Associate Director of Residence Life
Professional & Scientific
Master’s degree and 5 years of related experience
Iowa State University Residence Life is seeking a qualified Associate Director of Residence Life (Senior Residence Life Coordinator) to serve as a senior leader within Residence Life, providing strategic direction and oversight for residential experience.
The Department of Residence is one of the largest non-academic departments on campus. Our residence life, facilities, administrative, business, marketing, conference and technology staff work to ensure a supportive learning and social environment where students can thrive as they pursue their Iowa State adventure.
This position supervises Assistant Directors and provides second-level supervision for Hall Directors while leading staff development, performance management, and accountability processes. The Associate Director collaborates with the Residence Life Director on strategic planning, assessment, and reporting; oversees operational processes and departmental documentation; and facilitates coordination among the leadership team. The role also provides guidance on staff and student support initiatives, supports implementation of the connection model, and participates in on-call crisis response.
Example of Duties:
Oversee implementation of a tiered engagement strategy that optimizes various levels of Residence Life staff and includes a connections-based community building model.
Lead the design and assessment of a residential experience framework that supports student success and wellness.
Develop annual goals, metrics, and outcomes that support the effectiveness of the Department of Residence and help tell our story to both internal and external partners.
Serve as a key member of the Residence Life Leadership team and serve as the Residence Life Director in their absence.
Provide direct supervision and evaluation of five live-off Assistant Directors and second-level supervision to 20 live-on Hall/Apartment Directors.
Provide direction on staffing, performance management, and professional development with the goal of creating an environment of support and accountability.
Ensure that staff have access to and utilize professional development opportunities. Develop on-going staff development curriculum for full-time staff in reporting line.
Collaborate with training and development staff to deliver high-quality training opportunities for both professional and student staff. Participate in staff training with emphasis on relational engagement.
Oversee the Residence Life Recognition Committee.
Serve as the advisor for the Resident Assistant Advisory Team (RAAT).
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, or related field
Significant professional experience in university housing or residence life
Demonstrated experience supervising professional staff and leading teams
Experience with staff development, organizational change, and program assessment
Strong ability to manage complex student and staff situations and build collaborative partnerships
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Regular
12 Month Work Period
Full time
PS809
May 28, 2026
June 11, 2026
R19270
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
