Director of Student Services

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $85,000 - $110,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications

About Rancho Cielo

Rancho Cielo is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of underserved and at-risk youth by providing education, vocational training, counseling, and life skills development. In partnership with John Muir Charter School, we support students in earning their high school diploma while preparing them for success in their careers and lives.

Position Summary

The Director of Student Services provides strategic leadership, oversight, and management of student support services designed to promote student engagement, attendance, retention, well-being, and successful program completion. This position oversees student services programs and initiatives, develops community partnerships, ensures compliance with applicable regulations, and collaborates closely with educational, residential, workforce development, and support service teams to address barriers to student success.

The Director of Student Services develops and implements systems that support the whole student, ensuring students have access to resources that foster academic achievement, career readiness, personal growth, and successful transitions beyond Rancho Cielo.

Employment Classification: Full-Time/Exempt

Reporting Structure

• Reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer (CFO/COO)

Key Responsibilities

Student Services Program Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for student support needs.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate student support programs and services.
• Establish goals, objectives, and performance metrics for student services initiatives.
• Provide leadership and supervision to student services staff and related personnel.
• Develop policies, procedures, and best practices that support student success and retention.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for executive leadership regarding student outcomes and program effectiveness.

Student Services Support

• Oversee systems that identify and address barriers to student participation and success.
• Coordinate services that support attendance, retention, engagement, wellness, and student achievement.
• Facilitate interventions for students experiencing academic, behavioral, attendance, housing, transportation, or personal challenges.
• Ensure students are connected to internal and external support resources.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive student-centered environment.

Community Partnerships and Resource Development

• Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, probation departments, social service agencies, workforce development organizations, and community-based partners.
• Serve as the primary liaison for probation work-study contracts and related partnerships.
• Coordinate community resources and referrals to support student needs.
• Represent Rancho Cielo at meetings, community events, and partner organizations.

• Oversee the planning, implementation, staffing, and evaluation of after-school and student enrichment programming.
• Ensure programs are aligned with organizational goals and student needs.
• Monitor participation, outcomes, and effectiveness of all after-school programming.
• Ensure safe, structured, and engaging programming that supports academic and personal development.
• Coordinate student transportation support services, including oversight of bus pass distribution and tracking.
• Work closely with the Transportation Supervisor to ensure student transportation needs are met; this position does not manage fleet operations or drivers.
• Collaborate with transportation staff to remove barriers to student attendance and program participation.
• Oversee and manage the Drivers Education program, including scheduling, compliance, student enrollment, and coordination of instruction and testing requirements.

Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and grant requirements related to student services program.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and program documentation.
• Support audits, reporting requirements, and data collection efforts.
• Utilize student information systems and databases to monitor outcomes and track services.

Staff Supervision

• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Education, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, Public Administration, or a related field required.
• Masters degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in student services, youth development, education administration, workforce development, social services, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of supervisory or management experience.
• Experience working with at-risk youth, opportunity youth, or underserved populations preferred.
• Experience managing programs, budgets, grants, and community partnerships preferred.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and program management skills.
• Knowledge of youth development principles and student support practices.
• Ability to build effective relationships with students, families, staff, community partners, and governmental agencies.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data and use information to drive program improvements.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database management systems.

Compensation Range: $85,000 - $110,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Work Environment: This position operates in a combination of office, classroom, program, and community settings. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support student events, community partnerships, and organizational activities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel between Rancho Cielo locations and community partner sites.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

Rancho Cielo is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.