Assistant Director of Residential Life for Community and Connection Posting Details Posting Details Logo Institution South Dakota State University Working Title Assistant Director of Residential Life for Community and Connection Posting Number

NFE03145P

Department SDSU-University Housing Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings Posting Text 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. 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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Assistant Director of Residential Life for Community and Connection through intentional partnerships and evidence‑informed approaches, will create residential learning environments that promote holistic development, leadership development, meaningful engagement, service learning, and sustained student success. This is achieved through serving as the professional advisor for the Residence Hall Association, supervision of professional live-in Residence Hall Director staff, overseeing the training process for the Housing and Residential Life professional and para-professional staff, and serve as the department expert on community engagement within the residence halls.

BENEFITS

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree. Would be willing to consider a bachelor's level candidate with four years of directly related experience, completed by start date; At least three years of relevant work experience connected to student leadership, advising, campus housing, outreach, etc.; Previous experience working in student leadership, student organizations, on campus housing (K-12 or higher education), advising, student success or outreach, service learning, or student affairs at an institution of higher education; Supervision experience; Effective written communication skills; Ability to work as a contributing team member; Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills; and Valid drivers license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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 or advising student leadership programs specifically within housing and residential life areas; Ability to motivate staff members and problem solve within a student-centered developmental model; and Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.

APPLICATION PROCESS

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 outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process. Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14. Posting Date 07/21/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 08/14/2026 Advertised Salary Starting salary of $65,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours 40 hours per week, at least one regular evening per week for student advising during the academic year, selected weekends/evenings Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Faculty Status No Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires Travel, Weekends/Holidays, Overnight stays, Valid Drivers License If other, please indicate On-Call responsibilities Department Description and Cultural Expectations 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. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007.

Phone:

(605) 688-4128. Contact Information For questions on the position, contact Becky Peterson at 605-688-4574 or Rebecca.

Peterson@sdstate.edu. Working Conditions Cognitive Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Pace-average, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication, Multiple Stimuli Protective Clothing/Equipment Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. If other protection is used please identify Physical Requirements Please designate the physical requirements of this position Climbing Stairs, Lifting light, Standing for sustained periods of time, Walking, Driving, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Sitting for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands Describe any of the conditions selected Sensory Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses) Working Conditions & Exposures Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above Working Environment Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Office Environment, Other Environment (Please explain below) If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided. Residence hall environment