Director of Student & Residence Life

MISSION: As North Dakota's Polytechnic Institution, Bismarck State College focuses on student success through the delivery of affordable, flexible, high-quality, experiential learning enhanced by public-private partnerships.

VISION: Bismarck State College will be a leader in polytechnic education improving lives and building sustainable communities.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Is directly accountable and responsible to the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Benefits

COMPENSATION: $72,520 - $90,650 based on education and directly related experience.

100% employer-paid family health insurance, life insurance, retirement, employee tuition waiver, spouse/dependent tuition discount. For more information regarding employee benefits, visit: https://bismarckstate.edu/employment/Faculty-and-Staff/Benefits/

To view a total rewards calculator, visit: https://www.omb.nd.gov/team-nd-careers/total-rewards-calculator

Thinking about relocating to the Bismarck area? To find more information and resources, visit: https://www.commerce.nd.gov/workforce/relocation-resources

Position Description & Details

Bismarck State College is seeking a dedicated and student-centered leader to guide our campus housing operations and enrich the student experience through meaningful programming and support. This role plays a key part in shaping a welcoming, engaged community where students can thrive both personally and academically.

Position Overview

The Director of Student & Residence Life oversees campus housing management, student life programming, housing conduct processes, and key student development initiatives across campus. This position also leads a talented team of professional and student staff, ensuring services are delivered with care, consistency, and a commitment to student success. Occasional evening or weekend availability may be needed during emergencies or other critical situations.

Key Responsibilities

Campus Housing & Residential Life

• Lead the day-to-day operations of campus housing and create residential environments that support social, cultural, recreational, and educational growth.
• Manage summer residence hall rentals for students, interns, and visiting groups.
• Partner with Buildings/Grounds and Campus Police to maintain safe, well-kept facilities.
• Oversee housing software for room assignments, facility management, and resident services.
• Assist with budget development and manage all Residence Life budget areas.

Student Life Programming

• Provide vision and direction for student life initiatives across campus.
• Guide, train, and support advisors for the Student Government Association and the Congress of Student Organizations.
• Oversee in-hall programming, student activities, and intramural offerings.
• Assist with budget planning and oversee Student Life budget operations.

Housing Conduct & Education

• Coordinate training and programming related to housing conduct.
• Partner with the Community Standards Coordinator on matters involving the Student Code of Conduct or housing policies.

Campus Roles & Student Development Initiatives

• Contribute to innovative practices that strengthen departmental and institutional effectiveness.
• Serve on key campus committees, including Title IX and Crisis Management teams.
• Lead major student-focused events such as move-in weekend, welcome week, and other opening-semester activities.
• Support the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and initiatives that enhance the student experience.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate professional and student staff members.
• Foster a supportive, growth-minded team culture.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises seven full-time benefited positions.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in education, psychology, student development, management, or related field.
• Three to six years of experience in managing residential communities and overseeing programs that support resident well-being and engagement.
• Three to six years of experience in the supervision of five or more direct reports.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement innovative and effective ideas for in-hall student activities.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and create revenue streams to strategically meet student and departmental needs.
• Ability to collaborate effectively to ensure building maintenance and repair needs are addressed.
• Strong knowledge of current student affairs issues and best practices for meeting student needs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to organize, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Ability to work cooperatively with diverse groups and foster an inclusive environment.
• Proficient working knowledge of computer software programs (i.e., Microsoft Office Suite-Word, Excel, email, and calendar systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience in the management of higher education residence halls and student life.
• More than six years of experience in the supervision of five or more direct reports.

Applicant Materials Required

To be considered by the search committee thoroughly complete the application and upload the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Copies of transcripts (undergraduate and graduate)
• References

Additional Information

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Bismarck State College does not provide sponsorships. BSC is an E-Verify Employer.

For more information or assistance contact the Human Resources Department at 701-224-5531 or bsc.humanresources@bismarckstate.edu

This position requires a criminal history record check.

Equal Opportunity Employer

TTY Number: ND Relay Service: 1-800-366-6888 (text); 1-800-366-6889 (voice). For full North Dakota Relay Services, go to: https://www.relaynorthdakota.com/.

*Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility including a copy of NGB 22 from the National Guard or Reserve (with a unit located in ND) or certification from the applicant's unit command that the individual is expected to be discharged or released from active duty in the uniformed services under other than dishonorable conditions not later than one hundred twenty days after the date of the submission of the certification. If claiming disabled status, proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 and a current letter of disability.*