"Associate Director Residential Life (SA26019)"

Job Details

Posted: 16-Aug-25

Location: Mankato, Minnesota

Categories: Academic/Faculty Affairs, Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: JOB_POSTING-3-10193

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on September 5, 2025 and continue until the position has been filled.

Position

Probationary; Range E*

Job Description

The Associate Director is one of two Associate Directors who serve as the second in command for the Residence Education unit as well as the Department of Residential Life. This position will make decisions in the absence of the Director of Residential Life within their unit and potentially for the department depending on the situation with a total budget in excess of 27 million dollars.

The Associate Director for Residential Life (Residence Education) exists to lead, direct, and manage the Residential Education unit within the department of Residential Life. This includes all aspects of the Minnesota State University's Residence Education Program encompassing five building complexes (four owned and one master-leased), 3000 students, and a budget in excess of 3.8M. The Associate Director is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and managing the Residence Education staff through the hiring, training, and direct supervision of 4 Assistant Directors, and indirect supervision of 9 full time Hall Directors, 5 graduate assistants, 68 Community Advisors, 70 Desk Assistants.

The Associate Director continually recommends, develops, implements and enforces policies and procedures in support of the Residence Education unit and the Department of Residential Life. The Associate Director specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, student advocacy, student discipline, program planning, academic success, first generation support, and diversity/equity/inclusion, evaluation and assessment of learner outcomes, training, supervision, budgeting and policy compliance within the Minnesota State Mankato's Department of Residential Life.

The Associate Director directs and manages all aspects of the Residence Education conduct process including providing work leadership to the Assistant Director for Conduct and Engagement. The Associate Director also works collaboratively with the Associate Director of Residential Life (Facilities) in the implementation of summer conferences program. Additionally, the Associate Director collaborates with other departments within the Division of Student Affairs and the University and represents the department to external constituents.

This position has been designated as weather and emergency essential. In the event of a short-term University closure or emergency event, incumbent is required to report to work and respond as requested. Refer to Minnesota State Board Policy 4.4 Weather / Short Term Emergency Closings at: http://www.minnstate.edu/board/policy/404.html.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's Degree in College Student Personnel or related field and minimum of five years post master's experience in Residential Life (or related student affairs area) prior to start of employment.

Minimum of seven years full-time experience (post bachelor's and prior to start of employment) in Residential Life or related student affairs area may be substituted for master's degree and five-year post master's experience.

Knowledge, skills and abilities to perform duties and responsibilities described above: Campus ecology, counseling strategies, crisis intervention and response, student development theories and their application in practice. Needs assessment, curriculum/programming development, learning outcomes, evaluating the effectiveness of programs and service delivery. Federal, state, local, system-wide and University laws and regulations impacting student affairs. Operations, policies and procedures within Residential Life and the Division of Student Affairs. Comprehensive knowledge of the complex laws, policies, and best practices applicable to residence hall students including FERPA, ADA, Fair Housing Act, and all Minnesota State policies and procedures applicable to student housing on campus.

Skills in: Excellent written and verbal communication. Strong organizational and administrative skills -time management, supervision, budgeting, programming, planning training. Creative problem solving, mediation and conflict resolution. Demonstrated commitment to students with diverse backgrounds including, but not limited to, students of color, LGBTQ+ students, first-generation students, students with disabilities, and international students.

Prior to the date of appointment, this position requires a criminal background check conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).

Preferred Qualification

Seven years post master's experience in Residential Life (or related student affairs area) prior to start of employment. Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment. Experience with the student conduct process (hearing officer, conduct board advisor/member) in a university setting. Excellent communication skills including verbal, written and interpersonal. Demonstrated supervision experience (graduate or professional staff). Excellent administrative skills, including an ability to effectively manage multiple priorities. Demonstrated effectiveness in applying student development theory. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with a wide range of university personnel. Commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment.

Other Requirements

Work safely at all times, which includes but is not limited to, participating and completing all required safety trainings, as well as performing all job tasks in accordance with Minnesota State University, Mankato policies and procedures utilizing appropriate tools, equipment and personal protective equipment.

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school’s policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security. Three years’ worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at: http://www.mnsu.edu/safety/.

You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111, or by emailing security@mnsu.edu.

This position requires a valid, applicable driver’s license, as well as a DVS records check with an acceptable rating. Employees must have an active, valid, and, applicable driver’s license if they drive a vehicle on state business. For further information, please refer to the Driver’s License and Record Check Policy (HR/LR Policy #1419), which can be found at: https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1419-hrpolicy-dlrchecks.pdf.

This position requires a passing background check under Minnesota Statutes 299C.66 to 299C.71 – Kari Koskinen Manager Background Check Act. It is expected that the employee maintains the ability to pass applicable background check throughout employment. It is the employee’s responsibility to notify the supervisor no later than the beginning of your next shift of any charges, allegations, convictions that may impact their standing under the applicable background check.

Overnight travel might be required for attending conferences/workshops, recruiting and interviewing staff, and for staff training.

Telework Based on the essential functions of this positions, MMB Policy #1422, and University policies relating to flexible work, this position is eligible for the following work modes: Case by Case/Situational Telework: Up to 20% of the time. A position that may include a temporary reassignment or work outside the permanent/principal work location to meet short-term needs.