Assistant Director of Residential Life for Student Success

SDBOR

Brookings (SD)

On-site

USD 65,000 - 95,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and flexible benefits

Retirement plans

Paid holidays and vacation leave

Relocation benefits available

Job summary

South Dakota State University is seeking an Assistant Director of Residential Life for Student Success in Housing and Residential Life. This role leads live-in staff, develops student success initiatives, and drives talent management within the housing program to strengthen belonging and academic achievement.

The position emphasizes collaboration, evidence-informed approaches, and a commitment to a supportive on-campus residential experience.

Qualifications

Master’s degree completed by start date.
Minimum of three years of related work experience in student success, advising, leadership, or housing.
Supervision or mentorship experience and strong communication skills.
Valid driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

Supervise 3-5 professional live-in staff and develop student success initiatives.
Oversee talent management for Housing and Residential Life staff.
Serve as the department expert on student success within residence halls.
Build partnerships and use evidence-informed approaches to foster student growth.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Supervision experience

Driver's license

Education

Master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration or related field

Job description

Assistant Director of Residential Life for Student Success

South Dakota State University (SDState) is seeking an Assistant Director of Residential Life for Student Success in Housing and Residential Life. This position will provide collaborative leadership that advances Housing and Residential Life’s mission by cultivating environments where student support, student success, and belonging are central to the residential experience. Housing and Residential Life is transitioning this year into a new residential model focused on student success, wellbeing, and community and connection

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 positive on-campus living experiences.

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 Student Success is responsible for supervising 3-5 professional live-in staff, leading and developing student success initiatives, overseeing the talent management process for the Housing and Residential Life professional and student staff, and serving as the department expert on student success within the residence halls. This will be accomplished through intentional partnerships and evidence‑informed approaches will create a supportive residential experience that fosters student growth, persistence, and development focused on academic achievement and interpersonal skills.

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 in Student Personnel Administration, Higher Education, College Student Development, Academic Advising, Counseling, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field, completed by start date.
Minimum of three years of relevant or related work experience connected to student success, advising, leadership, campus housing, outreach, etc.
Supervision experience or significant mentorship, leadership experience, or corporate training experience.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
Valid Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Ability to work effectively as part of a team by contributing to shared goals, collaborating with colleagues, communicating constructively, and supporting team efforts to achieve organizational objectives.
Direct experience with student conduct, crisis/emergency management, student leadership or advising, student success work, and/or student programming.
Experience leading and implementing student success initiatives

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.

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land‑grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu . Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU , Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

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