Assistant Director of Community Life - Operations & Conduct

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Director of Community Life plays a critical role in shaping a dynamic and supportive residential experience at Spartanburg Methodist College. This live-on position will supervise the daily operations of an assigned residential area, support student well-being, and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for living and learning. Additionally, the Assistant Director will take primary responsibility for at least one of the following functional areas for the Office of Community Life: residential education, student conduct, or housing operations. This is a 12-month live-in role which includes an on-campus apartment and a meal plan while classes are in session.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Responsibilities – Conduct & Operational Support

Review and triage all incoming conduct reports to determine the appropriate resolution process, assign hearing officer(s), and ensure consistent and timely follow-up

In collaboration with the Dean of Students, conduct annual policy audits and support the annual handbook update process

Regularly assess programs and student conduct data to identify trends and implement responsive strategies; develop and deliver training for faculty, staff, and students on conduct-related trends and campus policies.

Support the Office of Community Life by coordinating campus-wide communications and organizing logistical aspects of operational events (i.e. housing lottery, health and safety inspections, etc.)

Residence Hall Operations

Oversee the operation of assigned residence halls, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment conducive to student success.

Assist with administrative operations such as housing assignments, roommate assignments, key management, and facility-related problems.

Complete regular inspections of assigned Residence Halls

Area Community Development

In the assigned residential area, lead intentional programs and initiatives that foster a sense of belonging, personal responsibility, and community.

Develop, implement, and enforce Community Life policies to promote a safe, respectful, and accountable campus culture. Monitor adherence to policies and procedures by residents and staff.

Support students through the campus conduct process by enforcing policies, mediating conflicts, and resolving conduct violations.

Maintain a strong presence in the assigned residential area, building positive relationships with students and responding proactively to needs.

Supervision & Student Support

Supervise, train, and support a team of Community Assistants (CAs), providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities through regular meetings and the creation of intentional development opportunities

Maintain knowledge of resources that students can approach for answers regarding college policies, referrals, and developmental issues. Make referrals to appropriate on-campus and off-campus resources as necessary.

Respond to student concerns and conflicts, mediate disputes, and provide appropriate referrals to campus resources.

Crisis Management

Act as a primary contact for crisis situations within the residential community by responding to emergencies, coordinating with campus safety

Serve on a 24/7 on call rotation for campus and provide follow-up care. While on call, employee must respond to all appropriate calls within a timely manner and be able to help in all situations on campus.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Demonstrated ability to creatively and efficiently problem solve - utilizing sound judgment, assuming ownership of a problem, and resolving it in a collaborative manner.

Effective oral and written communications skills.

Ability to maintain composure in crises.

Strong organizational talents, ability to multi-task, and effective use of electronic office tools such as Microsoft Teams, shared Google Docs, electronic calendaring, etc.

Ability to develop appropriate, welcoming, and productive relationships with a diverse student population.

Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with college constituents and the community.

Working Conditions:

This work is typically performed in an office setting and will require significant contact with students, faculty, staff, and the campus community. Regular hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am-1:30 pm on Friday; however, hours will vary widely to include working evening and weekends, contingent on on-call duty rotation, student activities, and events. May be required to work on some college and national holidays if residence halls are open. This position is an essential employee which may require work in times when the college is closed or in emergency situations where other employees may not be asked to report to campus.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to move around the campus and frequently climb a flight of stairs in the residence halls.

Manual and physical dexterity and visual acuity needed to operate a computer keyboard and handle paper documents.

Sufficient near vision acuity to read information appearing on a computer monitor, in handwritten form, and printed on paper.

Adequate hearing and verbal abilities to communicate effectively in person and by telephone.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.

Minimum 1-2 year of professional experience in residence life, student life, student conduct or other related activities in higher education (graduate assistantships/related experiences will be considered)

About the College: Founded in 1911, Spartanburg Methodist College is a private residential liberal arts institution serving a diverse student population within the United Methodist Connection. Since its founding as the first co-op school in the nation, SMC has remained dedicated to its mission to connect education and employment. After over 100 years as an Associate Degree granting institution, the college launched its first bachelor’s degree in 2019. SMC is growing significantly, adding new programs, and consistently evaluating operations because of a campus-wide commitment to innovation and a passion for designing all campus programs to serve its student population intentionally. Today, the college’s emphasis on education and employment includes a unique professional development concentration comprised of eight required courses for students seeking associate and bachelor’s degrees. SMC is committed to its student demographic and believes that global impact is possible through their success.

Spartanburg Methodist College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any legally protected status in any personnel action regarding the recruiting, hiring, and promotion of faculty and staff members.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of a background investigation. SMC participates in the federal E-Verify program.

SMC does not maintain an open application file. Unsolicited resumes will not be considered.