What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life and Belonging position at The College of Idaho?
The College of Idaho, a private residential liberal arts college, is seeking an Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life and Belonging. Serving as a pivotal leadership role within the Student Affairs division, this position provides college-wide leadership for shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive campus residential community. Working closely with administrative teams across the institution, the Director strengthens operational effectiveness while supporting a holistic residential experience. As Assistant Dean, this role takes on broader administrative responsibilities, including developing and directing specific Student Affairs programs, formulating campus life policies, and serving as the primary administrator in the Dean’s absence.
In this dual role, the Assistant Dean and Director oversees the complete lifecycle of housing operations and residential life programming. Key responsibilities include recruiting, training, and supervising both student and professional staff to deliver a structured residential curriculum, while managing housing mechanics via eRezLife (room assignments, meal plans, and waivers). The role drives facilities and administrative management by collaborating with Campus Operations to direct hall openings/closings, audit facilities, manage budgets, and oversee vendor contracts. Additionally, this position prioritizes student safety and accountability by participating in a 24/7 rotating on-call crisis schedule, facilitating conflict resolution, overseeing the Behavioral Intervention Team, and partnering with accessibility offices (DALE) and Campus Safety. Broader duties include managing new student orientation transitions, driving residential marketing, and representing Student Affairs on institutional committees and within professional organizations like NASPA.
Successful candidates will possess a Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Student Personnel, Counseling, or a related field (or a Bachelor’s degree paired with four years of progressively responsible experience in Student Affairs or academic administration), along with a minimum of three years of progressive experience in residence hall administration and housing operations. Key qualifications include hands-on experience with housing database/occupancy management systems and demonstrating proficiency in standard software platforms, budget administration, staff supervision, student development theory, and expertise in crisis intervention and higher education compliance (such as Title IX and FERPA). This role calls for exceptional organizational abilities and the capacity to navigate competing priorities under tight deadlines, all while fostering exemplary customer service standards. The ideal candidate embodies unwavering personal integrity, a self-driven work ethic, and a commitment to creating a welcoming, equitable, and globally conscious campus environment that inspires all.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States as of the expected hire date and throughout the date of their employment without sponsorship from The College of Idaho. A current, valid driver’s license is also required, and candidates must be vehicle-insurable.
The College offers competitive benefits, including tuition waiver for dependents, health insurance, a retirement plan with employer match, generous paid time off, free access to on-campus fitness centers, and free admission to campus events. Spouses, domestic partners, and dependents are eligible for benefits coverage.
A complete application will include a current résumé, a cover letter addressing qualifications for the position, and the names and contact information of three (3) references: two (2) from management and one (1) professional, sent to careers@collegeofidaho.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until qualified candidates are selected. As we move through the application review process, additional information may be requested from qualified candidates.
With over 134 years of history, The College of Idaho is a regional and national leader in higher education. The College of Idaho is a mission-driven community of exceptional learning that challenges the ambitious and forges pathways to success and purpose.
The College of Idaho is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and optimizing performance and academic excellence through an inclusive workforce. The College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, disability, national and ethnic origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law.