Community Development Assistant Jobs in North Amherst, MA

PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION OF THIS POSITION:

The Assistant Director of Residence Life is a full-time, live-in professional staff member responsible for providing leadership and oversight for residential education, student engagement, staff supervision, crisis response, and residential operations within a comprehensive residential campus environment. This position supports the mission of the university and the Division of Student Life by fostering inclusive, student-centered residential communities that promote belonging, personal growth, academic success, wellness, and student retention.

The Assistant Director provides direct supervision and leadership to professional and student staff and assists with the overall administration of residential communities and departmental initiatives. This position is responsible for overseeing residential education efforts, student conduct processes, crisis management, staff development, occupancy and operational functions, and collaborative campus partnerships. The Assistant Director contributes to departmental strategic planning, assessment initiatives, policy development, and ongoing efforts to enhance the residential student experience.

As a member of the Residence Life leadership team, the Assistant Director participates in an on-call rotation and responds to emergencies and critical incidents outside of standard business hours. Evening and weekend responsibilities are required throughout the academic year.

In addition to salary and benefits, this position includes a furnished on-campus apartment with utilities, access to laundry facilities, a staff meal plan during the academic year, and professional development opportunities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Residential Education and Student Development

• Provide leadership for the development and implementation of a comprehensive residential education model focused on student engagement, belonging, academic success, wellness, and community responsibility.
• Foster inclusive living-learning environments that support justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives within residential communities.
• Oversee community development efforts, educational programming, and student leadership opportunities within assigned residential areas.
• Support student success and retention efforts through intentional student outreach, intervention, and referrals.
• Advise student groups, including Residence Hall Council and residential leadership initiatives.

Staff Supervision and Development

• Provide direct supervision, mentorship, training, and evaluation for professional staff, graduate assistants, Head Resident Advisors, and Resident Advisors.
• Coordinate staff recruitment, selection, onboarding, training, scheduling, and ongoing professional development initiatives.
• Establish accountability measures and performance expectations for residential staff.
• Facilitate regular staff meetings, one-on-one supervision meetings, and developmental coaching conversations.
• Support the development of student leaders through mentoring, conflict resolution, and leadership education.

Crisis Response and Student Support

• Serve in an on-call rotation and respond to emergencies, crises, behavioral concerns, and critical incidents impacting residential students and communities.
• Provide leadership and coordination in complex student situations involving mental health concerns, student safety, hospital transports, community disruptions, and behavioral interventions.
• Collaborate with Public Safety, Health and Well-Being, Student Conduct, Title IX, Counseling Services, and other campus partners to support students of concern.
• Maintain accurate documentation and follow-up related to incidents, student outreach, and crisis response efforts.
• Participate in university emergency response protocols and behavioral intervention processes as assigned.

Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution

• Serve as a hearing officer for Student Conduct & Community Standards cases.
• Adjudicate alleged violations of university policies and residential community standards.
• Facilitate restorative practices, mediation, and conflict resolution processes among students and residential communities.
• Educate students regarding university expectations, accountability, and community responsibility.
• Ensure consistency and equity in conduct processes and student interactions.

Residential Operations and Facilities Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations within assigned residential communities, including occupancy management, room changes, facilities concerns, and community safety initiatives.
• Coordinate opening, closing, break housing, move-in, move-out, and transition processes for residential students.
• Conduct regular facility walkthroughs and collaborate with Facilities and Public Safety to address maintenance, safety, and security concerns.
• Monitor occupancy reports, vacancy management, health and safety inspections, work orders, inventories, and damage billing processes.
• Utilize university systems and databases including The Housing Director (THD), Guardian, Microsoft Office, and other institutional software platforms.

Assessment, Administration, and Strategic Initiatives

• Assist with departmental assessment initiatives and utilize data to improve residential programs, student engagement, and operational effectiveness.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of departmental policies, procedures, and strategic goals.
• Track and manage assigned budgets related to residential programming, student leadership initiatives, and operational areas.
• Prepare reports, maintain records, and provide data analysis related to residential operations and student success initiatives.
• Serve on departmental, divisional, and university committees and working groups.
• Support departmental initiatives related to student retention, belonging, and campus climate.

Collaboration and Campus Engagement

• Develop collaborative relationships with campus partners including Academic Affairs, Admissions, Athletics, Counseling Services, Title IX, Student Conduct, Public Safety, and other university departments.
• Participate in major university events including Orientation, Open Houses, Homecoming, Family Weekend, Senior Week, and Commencement activities.
• Represent Residence Life and Student Life in university committees, initiatives, and campus-wide programs.
• Support divisional and institutional priorities through active participation and leadership

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of student development theory, residential education, and student engagement practices.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and develop professional and student staff.
• Experience responding to crises, emergencies, and complex student situations with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Knowledge of student conduct practices, conflict resolution, and restorative approaches.
• Ability to foster inclusive communities and incorporate justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles into daily work.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and project management skills.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse campus stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and student housing management software systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success, wellness, and retention.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in Residence Life, Housing, Student Affairs, or a related area.
• Experience supervising professional and/or student staff required.
• Demonstrated experience with crisis response, student conduct, residential operations, and student engagement initiatives preferred.
• Experience working within a residential campus environment strongly preferred.

Western New England University is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging by acknowledging and embracing diversity of thought, opinion, and approach with colleagues regardless of background, culture, and organizational level.  WNE encourages diversity in our job applicants to ensure the best culture and work outcomes.