Assistant Director of Residence Life and Housing
Southern Virginia University, Buena Vista, VA, United States
Assistant Director of Residence Life and Housing
Full-time
The Assistant Director serves as a primary architect of the student living experience at Southern Virginia University. This role is a "people-first" leader focused on holistic student wellness, including communitybuilding, crisis intervention, and mental health support. The Assistant Director acts as a high-level mentor to student staff and a strategic partner to the Vice President of Student Affairs in maintaining a campus environment that reflects the university's mission.
Responsibilities
Responsiveness Standard:
Serve as the primary point of professional contact for Student Affairs inquiries, ensuring a 1-2 business day response time for all communications (phone calls and emails and in person).
Stakeholder Diplomacy:
Utilize exceptional tact and discretion when communicating with families, handling sensitive concerns with a "cool head".
Information Accuracy:
Ensure all residence life communication materials (emails, newsletters, and website updates) are clear, empathetic, and provide students with easy-to-follow guidance.
Confidentiality:
Maintain absolute integrity regarding FERPA standards and the handling of sensitive student information.
Holistic Programming:
Develop and implement a comprehensive "RL Experience" curriculum that prioritizes student wellness, mental health awareness, and interpersonal growth.
Counseling & Crisis Intervention:
Provide immediate emotional support during student crises and facilitate seamless referrals to university counseling or health services.
Conflict Mediation:
Resolve high-level roommate or community disputes that exceed the capacity of student staff.
Student Advocacy:
Design and execute feedback mechanisms, such as focus groups and town halls, to ensure the student voice drives program improvements.
Tiered Supervision:
Oversee the day-to-day professional development and accountability of Area Coordinators (ACs) and Resident Assistants (RAs).
Curriculum Development:
Design and facilitate the rigorous training programs and weekly in-service sessions for residence life staff.
Service Standards:
Monitor staff performance to ensure they set a high standard for residents and represent the University with professionalism.
VP Support:
Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Student Affairs, contributing to division-wide initiatives that enhance the overall student experience.
Strategic Resource:
Serve as a strategic partner to the broader Student Affairs division.
Minimum Qualifications
High-Touch Engagement:
Must possess a high level of energy and deep empathy for the unique challenges of the modern university student.
Advanced Communication:
Exceptional oral and written skills with the ability to manage high- pressure emotional situations.
Administrative Proficiency:
Strong organizational skills to balance student-facing crises with timely email and task management.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional late nights and weekends; availability for the full July 1 – June 30 cycle.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience within the SVU residence life system.
Professional background in hospitality management, youth advocacy, or formal conflict resolution.
Applications To apply, interested candidates should submit a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to hr@svu.edu. Southern Virginia University is an equal‑opportunity employer. Applications will be reviewed immediately, and the position will remain open until filled.
About Southern Virginia University Southern Virginia University is a private, faith‑based institution of higher education aligned with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints. As a university, we gather faithful Latter‑day Saints and those who share our values, lift intellectually, socially, and spiritually, and launch into successful lives and careers. Applicants are invited to learn more about the university at svu.edu/mission.
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Responsibilities
Responsiveness Standard:
Serve as the primary point of professional contact for Student Affairs inquiries, ensuring a 1-2 business day response time for all communications (phone calls and emails and in person).
Stakeholder Diplomacy:
Utilize exceptional tact and discretion when communicating with families, handling sensitive concerns with a "cool head".
Information Accuracy:
Ensure all residence life communication materials (emails, newsletters, and website updates) are clear, empathetic, and provide students with easy-to-follow guidance.
Confidentiality:
Maintain absolute integrity regarding FERPA standards and the handling of sensitive student information.
Holistic Programming:
Develop and implement a comprehensive "RL Experience" curriculum that prioritizes student wellness, mental health awareness, and interpersonal growth.
Counseling & Crisis Intervention:
Provide immediate emotional support during student crises and facilitate seamless referrals to university counseling or health services.
Conflict Mediation:
Resolve high-level roommate or community disputes that exceed the capacity of student staff.
Student Advocacy:
Design and execute feedback mechanisms, such as focus groups and town halls, to ensure the student voice drives program improvements.
Tiered Supervision:
Oversee the day-to-day professional development and accountability of Area Coordinators (ACs) and Resident Assistants (RAs).
Curriculum Development:
Design and facilitate the rigorous training programs and weekly in-service sessions for residence life staff.
Service Standards:
Monitor staff performance to ensure they set a high standard for residents and represent the University with professionalism.
VP Support:
Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Student Affairs, contributing to division-wide initiatives that enhance the overall student experience.
Strategic Resource:
Serve as a strategic partner to the broader Student Affairs division.
Minimum Qualifications
High-Touch Engagement:
Must possess a high level of energy and deep empathy for the unique challenges of the modern university student.
Advanced Communication:
Exceptional oral and written skills with the ability to manage high- pressure emotional situations.
Administrative Proficiency:
Strong organizational skills to balance student-facing crises with timely email and task management.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional late nights and weekends; availability for the full July 1 – June 30 cycle.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience within the SVU residence life system.
Professional background in hospitality management, youth advocacy, or formal conflict resolution.
Applications To apply, interested candidates should submit a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to hr@svu.edu. Southern Virginia University is an equal‑opportunity employer. Applications will be reviewed immediately, and the position will remain open until filled.
About Southern Virginia University Southern Virginia University is a private, faith‑based institution of higher education aligned with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints. As a university, we gather faithful Latter‑day Saints and those who share our values, lift intellectually, socially, and spiritually, and launch into successful lives and careers. Applicants are invited to learn more about the university at svu.edu/mission.
#J-18808-Ljbffr