If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Job Description

Job Summary

The Department of Residence Life collaborates with students in the creation of inclusive residential communities that foster learning, personal growth and a sense of social responsibility. The Assistant Director of Residence Life for Residential Education is a 12 month professional staff member whose primary responsibility is to continue to design, implement and assess the Department's residential curriculum. In addition, they will provide leadership for the special interest houses and Ada Comstock houses including the supervision of 9 student staff members, emergency on-call staff member for entire campus community, essential personnel in crisis situations, able to make appropriate interventions and referrals; assists in the selection, training and evaluation of student staff as well as students leaders. This position will also supervise two full time Area Directors who will each lead 7-9 residential houses comprised of approximately 525 residents and 15-18 student staff members. The Office of Residence Life, within the division of student affairs, strives to create a residential system framed by the core values of the division which are inclusion, access, growth and engagement. This is a required live-on position that serves as essential personnel when determined appropriate.

The assistant director will be expected to attend regular meetings and serve on other departmental and all campus committees, as needed. The division of student affairs strives to create a support system framed by the learning aims of exploring, engaging and belonging and team members will take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Please submit a cover letter for your application to be considered complete

Essential Functions

Student Leadership Development 35%

• Responds to student conduct within assigned residential area

• Supports students as they navigate conflict

• Provides programming support to student staff and other house leaders

• Addresses community issues as they arise

• Provide support for students in collaboration with other campus stakeholders

• Training and supervision of student staff specific to the special interest houses and Ada Comstock housing needs

• Providing leadership support for elected house leaders

• Select, hire, train and supervise the summer residence life staff in collaboration with the other assistant directors

• Represent residence life of the Ada Comstock Stakeholders group

Departmental Responsibilities 35%

• Supervise two Area Directors
• Collaborate with the Department's other Assistant Directors and Director in the overall leadership of the Department
• Continue to develop, implement and assess the Residential Curriculum and how it is integrated into all aspects of the Department. This includes leading the Residential Curriculum committee

Residence Life Operations 30%

• Serves as the staff member on-call for after hour emergencies
• Work collaboratively with the Assistant Director for Operations in the application and room draw process for special interest houses and Ada Comstock house
• Support the recruitment and selection of student staff
• Manage the assigned area office
• Administrative work
• Are considered essential personnel in specific situations
• Other duties as assigned

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

Master's degree and a minimum of two years of relevant experience and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Masters Degree

Skills

Experience in higher education, counseling, or related field and with a focus on education and training; excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills; sound judgment and the ability to multitask, prioritize and de-escalate crisis situations. Must have the ability to interact and communicate with diverse constituencies, including but not limited to students, faculty, staff at all levels, and can work effectively individually and as a team member. Excellent ability to supervise both student and professional staff from a development mindset. Adept at developing, implementing and assessing new projects. Able to demonstrate the ability to make responsible, thoughtful decisions as a department leader.

Additional Information

For the care and safety of our community, Smith College requires that all employees be vaccinated as a condition of employment and as such, the incumbent will be required to be immunized against COVID-19 on or before their first day of employment. Proof of vaccination status will be required. Individuals may seek medical or religious exemption with HR, but must do so prior to their arrival.

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About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.