Assistant Director of Residence

Assistant Director of Residence Life

The Department of Residence at Iowa State University is seeking a collaborative and student-centered professional to serve as the Assistant Director of Residence Life. In this leadership role, the successful candidate will provide strategic oversight of residential communities, support student success and well-being, and foster safe, inclusive, and engaging living environments that promote learning and personal development.

The Assistant Director provides leadership, supervision, and mentorship to professional staff, including Hall Directors and Apartment Directors. Responsibilities include staff recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, coaching, and professional development. This position oversees key residential operations, including occupancy management, summer and break housing programs, and coordination with campus partners to ensure effective administration of assigned communities.

Working closely with colleagues across the university, the Assistant Director advances departmental priorities and initiatives, supports staff development efforts, responds to complex student concerns and crisis situations, and contributes to strategic planning and operational decision-making. The position also utilizes assessment data, operational metrics, and stakeholder feedback to inform continuous improvement efforts and enhance the residential student experience.

The ideal candidate will bring experience supervising and developing staff, leading programs and initiatives, and using assessment and data-informed practices to drive continuous improvement. They will demonstrate the ability to manage complex student and staff situations, build collaborative relationships with campus and external partners, and effectively balance operational responsibilities with a strong commitment to student success, engagement, and belonging.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for a skilled higher education professional who is passionate about student development, team leadership, problem-solving, and creating vibrant residential communities that support student engagement, belonging, and success.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, or related field
• Significant professional experience in university housing or residence life
• Demonstrated experience supervising professional staff and leading teams.

Department/Program & College

Description:

The Department of Residence at Iowa State University is committed to advancing student success by providing supportive, welcoming, and inclusive living and learning communities. Through its residence halls and apartment communities, the department fosters student engagement, personal growth, leadership development, and academic achievement while creating a safe and vibrant residential experience for all students. The Department of Residence partners with students, families, faculty, and staff to cultivate communities where students can learn, connect, and thrive.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach a resume/curriculum vitae and a letter of application/cover letter.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment, or call  or Toll Free:

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. , email eooffice.