee all Student Life digital content, including the division webpage and student-facing platforms, ensuring brand consistency, compliance, and timely updates.
Develop, implement, and manage division-wide operational systems, including communication calendars, submission timelines, and tracking mechanisms to ensure accountability and efficiency.
Maintain and standardize all Student Life policies, procedures, and SOPs, including leading review cycles, documenting revisions, and ensuring institutional compliance.
Conduct policy analysis and support the review and rewriting of institutional policies in collaboration with campus stakeholders.
Manage and synthesize data, reports, and materials for Vice President presentations, Board-facing documents, and institutional reporting.
Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of major Student Life initiatives and special projects, serving as project manager for high-impact, cross-functional efforts.
Coordinate division-wide communication with internal and external stakeholders, including students, families, faculty, staff, and external partners.
Manage and respond to high-level inquiries within Student Life communication channels, ensuring timely, accurate, and professional responses.
Maintain and oversee Student Life FAQs, ensuring departments provide updates within established timelines and that information remains consistent across campuses.
Facilitate regular meetings with Student Life leadership to assess communication effectiveness, identify gaps, and align upcoming initiatives.
Track and monitor the Student Life strategic plan, including goals, priorities, and progress across departments.
Lead the development and production of the Student Life annual report, including timeline creation, template design, and synthesis of departmental submissions.
Oversee the development and editing of high-profile communications, including student messaging, executive summaries, and speeches, in collaboration with campus partners.
Coordinate closely with Marketing and Communications, the Registrar, and other institutional offices to ensure alignment on major initiatives and events.
Provide oversight and direction to student worker(s), managing workflow and ensuring high-quality output.
Develop and deliver training for Student Life staff on communication standards, expectations, and best practices.
Serve as a resource for content development and visual communications, supporting the creation of polished, professional materials.
Stay current on emerging trends in higher education, student development, communications strategy, and content management technologies.
Initiate, lead, and complete strategic projects that advance student belonging, engagement, retention, and success.
Perform additional duties as assigned in support of divisional and institutional priorities.
Any and all other duties as assigned.