Careers in the MIT Division of Student Life
Come join a community that’s shaping the future—one student, one innovation, one incredible colleague at a time.
In the Division of Student Life (DSL), our work is rooted in a powerful mission: We are here for students. Every day, we help our diverse community of students thrive—not just academically, but intellectually, physically, spiritually, and personally. We do this by creating enriching experiences and environments where students can discover their purpose, grow into independent thinkers, and feel a deep sense of belonging. That mission inspires our team to bring creativity, care, and innovation to everything we do.
DSL is more than just a workplace—it’s a vibrant, supportive community of colleagues who care deeply about each other and the students we serve. Our staff consistently tell us they love the people they work with, the opportunities to collaborate, and the sense of shared purpose. Whether you’re leading a new program, partnering on campus-wide initiatives, or connecting with brilliant students, you’ll make a real impact—and grow while doing it.
We’re committed to continuous learning and professional development. Our Staff Engagement Advisory Board (SEABoard), with over 45 active members, leads the way in making DSL the best place to work at MIT. From an annual professional development conference to social events, DSL Reads, Wellnesspalooza, and our popular Do You Read Me? belonging series, we invest in building strong relationships and creating joyful, meaningful moments for our team.
If you’re looking for a place where your work matters, your ideas are heard, and your potential is nurtured, DSL is the place for you. Explore our open positions and become part of something extraordinary.
DSL Open Positions
Human Resources Business Partner
DSL Administration
Summary of Function and Responsibility
The Human Resources (HR) Business Partner collaborates with Division of Student Life (DSL) HR and the Staff Engagement Advisory Board (SEABoard) to help make DSL the best place to work! Across all human resource endeavors, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management and development, employee relations, labor relations, compensation, and diversity, the HR Business Partner supports DSL’s managers and staff in creating an engaging, productive, inclusive, and positive workplace for all employees. Advises and assists managers and staff on human resources matters and acts as a liaison with MIT central Human Resources. Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and partners with DSL HR on strategic planning and implementation in the Division of Student Life.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS):
Advising/Coaching
- Advises DSL staff on human resources activities including recruitment, orientation, performance management, employee/labor relations, compensation and diversity.
- Advises on issues related to personnel and policy interpretation and administration.
- Interprets and advises DSL staff on HR issues, policies, and procedures. Resolves issues and refers more complex issues, as appropriate.
- Promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce. Develops and facilitates diversity and inclusion training and programs.
Compensation
- Partners with managers to create and/or revise job descriptions for department. Gathers information, runs reports for management to support compensation recommendations. Works closely with the Compensation Office on classification process.
- Ensures managers and directors are educated in writing job descriptions and FLSA guidelines.
- Collaborates with management, Director of HR and central Human Resources on promotional, market equity and off cycle pay increases for all levels of staff. Identifies the potential need for market adjustments and issues of internal equity. Makes recommendations.
Employee Relations/Labor Relations
- Collaborates with managers, Labor Relations and Human Resources Officer (HRO) on employee/labor relations issues; mediates complaints and disciplinary issues; ensures compliance with MIT policies and applicable employment laws.
Human Resources Administration
- In collaboration with finance area, monitors the wage and salary budget.
- Designs, generates and analyzes regular and ad-hoc DSL HR related reports using Brio Query or Cognos. Identifies trends and shares with management.
- Ensures HR activities, records, and forms are in compliance with applicable laws and guidelines.
- Lead or serve on various MIT, departmental and/or school level projects and committees.
- Reviews and processes DSL human resources transactions such as hires, transfers, leaves of absence, salary changes, supplements, termination forms (staff and academic) ensuring completeness and accuracy of data. Works with HR Payroll on complex pay issues.
- Creates and maintains human resources files, checklists and databases.
- Process and approve employee payroll as needed.
- Coordinates and confirms that annual forms, quarterly certifications, and mandatory training are completed by the appropriate DSL staff members (OPA forms, PDR forms, Sexual Misconduct Training etc.) Compiles data and synthesizes findings.
