About the position
The Assistant Director (AD) will oversee the management of the Department's Residential Life Program which includes the academic year Residential Life Program, summer residential programs, and the supervision of professional and paraprofessional staff. Additionally, the Assistant Director is responsible for ongoing training associated with the Residence Directors (RD) responsibilities (Conduct, administrative responsibilities, execution of programming model, discipline & accountability of Resident Assistants (RA), etc). The AD will also be responsible for the non-clinical behavioral case management/crisis intervention across the residence hall population. This position supervises the RDs and Assistant RDs in facilitating low level behavioral concerns and/or assisting in building pathways through resource attainment for at-risk students identified through the division's Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT). Specifically for the AD, interventions will include but not be limited to facilitating conflict resolution practices with students, supporting students through conduct, addressing behaviors related to mental health, addressing life skill development for students struggling in lived shared spaces and supporting RDs through first contact and/or low level case management. Finally, the AD works collaboratively with the Assistant Dean and others within the Department to support the overall residence hall operation, which may require involvement in strategic planning, occupancy related activities, budgeting, summer conference office and/or programmatic support, and other related operational endeavors. Beyond Housing and Residential Life, the AD is a partner with the Program Coordinator of Student Engagement to ensure that engagement is considered holistically. These responsibilities align with the College's mission by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes student well-being and personal growth. By proactively engaging with students to address their challenges, the AD plays a crucial role in enhancing the residential experience, ensuring that students feel safe, empowered, and connected to the campus community. Lastly, this position, with the support of the Assistant Dean and Residential Life staff, is directly responsible for developing, executing, and maintaining an environment grounded in justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a key member of the overall Housing and Residence Life Department, representing the Department on Governance Committees, at College-wide events, or other capacities as assigned.
- Supervise RDs, Assistant RDs, and any grad students. Indirectly supervise RAs.
- Coordinate departmental hiring of student staff (RAs and Mailroom Assistants).
- Responsible for developing and implementing training for RDs, Assistant RD, and RAs.
- Serve as a member of the college's Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) and as case manager for resident students.
- Share in secondary on-call structure with the Director and other Assistant Directors.
- Support opening and closing of residence halls.
- Assist with central office needs, such as: updating room and meal plan assignments, changes and billing.
- Lead and/or participate in Housing Lottery and other major departmental initiatives.
- Establish and maintain off-campus housing resources and presentations.
- Utilizes a variety of software programs for Residence Life and Housing functions, case management, and conduct.
- Participate in COF committees and/or activities as assigned.
- Serve as a Community Standards Officer for student conduct matters.
- Collaborate with Student Engagement to provide a holistic student experience.
- Responsible for contributing to and executing the MassArt Strategic Partnership Plan.
- Advances programs and initiatives that align with MassArt's Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) objectives.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Master's degree.
- 3-5 years of professional experience.
- Demonstrated previous supervisory and administrative experience.
- Demonstrated experience working with residence hall operations.
- Ability to deal effectively with conflicts and crises.
- Demonstrated awareness/sensitivity toward JEDI.
- MA Drivers License.
Nice-to-haves
- Previous supervision, advisement, and development experience for student staff and leaders.
- Strong customer service, critical thinking, consensus building, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to anticipate and successfully manage all aspects of a residential community.
- Demonstrated experience in working through conflict, change, and uncertainty.
- Proven collaborative work with external departments, faculty, and campus partners.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
