Professional Staff Search

Community Directors are an integral part of the educational community at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU). They collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to create and manage purposeful and dynamic learning environments across campus that support student wellbeing and thriving. They have a broad knowledge of student development theories and implement these theories into daily practice, particularly in support of retention and persistence for historically marginalized students (e.g., Students of Color, First Generation, LGBTQIA+, and other students). Finally, Community Directors are reflective educators who are able to communicate with diverse individuals and communities. Community Directors report to the Associate Director(s) for Campus Life.

Campus Life integrates the traditional work of Student Engagement, Commuter Services, and Residential Life to create a more cohesive, intentional, and holistic student experience while enhancing student learning, engagement and success at PLU. Campus Life is situated within the Student Life Division, Through shared departmental leadership, vision and work, the Campus Life department enhances student learning, engagement and success at PLU.

The Campus Life Community Director team comprises six (6) staff members with responsibility for student communities including PLU’s residence halls, the CAVE – a learning community space for commuter students, and the ARENA – a collaborative workspace for student leaders across campus. This team directs our twelve (12) learning communities, provides care through participation in an on-call duty rotation, and supervises our student leaders (Resident Assistants [RA], Commuter Advocates [CA], Residential Operations Student Assistants [ROSA], and Campus Life Coordinators[CLC]).

• $20.43/hour (or ~$42,500/year baseline salary).
  • This position has a flexible, 40-hour/week hourly work schedule, including a commitment to sustainable weekly schedule that keeps to 40 hours/week
  • Overtime (time and a half) rate for any hours worked over 40 per week when this is unavoidable due to crisis response, move in/out, or other anticipated or unanticipated busy times of the year
  • This position is not subject to state income tax
• On-Campus semi-furnished apartment
  • The Community Director for Lutes Commute and the ARENA will be assigned to a 4 bedroom apartment located in South Hall
  • Partner Policy allowing each Community Director to have 1 partner to live on campus with them (no legal marriage documentation required)
  • Pet Policy allowing each Community Director to have up to 2 pets living on campus with them
  • Reserved parking spot next to on-campus housing residence hall
• On-Campus meal plan compensation (~$7,174.00)
• Opportunities to work remotely
  • The Office of Campus Life (AUC 161) flexibly works virtually on Fridays
• Campus Life no on-call responsibilities during summers for Community Directors
• Excellent benefits to working in Washington State, PLU, and within the Campus Life department, including:
  • Reproductive rights are protected by WA state law.
  • Generous paid time off, including a bonus 56 additional hours of flexible time off yearly
    • Winter holiday time off with university closure from 12/25 through 1/1
  • PLU is located right off of Interstate-5 and is only 45 minutes from Olympia, Seattle, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
  • Option to purchase an unlimited regional transit pass for $10.00 as of the 2026-2027 academic year

• Supervise, train, recognize, and regularly meet with 6-8 CAs and 2 CLCs
• Lead departmental visioning and implementation of programs and services focused on retention, well-being, outreach, and support for commuter students; advocate for these students’ needs at the University level
• Support campus-wide retention and well-being priorities, particularly for historically marginalized students, including Students of Color, First Generation Students, LGBTQIA+ students, and others
• Collaborate with colleagues within Campus Life to design, implement, and assess university-wide initiatives specifically focused on the Commuter student experience
• Facilitate a First Year course, PLUS100: Transition to PLU, in support of new student transition, holistic wellbeing, thriving, and retention
• Support the Student Leader Selection or Training Committee
• Participate in the on-call duty rotation with all Community Directors
• Serve as educator and review officer within the Student Rights & Responsibilities (care and conduct) system

See a full list of responsibilities for this position on the PLU job posting!