South Dakota State University (SDState) is seeking an Assistant Director of Residential Life for Community and Connection in Housing and Residential Life. This position will provide collaborative leadership that advances Housing and Residential Life’s mission by cultivating environments where student communities, connection, and belonging are central to the residential experience and on campus experience. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
Housing & Residential Life creates welcoming, supportive communities where students can thrive. Our team of professional and student staff work together to foster connection, growth, and a positive on-campus living experience.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Assistant Director of Residential Life for Community and Connection through intentional partnerships and evidence‑informed approaches, will create residential learning environments that promote holistic development, leadership development, meaningful engagement, service learning, and sustained student success. This is achieved through serving as the professional advisor for the Residence Hall Association, supervision of professional live-in Residence Hall Director staff, overseeing the training process for the Housing and Residential Life professional and para-professional staff, and serve as the department expert on community engagement within the residence halls.
BENEFITS:
SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree. Would be willing to consider a bachelor’s level candidate with four years of directly related experience, completed by start date;
- At least three years of relevant work experience connected to student leadership, advising, campus housing, outreach, etc.;
- Previous experience working in student leadership, student organizations, on campus housing (K-12 or higher education), advising, student success or outreach, service learning, or student affairs at an institution of higher education;
- Supervision experience;
- Effective written communication skills;
- Ability to work as a contributing team member;
- Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills; and
- Valid drivers license.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Graduate school degree in Student Personnel Administration, Guidance and Counseling, Higher Education, Student Affairs, or related field;
- Relevant experiences such as student conduct experience, crisis/emergency experience, student leadership or advising experience, and/or programming experience;
- Strong leadership skills;
- Experience in community building in a college or university residential setting or advising student leadership programs specifically within housing and residential life areas;
- Ability to motivate staff members and problem solve within a student-centered developmental model; and
- Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.
Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.
SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.
