Assistant Complex Director (ACD) Position Description

Position Overview

As a member of the residence life staff, each Assistant Complex Director (ACD) is part of KU Student Housing and Student Affairs, reporting to a Residence Life Complex Director. ACDs hold live-in, .75 positions (30 hours/week), assisting in management of a residential area housing between 500 and 800 students. KU Student Housing implements a residential curriculum which supports students as they develop into the best versions of themselves. Through intentional connections and crafted support, residents living in Student Housing will gain competence in critical thinking, academic engagement, well-being, and equity education. As a result of implementing a residential curriculum within KU Student Housing, graduate students will learn the skills necessary to become a successful practitioner and educator.

Additional duties of an Assistant Complex Director include community development and building management, staff supervision and development, student conduct, crisis intervention and student support, and administrative tasks. ACDs serve in an on-call duty rotation for the on-campus residential population. KU Student Housing is home to nearly 5500 students on the Lawrence campus in nine residence halls, three on-campus apartment complexes, 12 scholarship halls, as well as expanded housing options near the Lawrence campus.

The ACD position does not allow for regular student teaching, out-of-town practicum, internships, or other extensive extracurricular commitments. At least 50% of assistantship hours must occur during University business hours (Monday through Friday, between 8am and 5pm) on a weekly basis. Approval must be obtained in advance in order to enroll in a local practicum or internship or participate in major extra-curricular commitments while Student Housing is open; such approval would not typically be given in the first year of employment. Required training and development responsibilities include three weeks of training, regular staff meetings on Thursdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm, and consistent on-the-job training and support.

Job Description

Major job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Supervision

  • Supervise, select, train, and evaluate 6-10 undergraduate staff members directly in the performance of their assigned duties. Undergraduate staff may include Resident Assistants, Proctors, and Food Board Managers.
  • Maintain regular staff and individual meetings with direct reports and complex team, including individual community and departmental Tuesday evening staff meetings.
  • Ensure undergraduate staff understands departmental and university mission/vision/values.
  • Model good judgment, ethical behavior, respect for laws and policies, and a positive, cooperative attitude.
  • Motivate undergraduate student staff and empower them to promote resident growth and development.
  • Provide frequent formal and informal communication with undergraduate student staff regarding responsibilities, personal wellbeing, and academic success."
  • Implement the KU Housing & Residence Life curriculum model and create learning centered communities using the model with staff to promote individual support and respect.
  • Ensure UG administrative tasks and responsibilities are completed accurately and timely (i.e. food ordering, receipt submissions, etc.)
  • Support and recognize individual and group achievements.

Crisis Management

  • Participate in a rotating 24-hour on-call duty coverage system for assigned area.
  • Respond as a member of the senior staff as crisis situations occur; intervene and make referrals as appropriate to individual and/or group concerns.
  • Respond to bias-related incidents and support the department’s commitment to creating safe and inclusive communities.
  • Follow up with students as necessary or as directed after crisis situations.

Student Conduct & Student Support

  • Serve in the student conduct process as a University hearing officer and adjudicate conduct cases.
  • Coach, train, and follow up with staff in conduct response and reporting protocols.
  • Document incidents using the Maxient system.
  • Engage in follow-up and aftercare with students regarding academic, wellness, and conduct concerns.
  • Advise and adjudicate Judicial Boards (J-Boards) in communities where applicable

Building Operations & Management

  • Facilitate all building opening and closing procedures.
  • Monitor the physical maintenance of the complex in cooperation with custodial and maintenance staff
  • Other administrative opportunities and/or expectations are complex-specific and may include but are not limited to occupancy management, budgeting, food ordering, etc.

Advising

As needed:

  • Recruit, train, and advise hall governance (inclusive of Program Boards, Scholarship Hall Councils, and system governments) and aid in development of student leaders.
  • Advise executive board members in planning initiatives and programs to establish and maintain community traditions.
  • Attend weekly meetings with student groups and host individual meetings with student leaders and executive board members of hall governance organizations.

Inclusion

  • Participate in and facilitate training regarding working with diverse student populations.
  • Engage with residents on global, national, and campus issues dealing with inclusion, equity and discrimination.
  • Develop communities focused on valuing human diversity and promoting awareness of different identities through the lens of equity education.

Administration

  • Participate in staff orientation, training and development, and department committees.
  • Attend weekly Residence Life meetings on Thursdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Exceptions may be granted only in instances when a required academic course conflicts with the date and time and there is no other course offering.
  • Provide available office hours open to residents.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Professional Development

Graduate Assistants receive professional development funds which can be used for membership, resources, and/or attendance and participation at a regional or national conference connected to the on-campus student housing experience, contingent upon departmental funding. Additionally, graduate assistants serve on departmental committees and have the opportunity to pursue collateral or university committee experience. Graduate assistants may also co-advise university student groups with approval. Graduate assistants can attend professional development workshops created by their graduate program, student housing, and the student affairs professional development series. All professional development opportunities are contingent upon supervisor approval and successful performance in required job responsibilities.

Required Qualifications

  • KU enrollment as a graduate student in good standing taking at least 6 and no more than 9 hours per semester (more than 9 hours must be approved in advance).

Preferred Qualifications

  • At least one year of residential staff experience, knowledge of residential curriculum practices or experiences, interpersonal and group presentation skills and experience, experience in student engagement and development, and interest in developing a supportive academic atmosphere.
  • Enrollment in the Master’s in Higher Education Administration program
  • It is recommended that you have a valid driver’s license at the time of employment.

Compensation

  • Salary is $18,813 for the term of appointment (paid biweekly). This equates to a
  • $14.78/hour for a .75 appointment (30 hours/week).
  • A furnished apartment including utilities is provided, as well as a dining allowance to meals when the dining centers are serving.
  • Students will receive in-state tuition cost, per the University of Kansas policy for Residential Graduate Assistants.
    • Students with a Graduate Assistantship and full-time enrollment in the Higher Education Administration program receive a full tuition waiver of up to 18 credits during the academic year (August-May).
  • State of Kansas group health insurance is available.

Term of Appointment

July 29, 2024 through May 21, 2025