Assistant Director, Community Connections and Engagement

Assistant Director, Community Connections and Engagement

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Unit

Summary:

Michigan Housing is an actively engaged unit within Student Life Auxiliary Services within the Division of Student Life. M Housing serves approximately 11,500 students; 9,100 undergraduate and 2,400 graduate and professional students and their families. Although first-year students are not required to live on campus; historically 96-98% of all new first-year students choose to live on. Currently, the M Housing portfolio consists of 19 residential facilities that include traditional residence halls, apartments, and other living options located in communities on north and central campuses in Ann Arbor.

In partnership with Michigan Dining, there are 9 dining halls and 9 retail operations embedded within the residence halls that serve approximately 4 million meals per year. Beginning Fall 2024, M Housing partnered with other units and departments within Student Life to support the residential experience for approximately 25 U-M students on the Marygrove campus, located in Detroit. In Fall 2026, five new residence halls housing 2,300 undergraduate students and a new 822-seat dining facility will open to continue M Housing's strong tradition of providing affordable housing options and services for U-M students.

In addition to supporting the academic mission of the University, M Housing creates and sustains diverse learning-centered residential communities that ultimately enhance the residential experience and serve as a guide for their work in support of M Housing values.

Position Summary:

The Michigan Housing Community Connections and Engagement Department is vital in fostering vibrant and inclusive residential communities where students feel a strong sense of belonging. It achieves this through dynamic engagement and programming in residence halls, addressing residents' accommodation needs, facilitating connections to campus resources, and supporting students in navigating campus climate concerns. By offering events, educational workshops, staff training sessions, and the You Belong Here campaign, the department strives to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive.
The Assistant Director, Community Connections and Engagement, plays a key role in promoting inclusivity within the residential community by overseeing the historical multicultural lounge program. This involves executing long-term strategic initiatives, such as renovating existing lounges and establishing new ones. The Assistant Director collaborates with Student Life to ensure residents have access to necessary resources and opportunities. Furthermore, the Assistant Director co-leads the Program Manager team, focusing on facilitating resident engagement with campus resources, fostering an inclusive community, and enhancing connections among residents.

This position reports directly to the Associate Director, Community Connections and Engagement.

• Master's degree in a related field (Higher Education, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work), or relevant years of experience in a related educational field.
• Experience building inclusive communities in a higher education setting (or relevant environment) and program management.
• Experience in mediation, facilitation, conflict management, or restorative practices in resolving conflict.
• Proven experience with digital platforms and visual storytelling in print, complemented by strong written communication skills."
• Previous experience in supervision of student and/or professional staff

Work Authorization:
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .

Position Responsibilities (primary responsibilities and duties expected in this position totaling 100% allocation):

Community Connections Strategic Collaborations (45%)

Multicultural Space Management and Capital Projects

• Direct and administer all operations, systems, programs, services and resources, to advance the mission of all 19 multicultural spaces for the campus community.
• Lead the M Housing Design Process for renovations of multicultural spaces scheduled for each year, directing the process includes:
  • Running multiple stages of the design process with the campus community including feedback sessions and design showcases,
  • Assisting with design elements with the Director and Student Life capital projects,
  • Creating and implementing graphic and art…