Assistant Director of Residential Community and Connection

Assistant Director of Residential Life for Community and Connection

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.

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.

• Build residential learning environments that promote holistic development, leadership development, meaningful engagement, service learning, and sustained student success through intentional partnerships and evidence‑informed approaches.
• Serve as professional advisor for the Residence Hall Association.
• Supervise professional live‑in Residence Hall Director staff.
• Oversee the training process for Housing and Residential Life professional and para‑professional staff.
• Provide expert guidance on community engagement within the residence halls.

SDState offers a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, flexible benefits, retirement plans, paid holidays and vacation leave. The retirement plan 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, reduced tuition for state‑supported courses, and relocation benefits per university guidelines.

• Master’s degree. A bachelor’s degree with four years of directly related experience may be considered.
• At least three years of relevant work experience connected to student leadership, advising, campus housing, outreach, and related areas.
• Previous experience in student leadership, student organizations, on‑campus housing (K‑12 or higher education), advising, student success, outreach, service learning, or student affairs.
• Ability to work as a contributing team member.
• Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license.

• Graduate degree in Student Personnel Administration, Guidance and Counseling, Higher Education, Student Affairs, or related field.
• Experience in student conduct, crisis/emergency, student leadership, advising, or programming.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Experience in community building in a residential setting or advising student leadership programs within housing and residential life.
• Ability to motivate staff and problem‑solve within a student‑centered developmental model.
• Demonstrated organizational and time‑management skills.

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. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact the Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688‑4128.