Job Details

Associate Director of Residential Education

Position Title & Department: Associate Director of Residential Education; Student Affairs

Posting #: 5149

Department Description:
In the Catholic tradition, the Student Affairs Division strives to create an inclusive, educational environment which motivates and supports student learning and personal development, serves the University community, and inspires students to make a positive contribution to society. Our philosophy and approach is to collaboratively work with Academic Affairs and all areas of the University to create an integrated learning environment.

The Student Affairs Division is a dynamic, student-centered and learning organization. We are poised to create a vibrant and active co-curricular learning experience for all students. Our emphasis on leadership development and social change allows us to work on developing future ethical leaders to serve in a complex, global and changing world. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging and continuously building toward a just, welcoming and caring community for all.

University Description:
The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries-old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges.

Detailed Description:
The Division of Student Affairs is committed to grounding our policies, programs, and procedures in antiracist practice. With this commitment, we recognize the importance of educating ourselves and holding one another accountable to ensure our work is approached through an equity, inclusion, and social justice lens. We recognize our need for ongoing development in this area and continue to strive to improve. We expect all members of the Division of Student Affairs are willing to engage in this work alongside us to uphold our Catholic mission in creating a welcoming environment where the dignity of all students, staff, administrators, and faculty at USD is embraced.

The Associate Director of Residential Education is a live-in position that focuses on fostering community and opportunities for growth and development for residential students and department staff in the upper division residential areas. Leads the department-wide professional and paraprofessional selection, training and development efforts. Shares in the responsibility of serving as a first responder to the professional staff during crisis and emergency response within the residence halls. Co-leads the Co-curriculum Initiative and works in collaboration with other departments across campus to further develop and implement special residential programs (First-year Learning Communities, Second-Year Torero Program (STEP), Thriving Resident Model, etc.). Works collaboratively with University Ministry staff to support the Resident Ministry program. Periodically, this position may be asked to lead or contribute to either ad hoc or ongoing division/campus projects outside the scope of their day-to-day activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Staff Selection, Supervision, and Professional Development

• Train, develop, and supervise the professional live-in staff in all areas of responsibility - Community Development, Community Standards, and Housing Operations.
• Meet with direct supervisees (Assistant Directors and Community Directors) one-on-one on a regular basis to provide guidance, direction, and support in carrying out responsibilities.
• Provide regular feedback to Residential Education staff regarding areas of strength and growth. Identify areas for additional training and development.
• Under the direction of the Director of Residential Life, lead the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of Assistant Directors, Community Directors, and paraprofessional staff.

Program Development

• Conduct assessment and evaluation of staff training and selection processes, residential education program (RA Evaluation), and STEP program. Utilize data to inform changes to processes and programs.
• Work collaboratively with key university partners such as the Career Development Center, Wellness, International Center, and others to ensure a vibrant and engaging STEP program.
• Serve as the direct liaison between Residential Education and the Student Affairs/SOLES Collaborative graduate assistant program, coordinating the department's participation and providing leadership in the development of graduate assistant supervisors.
• Serve as the direct liaison between Residential Education and University Ministry, providing leadership in the development and coordination of University Ministry programming in the residence halls as well as cultivation of the in-hall Residential Education and Resident Minister partnerships.
• Coordinate with the Director for Student Onboarding and the Learning Communities Coordinator (TLC) to support the residential transfer student population, providing leadership for Residential Education staff and programming.
• Serve as Residential Education's ongoing representative on the Restorative Justice Steering Committee, providing leadership for the development of the department's commitment to restorative practices.

On-call, Wellness, and Safety

• Serve in the on-call rotation which includes emergency response, referral to campus resources, and crisis intervention. Must be available via phone on a 24-hour a day basis for the professional residence life staff.
• Work closely with the Department of Public Safety on all proactive safety campaigns and be responsive to safety concerns.
• Work closely with the Wellness division to administer proactive wellness campaigns and be responsive to wellness trends.

Residential Life Administration

• Assist with evaluation and assessment of department's programs, services, policies, and procedures.
• With support of the Director of Residential Life, monitor Residential Education budgets and determine appropriate programmatic funding allocations and resource management for the CDs & RAs.
• Serve on committees as assigned by the Director of Residential Life.
• Contribute to or lead additional division/campus projects outside of typical duties to help further accomplish student or organizational goals. Additional assignments may be seasonal, ad hoc, or ongoing, depending on the project.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• This is a live-on position. Must be available for 'on call' responsibilities- work nights and weekends for 13 weeks each year.

Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree required
• Three years of experience in Residence Life required
• Two years of supervisory experience required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in student development, counseling or related area strongly preferred
• Four to five years of experience in Residence Life is preferred
• Two years of experience supervising professional staff preferred

Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and direct compliance with all USD Residence Life and University policies and procedures.
• Ability to advise students as necessary and refer them to the University counseling center as appropriate.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with FERPA standards; refrain from, and discourage the discussion of confidential information.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of constituencies from diverse backgrounds.
• Possess strong writing ability and organizational skills.
• Attend and participate on assigned University committees.
• Maintain a positive, effective, and mutually supportive working relationship with all University departments.
• Work effectively with off-campus city and law enforcement officials and USD Department of Public Safety.
• Attend workshops as appropriate to remain up-to-date on current university academic advising policies and procedures.
• Willingness to support the Catholic mission and vision of the University.
• Demonstrated practice of centering diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in one's work including an ongoing commitment to personal learning and development in this area.
• Demonstrated commitment to student learning and development in the co-curriculum and experience assessing the impact of programs and related services.

Posting Salary:
$5,720 - $6,333.33 per month, including Room and Board; Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education, and other factors including departmental budget.

Special Application Instructions:

Resume and Cover Letter Required
Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete our online application. In addition, please upload a cover letter and resume to your application profile for the hiring managers' review. If you have any questions or difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at ...@sandiego.edu.

Additional Details:

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Closing date: Open until filled

Note: External job postings will be up for at least three days. After that time, applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.

The University of San Diego is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the campus community.

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.

Advertised: February 13, 2025
Applications close: Open until filled

To apply, visit