Residence Hall Director

South Dakota State University ( SDSU ) Department of Housing & Residential Life ( HRL ) is excited to be participating in the Oshkosh Placement Exchange ( OPE ). OPE interviews occur on February 20-21 and take place in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. We are seeking people-centered individuals to join us as a Resident Hall Director ( RHD ). Candidates seeking an opportunity to join our team can do so by participating at OPE and must complete this application to continue their search process with us.

If a candidate cannot attend OPE , but is still interested in applying, interviews will take place via zoom. We are looking for a creative and innovative professional to join us in leading an energetic and dynamic team of paraprofessionals as well as a person committed to creating an inclusive environment for our students and staff. The Residence Hall Director is an essential team member who helps live out the student facing portion of HRL’s mission.

Located in Brookings, South Dakota , this position 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.

The Residence Hall Director provides leadership for an assigned residence hall by:

• Recruiting, training, supervising, and mentoring Community Assistants and student staff.
• Supporting the personal, academic, and leadership development of students through intentional interactions, programming, and community building.
• Advising hall government and student leaders to foster engagement and involvement.
• Managing hall operations, including administrative processes, occupancy management, room changes, and opening/closing procedures.
• Collaborating with custodial, maintenance, and central office staff to ensure effective facilities management.
• Responding to student concerns, crisis situations, and policy violations with care, fairness, and accountability.
• Serving in an on-call rotation to support the broader residential community.
• Engaging in departmental initiatives such as staff selection, training, assessment, and summer operations.
• Participating in professional development opportunities to enhance skills and contribute to the field of student affairs.

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.

• An earned Bachelor’s degree by start date.
• At least one year of Housing & Residence Life or Student Affairs experience.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• 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.
• Ability to motivate staff members and problem solve within a student-centered developmental model.

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. :
(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..edu
, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” 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…