Assistant/Associate Director of Residence Life

Job Summary:

Grinnell College is seeking a dynamic and collaborative leader to join our Student Affairs team as the Assistant/Associate Director of Residence Life. This role is all about shaping a vibrant residential experience where students feel a sense of belonging, engage deeply with their communities, and grow through meaningful learning outside the classroom. As the Assistant/Associate Director, you will: Lead and mentor a talented team of live-in professional staff and a large, dedicated student staff. Champion our residential curriculum, with a focus on inclusive community building, civic engagement, and restorative practices. Partner with colleagues across campus to foster student success and well-being. Support our student conduct processes, ensuring they are rooted in fairness, accountability, and care. Because this is a highly relational and responsive role with on-call responsibilities, the Associate Director is required to live within 20 minutes of Grinnell city limits. Key Responsibilities Lead with vision and care: Provide direct supervision, coaching, and support to professional Residence Life Coordinators and indirect supervision to student staff. Help the team grow by setting clear expectations while amplifying individual strengths.

Shape the student experience:

Oversee student staff recruitment, selection, training, and the design and implementation of the residential curriculum.

Collaborate across campus:

Represent Residence Life on institutional committees, forging partnerships that advance departmental and divisional goals. Be part of the leadership team: Work closely with the Assistant Dean of Residence Life and Student Conduct and the Assistant Director for Housing Operations to set and achieve the strategic vision for the on-campus residential experience.

Respond and support:

Address student needs directly and mobilize staff to support care responses. Assist in student conduct processes, maintaining Maxient records, and meeting with students before and after hearings.

Engage in on-call rotation:

Serve weekly as part of the "Dean on Call" rotation, providing guidance and assistance to staff responding to student issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

What We're Looking For The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who thrives in a student-centered environment and is excited to shape the residential experience at Grinnell. To succeed in this role, you should bring: A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and at least one year of experience living and working in residence halls after graduation. Three years of related experience (assistant level) or five years or more (associate level). A willingness to live within 20 minutes of Grinnell city limits to meet on-call responsibilities. A demonstrated commitment to the College's mission and core values , with a passion for building inclusive communities. The ability to work well in team-based environments , showing collaboration, care, and civility with colleagues, students, and staff. Strong skills in organizing people and activities effectively to achieve shared goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience developing or implementing a residential or educational curriculum . A background in higher education administration, college student personnel, counseling, or related student affairs areas . A master's degree is preferred.

ABOUT GRINNELL COLLEGE

Grinnell College is a private liberal arts college located in Grinnell, Iowa and is ranked #11 on the U.S. News and World Report's list of Best National Liberal Arts Colleges. Grinnell College is a top ranked Liberal Arts institution that values diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, intellectual freedom, and social responsibility. We seek candidates that align with these values and have the ability and desire to advance our values and belonging within our community and the communities we engage. Ideal candidates will be prepared to collaborate and contribute to the mission and values of the college across all constituencies.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$54,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Relocation assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Are you aware this position requires a willingness to live within 20 minutes of Grinnell city limits to meet on-call responsibilities?

Work Location:

In person