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Director of LaGuardia CARES (Student Life Director)

POSITION DETAILS

Founded in 1971 in Long Island City, Queens **,** LaGuardia Community College is one of seven community colleges of the City University of New York (CUNY). LaGuardia offers more than sixty associate degree programs and more than fifty workforce training, ESOL, GED, and pre-college programs. In 2023, LaGuardia served approximately 24,000 students. More than one-third of LaGuardia’s degree-seeking students are born outside the United States; they come from 136 countries and speak 43 heritage languages. Sixty percent are first-generation college students.

Virtually all LaGuardia students are ethnic minorities (89 percent), 58 percent are women, 27 percent are over the age of 25. Forty-six percent of associate degree students are Hispanic. Upon graduation most students transfer to four-year colleges, typically in CUNY, to complete their baccalaureate degrees. Graduates of career programs such as Nursing, Computer Technology, and Veterinary Technology enter the workforce. LaGuardia ranked fifth among U.S. community colleges in economic mobility – moving low-income students into the middle class and beyond – in studies by Stanford University (2017) and the Brookings Institution (2020).Please visit www.laguardia.edu to learn more.

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Director of LaGuardia CARES will lead and coordinate efforts to support students experiencing housing instability, food insecurity, and related basic needs challenges. This position is responsible for developing strategic initiatives, managing resources and partnerships, and ensuring that all students have access to safe housing and nutritious food throughout their academic journey. The Director will work collaboratively with campus departments, community partners, and government agencies to build and sustain a comprehensive basic needs program. An exceptional student advocate and strategic thinker and problem solver, the Director sees beyond short-term responses to students’ challenges and develops new solutions, striving with his/her/their colleagues to create the most welcoming and supportive campus environment possible for our students.

The Director of LaGuardia CARES is responsible for the following:

+ Design, implement, and oversee programs addressing student housing insecurity, homelessness, and food access;

+ Provide oversight for and manage the campus food pantry, emergency housing resources, and meal assistance programs;

+ Create and lead emergency response protocols for students facing immediate housing or food crises;

+ Coordinate temporary and long-term housing options, including partnerships with companies and organizations;

+ Partner with Student Affairs, Financial Aid, Counseling Services, Academic Affairs and other campus units to identify at-risk students and coordinate support services;

+ Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, food banks, housing authorities, and government assistance programs;

+ Represent the college on local, regional and national committees and/or at conferences on student basic needs;

+ Collect and analyze data related to student housing and food insecurity to inform strategic decision-making;

+ Prepare reports, proposals, and grant applications to secure external funding and demonstrate impact, coordinating with the college Foundation or Grants and Sponsored Programs Office as needed;

+ Oversee data collection and utilize data to monitor program outcomes and improve service delivery;

+ Lead campus-wide education campaigns to increase awareness of and destigmatize food and housing insecurity;

+ Train faculty, staff, and student leaders on identifying and referring students in need;

+ Develop digital and print materials to promote available resources and services, working with marketing and communications staff as needed;

+ Provide support for large-scale college-wide events including New Student Orientation, student leadership trainings, Commencement, etc.;

+ Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree and eight years related experience required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

+ An earned Master’s degree from an accredited institution and a strong record of demonstrated supervision or management experience in Student Affairs or related division.

+ Evidence of a strong commitment to a multicultural student body and service to an urban community college.

+ Demonstrated skills in data analysis as it pertains to student support service improvement.

+ Ability to sustain communication with diverse constituencies, anticipate problems and reconcile conflicts.

+ Ability to interact with a variety of internal and external stakeholders for the purpose of pursuing funding opportunities.

+ Excellent skills in oral, written, and interpersonal communication.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Directs planning, program development, and administration to support access, retention, multicultural, and other student affairs objectives.

- Develops plans for, and leads a student development services unit which comprises a variety of services and programs

- Collaborates with academic affairs professionals and other in supporting retention and building a comprehensive learning environment that fosters the intellectual, psychological, social, leadership and recreational development of a diverse student population

- Assists senior management in providing leadership, developing policy, conducting strategic planning, and representing student affairs in various professional activities

- Evaluates the effectiveness of the portfolio of student services in supporting divisional and College-wide goals; oversees data collection, tracking, and reporting systems

- Manages fiscal and human resources; may oversee grant management activities for selected programs

- Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name: Student Life Director

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Officer

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$113,982 - $126.333

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit www.cuny.edu, access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID or Title. Select "Apply Now" and provide the requested information.

Candidates must attach a resume, cover letter, and three professional references (name, title, organization, and contact information).

CLOSING DATE

November 16th, 2025

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID

31084

Location

LaGuardia Community College