Senior Assistant Director, Living Learning Communities and Strategic Initiatives
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- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Residence Life Office is looking for a dynamic and energetic individual to join the team as the Senior Assistant Director for Living Learning Communities and Strategic Initiatives. Residence Life is committed to the development of a safe and inclusive living-learning community that fosters academic, social, cultural, and personal growth. We strive to enable residents to develop respect and responsibility for themselves and their community.
Reporting to the Associate Director for Academic and Strategic Initiatives, the Senior Assistant Director provides leadership and operational oversight for the Living Learning Community program at the University Park campus and supports the implementation of initiatives that advance the department’s strategic plan. This position serves as a member of the Residence Life leadership team and works collaboratively with academic, student affairs, and other partners to support high-quality residential environments and student-centered operations.
This position is not a live-in role. The role includes participation in an on-call rotation. Living within a minimum radius of Penn State University Park campus will be necessary for Residence Life emergency response.
In addition to the above information, specific responsibilities of the Senior Assistant Director include but are not limited to:
Student and Community Development
Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of student and community development in the Living Learning Community Program
Foster meaningful faculty and staff engagement in Living Learning Communities through collaborative initiatives that enhance student learning and community development
Participate in the evening and weekend Residence Life on-call rotation and respond to crises, emergencies, and critical incidents at the University Park campus
Supervision
Supervise and lead professional staff, including two Living Learning Community Coordinators
Support training and professional development and evaluate job performance
Plan and facilitate staff meetings
Provide program-wide leadership and support for professional staff and student leaders
Administration
Develop and foster stakeholder partnerships and relationships with academic units, student support services, Student Affairs offices, Housing, and others
Support Residence Life strategic priorities, including planning, execution, and evaluation of select initiatives
Support the effective use and implementation of bespoke technologies and systems
Assist in the development and dissemination of training, resources, and tools for staff and student leader use
Assist the Associate Director in development tracking of program budgets, and implementation of goals, policies, guidelines, and procedures
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Experience in supervision, organizational leadership, financial stewardship, and administration within Residence Life, Housing, or Student Affairs
Experience supporting, operationalizing, and evaluating campus-wide initiatives, staff and student development programs, and organizational change efforts
Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills
A high level of cultural competence and the ability to work effectively with diverse student and staff populations
Ability to perform other duties as assigned
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Master's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $86,400.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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Skills Required
- Master's degree
- Six or more years of relevant experience
- Experience in supervision, organizational leadership, financial stewardship, and administration within Residence Life, Housing, or Student Affairs
- Experience supporting, operationalizing, and evaluating campus-wide initiatives, staff and student development programs, and organizational change efforts
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills
- Cultural competence and ability to work effectively with diverse student and staff populations
- Ability to live within the required radius of Penn State University Park campus for emergency response
- Valid driver's license and successful motor vehicle records check
- PA State Police Criminal Background Check
- PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form
- Federal FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check
- Authorization to work in the United States without employer visa sponsorship
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
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What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
