Assistant Director of Student Life

Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary•South Hamilton, MA

3h•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Student Life holds primary responsibility for fostering and sustaining a safe, healthy, and supportive environment that holistically nurtures students’ intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth at the Hamilton campus, serving approximately 250 residential students. This role provides support to the Dean of Students and also oversees the Coordinator of Student Life. The Assistant Director develops, implements, and assesses strategies and programs aligned with the Seminary’s student service philosophy, focusing on areas such as housing and residence life, campus safety, student engagement, events, and community life designed to connect students into the “life together” ethos at this campus.

Requirements

A master’s degree is required.
Prior experience in developing, coordinating, directing student development at the undergraduate or graduate level.
A solid understanding of and proactive approach to student development and student life services is required.
Communication and Interpersonal Effectiveness: adept in strong empathy skills with an intuitive grasp of how to interpret human behavior.
Must be at ease communicating and building rapport in a range of settings, with both individuals and groups.
Pastoral Care: Provide effective spiritual support and guidance that contributes to well-being of students, and that addresses concerns in a respectful and sensitive manner.
Global and Multi-cultural Understanding: Demonstrated skill and effectiveness in leadership and in human relations with a sensitivity to and knowledge of multicultural issues and diverse student population needs are essential.
Collaborative Leadership: Demonstrated ability to work collegially and respectfully within a matrixed organization, and across all levels in the organization, from the President, to peers, faculty and staff across campuses and programs.
Agreement and commitment to GCTS’s Statement of Faith and The Mission of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Community Life Statement.

Nice To Haves

2+ years working in student affairs/higher education or related area is preferred.
Experience at a Christian organization is preferred.

Responsibilities

Leadership and supervision of the Hamilton Student Life Team (Student Life Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, and Student Worker).
Management of the Hamilton Student Life budget.
Implementation and evaluation of Seminary policies and regulations pertaining to residential students and their formation.
Overseeing annual updates to the campus housing manual, Out and About Handbook, and the Campus Guide to Auto & Public Safety Regulations.
Overseeing events, partnering with the Student Life Coordinator.
Establishing and developing a culture that encourages spiritual and character formation, and where diversity is encouraged.
Cultivating an atmosphere where students learn to respect differences, take responsibility for their actions, and exercise leadership.
Designing and coordinating programs and interventions to provide service to all students and their families, promoting quality of student life consistent with the Seminary ethos.
Providing counsel for students on personal, spiritual, disciplinary, and formational matters, and referring students to appropriate resources when necessary.
Administering all academic extensions for Hamilton students, coordinating with Student Success and Registration Departments.
Recruitment, leadership, and mentoring of dormitory Residence Life Coordinators.
Overseeing the conduct process for Hamilton students in collaboration with the Dean of Students.
Serving as the Seminary’s primary person on call to respond to crises involving students.
Serving as a member of the Seminary’s Crisis Management Team.
Serving as point of contact and coordinator for contract campus safety services provided by Gordon College Police Department.
Leading the Inclement Weather Response Team for decisions on cancellations and delays.
Collaborating with faculty and staff in promoting student success and development through co-curricular events and other student activities.
Working with the Student Life Coordinator on the fall and spring New Student Welcome Day and other orientation events.
Serving as a co-chair of the Hamilton Commencement Committee.
Serving on the residential admissions review committee.
Serving as the Title IX Coordinator.
Responsible for ADA compliance, including handling student inquiries, recommended accommodations, and equitable resolution of complaints.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.