Job Description

Reports to: Associate Dean of Enrollment Management

The Associate Director of Student Experience is responsible for fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging school environment that promotes student belonging, leadership development, and cross-cultural learning. This position plays a central role in designing and delivering student programs and activities that support students’ holistic development and enhance the co-curricular experience.

The Associate Director serves as the primary administrator and advisor for student organizations and student activities, and as a program lead for new-student transition, orientation, and first-year experience initiatives. The position collaborates closely with academic and administrative partners to advance a cohesive, student-centered school culture.

This role requires a high level of intercultural competence, organizational leadership, and student-focused services within a conservatory and transnational educational context.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties, and Administrative and Institutional Responsibilities

• Supervise Student Services and Residence Life.
• Manage budgets, reimbursements, and procurement related to student organizations and student activities.
• Participate in divisional initiatives, special projects, task force teams and working groups in support of school-wide student success and engagement goals.
• Serve on student conduct, behavior intervention, student care, and assessment committees.
• Develop and maintain departmental content on TJS website, intranet, and Student Handbook.
• Represent Student Life at admissions events, orientations, school visits, and institutional programs as needed.
• Works with the Admissions team to provide support in the School’s audition and recruitment programming and retention initiatives.

Student Programming and Co-Curricular Engagement

• Plan, coordinate, and manage a comprehensive calendar of student engagement programs and events that support community building, student wellness, cultural exchange, and co-curricular learning.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement activities designed to initiate and sustain student involvement in co-curricular activities.
• Provide direct logistical and operational support for student-led and institution-sponsored programs, including space reservations, event workflows, risk management planning, and on-site event coordination.
• Develop and supervise a student organization program.
• Partner with academic departments and performance units to support co-curricular and community-building initiatives connected to the School’s artistic mission.

New Student Orientation, Student Leadership and Support

• Lead collaborative planning with Student Services, Residence Life, Mental Health and Wellness, and Academic Affairs, as well as other key stakeholders within the School.
• Design, develop and maintain materials and web content for the pre-orientation program.
• Provide strategic leadership and logistical oversight for a comprehensive, cross-cultural orientation program that supports students’ academic, social, and personal transition to the institution.
• Design and coordinate first-year engagement initiatives that promote connection to peers, advisors, faculty, and school resources.
• Serve as a content expert for the School on student transition and orientation.

Student Development and Culture

• Design and implement initiatives that foster intercultural learning and strengthen students’ sense of belonging and connection within a diverse and international school community.
• Collaborate closely with the ACCESS Center and serve as an advocate for intercultural competence and inclusive engagement practices across all programs and services, promoting such among student leadership.
• Serve as a visible and accessible resource for students seeking involvement opportunities and leadership experiences.
• Initiate, establish, and ultimately serve as mentor and advisor to a Graduate Student Advisory Council, or other system of student governance.

Systems and Communication

• Oversee the maintenance of student-related data and records within student information management platforms.
• Collect, analyze, and report participation and engagement data to support program evaluation and strategic planning.
• Collaborate with institutional partners to maintain and enhance student engagement-related communication channels.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, student affairs, higher education, or related field.
• Minimum of five years of professional management experience in student activities, student engagement, student organizations, or a closely related area within a college or university setting.
• Familiarity with institutional financial systems and administrative processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Chinese.
• Demonstrated intercultural competence through professional experience in international or cross-cultural educational environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, student-centered, and diverse community.
• Strong organizational, project management, and collaborative skills.
• Commitment to supporting an innovative, inclusive, and intercultural learning environment.
• Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment and maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in student affairs, higher education administration, counseling, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience advising student organizations and supporting student-led initiatives.
• Knowledge of student development theory, leadership development, and experiential learning practices.
• Experience working in a conservatory, performing arts, or specialized academic environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of differences between Chinese and Western higher education systems and student engagement practices.
• Experience with assessment, learning outcomes, development, and data-informed program improvement.
• Experience supervising student employees, student leaders, or graduate assistants.
• A deep appreciation for and some educational or professional background in the arts is preferred.

The final candidate will be required to successfully pass a background check.

This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It provides key responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned as needed to meet The Tianjin Juilliard School’s goals.