Director of Student Affairs, HECM

Job Title

Director of Student Affairs, HECM

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

VP & COO - McAllen

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

McAllen, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

What We Want

The McAllen Higher Education Center is seeking a Director of Student Affairs to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for student activities, student organizations, and co-curricular engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate is an experienced and collaborative higher education professional who excels in leading student-centered programs, supervising staff, and advancing long-term student engagement goals. This individual demonstrates strong organizational and communication skills, exercises sound judgment in budget administration, compliance, and risk management, and fosters positive relationships with students, campus partners, and community stakeholders. They ensure adherence to university policies and regulatory standards, proactively address challenges related to student programming and campus life, and support a vibrant, inclusive, and mission-driven student experience. We are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, champions leadership development and continuous improvement, and contributes meaningfully to both daily operations and strategic initiatives in support of student success.

What You Need To Know

Salary:  Commensurate (based on selected hire’s qualifications)

Cover Letter & Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.

Other: Work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.

Responsibilities

Coordination and Oversight of Student Activities

• Act as a primary resource for all campus student organizations, supporting engagement, governance, and organizational effectiveness.
• Plan, coordinate, and assess campus-wide student activities and events, including orientations, traditions, and major university programs.
• Develop and manage activity budgets in alignment with institutional priorities.
• Oversee New Student Orientation programs and ensure compliance with university, state, and federal regulations.
• Directly oversee the management, scheduling, and utilization of student activity facilities.
• Support community-building initiatives that enhance student connection and campus culture.

Departmental Leadership and Supervision

• Provide leadership, direction and supervision to staff involved in Student Activities and Student Organizations.
• Establish performance standards, conduct evaluations, and support professional development for staff and student workers.
• Coordinate training and development opportunities for student leaders and organization advisors.
• Interview, select, and oversee student leaders as needed to support departmental operations.

Assessment, Strategy, and Special Projects

• Lead strategic planning for supervised areas and contribute to departmental strategic planning efforts.
• Develop and maintain accreditation-related documentation related to the student learning environment and student engagement.
• Participate in accreditation and regulatory processes relevant to Student Affairs and student activities.
• Ensure student behavioral, professional, and conduct standards related to activities and organizations are clearly defined, implemented, and monitored.
• Collaborate with assessment and academic partners to support data-informed reporting and early identification of student concerns.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of student support initiatives, including career development and wellness-related programming connected to co-curricular activities.

Budget Management and Fiscal Oversight

• Administer departmental budgets and oversee fiscal operations for Student Activities and Student Organizations.
• Identify, develop, and seek funding opportunities that support the mission and goals of Student Affairs.
• Audit student organization financial accounts to ensure appropriate documentation, transparency, and compliance with university policies.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Assess, manage, and mitigate potential risks associated with student activities and campus events.
• Ensure completion and review of after-action reports for major events and programs.
• Verify eligibility of elected student leaders and ensure compliance with university policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten years of related experience in student affairs or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual English/Spanish.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Strong communication, documentation, and follow-through skills.
• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Experience with risk management, student processes, and event planning.

Who We Are

The Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen opened in Fall 2018 to expand access by bringing top-tier Texas A&M academic programs to the Rio Grande Valley.  The Center supports student success through high-quality programs aligned with career goals and partnerships that strengthen regional workforce development and economic growth. 

Why TAMU

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.   

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays   
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leaveand at leasteight hours of paid vacationeach month  
• Automatic enrollment in theTeacher Retirement System of Texas 
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time  
• Professional Development: All employees have access to freeLinkedIn Learningtraining, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more   
• Educational release time and tuition assistancefor completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee  
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees 

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experience. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.