Assistant Director of Residential Life

About International House

Truly a unique and inspirational organization, I-House is a non-profit organization committed to fostering intercultural respect and leadership skills to promote an equitable, peaceful world. Originally founded in 1930, I-House remains a vibrant community, affiliated with the University of California, Berkeley. Housing over 600 UC Berkeley undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students, I-House promotes lifelong friendships and learning throughout a vastly multicultural living and learning community, promoting greater understanding and acceptance. Approaching its centennial anniversary, I-House is positioned in a crucial space to continue broadening perspectives in our increasingly global world.  

I-House is also home to Team RIO (Robertson Resident Life and Intercultural Development Office, a center for programming and training to cultivate leadership, understanding, and cross-cultural collaboration.  

At International House, we believe that the world is more peaceful when we embrace diversity. We seek, value, and are committed to hiring talented and qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds. We celebrate all our differences and foster inclusion across, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, ability, parental status, and experience. We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply!  

 

Position Overview  

The Assistant Director (AD) of Resident Life at International House is a key role responsible for advancing the mission of I-House to foster a diverse, inclusive, and globally engaged residential community. The AD is part of the Residential Life and Intercultural Development Office (RIO) at I-House. They collaborate across various departments including but not limited to Admissions, Alumni Relations, Events and Catering and the Executive Office. 

  

The AD plays a key role in planning, developing, implementing, and assessing programs and activities tailored to the unique needs of this dynamic living-learning multicultural environment. This role also involves addressing sensitive and emergency situations within the residential community, such as handling students of concern, conduct violations, mental health issues, and overall community impact. Additionally, the AD serves as the primary on-call full-time staff member for duty and maintains essential relationships with departmental, divisional, and campus partners. The AD will manage a team of 10-12 live-in student workers and 4-5 student workers.

  

  

Key Responsibilities  

Supervision and Training:  

• Supervise 10 student Resident Advisors. 

• Supervise a live-in Resident Life Coordinator.  
• Supervise 4-5 student front desk assistants

• Responsible for training Resident Advisors (RAs) at the beginning of each semester to ensure they are well-prepared for their roles and responsibilities. 

• Conduct weekly student staff meetings and facilitate regular staff development sessions.  

• Provide formal performance evaluations and oversee performance management of student staff. 

• Serve as a resource for students and staff, providing advice and guidance in the planning and execution of residential programming to enhance community building and student engagement. 

• Coordinate the student staff hiring process and facilitate training for new hires, with a focus on fostering community engagement and promoting inclusion. 

Community Development:  

• Support the RIO team with overall resident experience programing. 

• Lead or co-lead signature programs that promote intercultural dialogue, leadership development, and global awareness. 

• Promote the personal, social, and academic development of multicultural residential students.   

• Support summer residential programs, working with community partners and student organizations.  

 

Resource Management:  

• Co-Advise the Resident Community Council in delivering effective programs and managing funds to ensure successful initiatives and responsible resource allocation.  

• Manage the Reasonable Accommodations process for I-House Residents. 

• Support the live-in health workers. 

• Any other duties as assigned. 

Student Conduct:  

• Serve as a conduct hearing officer in accordance with Residential and Student Service Programs Policies and Procedures. 

• Support student staff in enforcing policies and procedures. 

• Respond to student behavior that negatively impacts the community or violates campus policies. 

• Provide training to two student staff members on the role and responsibilities of serving as conduct hearing officers, including best practices for handling conduct cases, upholding campus policies, and ensuring a fair and consistent process. 

Leadership and Administration:  

• Attend departmental meetings and engage in professional development opportunities to enhance skills and contribute to team initiatives. 

• Serve on committees, potentially as a co-chair, and collaborate on occupancy management. 

• Oversee the front desk operations.
• Oversee the coordination of check-in and check-outs. 

• Manage program budget and track expenditures. 

• Support residential operations, including room change requests, reasonable accommodations process, conflict mediation, and crisis response.  

• Ensure compliance with university and I-House policies, promoting safety, equity, and inclusion. 

• Contribute strategic planning efforts, including program assessment and resident satisfaction. 

Counseling, Crisis Management, and Emergency Response:  

• Respond to emergencies, including mental health concerns and community conflicts, provide referral counseling, mediate conflicts, and document and follow up with students of concern. 

• Collaborate with campus safety officers and emergency services to develop and evaluate effective responses to safety issues. 

  

Required Qualifications  

• Demonstrated knowledge of advising and counseling techniques to effectively guide and support individuals in decision-making, problem-solving, and personal development. 

• Have a working knowledge of legislation and regulations that affect residential life programs (i.e. Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and Title IX)  

• Strong understanding of student development theory to support the holistic growth and well-being of students through informed guidance and program development. 

• Skills in active listening, critical thinking, negotiation, problem-solving, and multitasking. 

• Thorough knowledge of Student Affairs/Student Life specialization to effectively manage programs, services, and initiatives that enhance student engagement, support, and overall campus experience. 

• Supervisory experience in hiring, training, and providing feedback to student staff to ensure effective team performance, professional development, and adherence to organizational standards. 

• Ability to demonstrate multicultural competence and interact effectively with diverse populations. 

• Proficiency in common computer application programs. 

• Ability to work evenings and weekends. 

• Experience working with identity-based groups and diverse student populations to foster an inclusive environment, promote equity, and address the unique needs and challenges of underrepresented communities. 

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training. 

  

Preferred Qualifications  

• Master’s degree in student affairs, higher education, counseling, ethnic studies, social work, or related field and/or equivalent experience/training. 

• 2-5 years of progressively responsible experience in residence life, student development, or intercultural programs. 

  

Compensation and Benefits  

• Compensation: $88,000 - $93,000/year. 

• I-House also offers a robust benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% employer-covered premiums (dependent on plan selection), life insurance, short- and long-term disability, access to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), commuter benefits, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

• Additionally, I-House offers a 403(b) plan with a 5% matching and a 5% non-elective contribution. This organization also offers a 457(b)-retirement plan option. 

• Employees earn paid vacation totaling 18 days of accrual in the first year (with accrual increasing after 5 years), paid sick time, 14 paid holidays, and generous family leave and accommodations. 

  

 

Must be able to work in person in Berkeley, CA. This position may require evening and weekend hours to support residential and programmatic needs. Occasional travel may be required for retreats, training, or conferences. 

 

International House is an equal-opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, bilingual and bicultural individuals, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, or medical condition.