Assistant Director of Residence Life
Location
JSU Main Campus, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
202400244
College/Division
Housing & Residence Life
Opening Date
03/26/2026
Description
The Department of Housing & Residence Life is accepting applications for its Assistant Director of Residence Life position.
The Assistant Director of Residence Life plays a critical leadership role within Housing & Residence Life, responsible for the supervision, development, and management of professional and student staff, the implementation of residential curriculum and engagement initiatives, crisis response, and overall support of student success within residential communities. This is a highly collaborative, fast-paced position requiring sound judgment, discretion, and a proactive approach to both daily operations and long-term strategic planning.
This position is not a typical 8-5 office job. The successful candidate will be expected to respond to student needs outside regular business hours, manage crises and student concerns in real-time, and maintain visibility within the residential communities. The position requires a high level of emotional intelligence, flexibility, accountability, and resilience. It is ideal for individuals passionate about supporting student development while managing operational and administrative complexities.
Examples of Duties
Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate full-time Community Directors, Graduate Assistants, and paraprofessional staff (Resident Assistants, Desk Assistants, Work-Study Students).
Provide consistent one-on-one supervision, performance coaching, and goal setting for direct reports.
Design, coordinate, and assess comprehensive training programs for all staff (fall, spring, and, ongoing in-service).
Implement and lead a residential curriculum or engagement model that aligns with the departments learning outcomes and university mission.
Build collaborative partnerships with academic departments, student organizations, and campus partners to enhance the residential experience.
Serve in an on-call duty rotation providing 24/7 coverage to respond to emergencies, including mental health crises, facility issues, and student conduct matters.
Serve as a hearing officer for residential conduct cases and appeals; maintain thorough and confidential documentation in Maxient or a similar system.
Maintain availability for direct student and parent communication, including escalated complaints or sensitive situations.
Assist in the planning and execution of large-scale housing processes such as move-in, move-out, and hall openings/closings.
Implement and lead a residential curriculum or engagement model that aligns with the departments learning outcomes and university mission.
Build collaborative partnerships with academic departments, student organizations, and campus partners to enhance the residential experience.
Lead the recruitment, selection, onboarding, and training of paraprofessional and graduate staff, including Work-Study students assigned to Residence Life.
Ensure that student staff arc aligned with departmental expectations and support residence hall operations effectively.
Evaluate programming budgets, effectiveness, attendance trends, and student satisfaction to inform continuous improvement.
Assist with budget planning for residence life operations, programming, and training initiatives.
Monitor expenditures and track spending to ensure alignment with the approved budget.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Associate Director of Housing Operations.
(Please attach cover letter along with resume.)
Typical Qualifications
Masters degree in College Student Development, Higher Education Administration or related field preferred.
Minimum of three to five (3-5) years of progressive experience in housing and residence life at a college or university is preferred.
Experience managing residence life programs and/or staff.
Knowledge in marketing and website management.
Knowledge of current trends in student housing and related programming.
Demonstrated successful experience working with diverse populations; commitment to diversity.
Knowledge of residence life practices relevant to student housing facilities.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees, including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for the complete benefits package.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page.
01
Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?
02
Can you, if hired, provide proof of education?
03
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work in the United States?
Required Question
Employer Jackson State University (MS)
Address 1400 John R. Lynch Street
P.O. Box 17028
Jackson, Mississippi, 39217
Phone (601) 979-2015