Director of Student Services

Job description

POSITION: Director of Student Services DEPARTMENT: Office of Student Services and Engagement (OSSE) REPORT TO: Head of TUJ Kyoto POSITION TYPE: Full-time WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week (9:00–17:30, Monday through Friday); Some evening and weekend work required for campus events and student trips. LOCATION: TUJ Kyoto (Fujinomori station) *Hybrid-remote flexibility after initial training period available VISA REQUIREMENT: Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) is able to sponsor a visa for this position. SALARY & BENEFITS: Commensurate with experience. Fifteen (15) days paid vacation in the first year, increasing to 24 days after 6 years of employment, plus 5 paid “personal and sick days” each year. In addition, approximately two weeks company-wide break over Christmas/New Year. Japanese social insurance and pension, commuting/telework allowance, a welfare-discount program membership, and retirement payment system. OVERVIEW OF POSITION: The Office of Students Services and Engagement (OSSE) provides high-quality services to TUJ's diverse student population to support their success and well-being as they become members of the university community. The OSSE assists students with a wide variety of non-academic services, provides student visa support, and encourages student engagement through numerous activities, events, and student organizations. Within the Student Services section, the Director oversees the operations for new students transitioning to TUJ, housing, U.S. financial aid matters, study abroad opportunities, and any other non-academic aspects of a student's life including handling emergencies, conducting initial investigations for violation of the university’s Code of Conduct, and supporting students’ health and well-being in general. The Director of Student Services works closely with the Admissions Counseling (student recruiting) and Admissions offices to develop outreach plans to improve the yield and also works with the Student Engagement unit to plan and organize campus programming during Welcome Week. For housing, the Director works with staff on securing housing for incoming students, allocating rooms, and troubleshooting a wide variety of issues at the dorms. The Director works closely with staff to promote and support TUJ’s exchange and study abroad programs. Many of TUJ’s U.S. citizens use federal financial aid while at TUJ. The Director works closely with staff to support the day-to-day operations of financial aid services. As the Director of Student Services, the applicant will also be asked to support Welcome Week programming, student activities and events (including some evening and weekends), and other office initiatives. The Director of the Office of Student Services and Engagement is a key member of TUJ Kyoto’s student crisis response team and should be comfortable serving as part of the university’s broader 24/7 student support and crisis response structure when circumstances require. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, well-being, and support of the TUJ Kyoto student community. Given the nature of student services and the potential for urgent or unexpected situations, the Director must be available and prepared to respond to student crises, including emergencies involving student safety, health, mental health, housing, or other critical circumstances. The Director will participate in and help oversee a 24/7 crisis response structure in coordination with the Head of TUJ Kyoto, which may require being contacted outside of regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and university closures. The position requires sound judgment, calm and effective decision-making under pressure, and the ability to coordinate promptly with university leadership, emergency services, families, housing providers, and other relevant stakeholders as needed. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Support the Head of TUJ Kyoto on planning the goals, implementation, and mission of the OSSE office Supervise the Student Services Team within OSSE Oversee the entire new student transition process, from admission through the first day of classes Plan and manage the Welcome Week for new students with the New Student Coordinator Develop tracking methods for new students related to class registration processes and generating reports for university management Work with the New Student Team to develop the yearly Orientation, Outreach, and generate Arrival calendars Work with the Main Campus and the Rome Campus on planning and management of inbound exchange programs Work closely with the TUJ Facilities and Housing Coordinator on residential matters involving external housing partners Assist the TUJ Financial Aid Coordinator on student financial aid matters and disbursements Assist the TUJ Study Abroad Coordinator on outreach endeavors and events involving partner organizations Collaborate with OSSE staff on new student related matters Work with the Head of TUJ Kyoto, Dean of Students and TUJ Legal Counsel on student Code of Conduct case Work with the Head of TUJ Kyoto, Dean of Students in handling student's emergency cases Manage schedules, duties, and payments for OSSE Student Workers OSSE Team Responsibilities and Other duties Chaperone student activities and trips Provide front desk support for OSSE Support departmental initiatives Support TUJ Kyoto wide strategic planning, programming and initiatives implementation QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: 5+ years’ of administrative experience in higher education Experience managing a team Native or near-native level in English; business or higher level in Japanese preferred Excellent communication skills Welcoming, professional, and compassionate attitude in all aspects of the role while upholding the university’s mission Detail-oriented; meticulous document preparation experience Strong computer and database skills (Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint; education-related database or CRM experience strongly preferred) Ability to work some nights/weekends for Student Engagement trips/activities Ability to multitask while maintaining strong organization and efficiency Student-centered attitude with demonstrated problem solving skills PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: Experience studying abroad APPLICATION PROCESS : Review of applications will begin immediately with a desired start date as soon as possible, but no later than October 15, 2026. Applications received before September 1, 2026, will be given priority review. Required application materials to be submitted: A cover letter highlighting relevant experience and what appeals to you about the position, A resume or curriculum vitae, A list of two references with contact information. Only those applicants who make it past the initial review will be contacted. Temple University, Japan Campus is committed to equal employment, and to increase diversity and inclusivity in both its community and curricula. All qualified applicants shall have full and equal consideration for employment. The university does not discriminate against candidates and employees because of their disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law. Candidates who can contribute to the institution's goals are strongly encouraged to apply.