Assistant Director of Residential 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 communities, academic success, 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.

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.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

The Assistant Director of Residential Life for Student Success through intentional partnerships and evidence‑informed approaches will create residential learning environments that promote holistic development, academic support and enrichment, and sustained student success. This is achieved through leading and developing student success initiatives aimed at residential students, supervision of professional live-in Residence Hall Director staff, overseeing the talent management process for the Housing and Residential Life professional and para-professional staff, and serve as the department expert on student success within the residence halls.

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.

• 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;
• At least three years of relevant work experience connected to student success, advising, leadership, campus housing, outreach, etc.
• Previous experience working in student support services, academic coaching, on campus housing (K-12 or higher education), advising, student success or outreach, service learning, or student affairs and enrollment management at an institution of higher education;
• Ability to work as a contributing team member
• Valid driver’s license;
• Effective oral and written communication skills;
• Effective interpersonal skills;

• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills;
• Relevant experiences such as student conduct experience, crisis/emergency experience, student leadership or advising experience, student success work, and/or programming experience.
• Experience leading and implementing student success initiatives
• Strong leadership skills.
• Ability to motivate staff members and problem solve within a student-centered developmental model.

Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by August 14, 2026.

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. : (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). 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…