- Interfaces with temporary agencies regarding hires.
Performance Development
- Coordinates the performance management (PDR) and annual salary review (ASR) process for DSL. Serves as a resource for managers and employees; provides training, maintains relevant statistical summaries.
- Provides guidance and ensures that staff and managers have the appropriate training and resources to participate in and to conduct performance reviews, set performance goals, create professional development plans, etc.
- Holds DSL managers accountable for completing performance reviews for staff.
Recruitment
- Assists DSL staff with activities related to recruitment; prepares job requisitions and advertisements, utilizes various posting sites; meets with hiring managers to ensure compliance with MIT and DSL protocol; may screen and forward resumes to managers; trains search chairs on the ATS system, participates in the interview process; in collaboration with hiring manager prepares offers and letters for successful candidates. Ensures salary offers are commensurate with candidate experience, consistent with hiring guidelines and internal equity. May be responsible for checking references. Responsible for negotiating salary offers.
- Promotes a diverse workforce by helping to create an inclusive environment and assisting with attracting diverse candidates. Ensures managers have appropriate resources and training.
- Implements and manages affirmative action programs: preparing search plans, search reports, and affirmative action reports.
- Responsible for on-boarding new employees, prepares on-boarding materials; meets with new employees to orient them to DSL. Communicates logistics of on-boarding with new employees and transfers (ID’s, email accounts, parking, benefits, background checks if applicable etc.)
- Conducts exit interviews for departing employees and shares trend information with management.
Rewards & Recognition
- Partners with DSL HR colleagues to champion and execute DSL’s R&R programs; DSL Appreciates and Infinite Mile Award programs.
Strategic Planning
- Participates in the strategic planning for DSL.
- Partners with management, central Human Resources, SEABoard and other stakeholders to offer workshops on HR topics of interest/need.
- Provides direction and guidance during changes in organizational processes, operations and planning.
- Ensures that DSL is in compliance with all applicable Institute policies and procedures and governmental regulations.
- Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Reports to Director of HR. Employee determines appropriate work methods, plans, schedules, and prioritizes work based on goals and objectives to be achieved, within standards of work unit; carries out work activities independently. Consults with manager to resolve unusual problems or to provide general direction.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Not responsible for supervising others.
QUALIFICATIONS/TECHNICAL SKILLS:
BS/BA or equivalent combination of education and experience; a minimum of 4 years of directly related human resources experience preferably in a higher educational setting. Demonstrated experience drafting and delivering performance feedback and information related to escalating performance improvement and disciplinary actions. Requires sound judgment and ability to quickly and satisfactorily resolve a variety of sensitive job- related problems. Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills required. Ability to manage changing and conflicting priorities, build consensus, set priorities, and understand formal and informal organizational structures and relationships.
Ability to multitask and perform hands-on work in a team-based environment. Demonstrated strength in building relationships both internally and externally. Ability to maintain the utmost level of confidentiality. Strength in working with a diverse group of employees. Ability to juggle and prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment. Superior customer service skills and ability to effectively communicate across functions. Knowledge of federal, state and local employment laws. Strong computer skills and experience using MS Office, Excel, Powerpoint, Cognos, QuickBase, BrioQuery and SAP or their equivalents. Interest and ability to engage in ongoing education and certification programs to actively grow skillset. Familiarity with MIT or similar institutional experience preferred.
Remote Work:
The position offers a flexible and hybrid work schedule within DSL’s business needs.
Apply Online: https://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client_mit/external/search/search.html (Job ID #26053)
** To comply with regulations by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the principal duties in position descriptions must be essential to the job. To identify essential functions, focus on the purpose and the result of the duties rather than the manner in which they are performed. The following definition applies: a job function is essential if removal of that function would fundamentally change the job.
Position Overview:
Responsible for creating, coordinating, implementing, and delivering comprehensive health and fitness programs, services, promotions, and outreach initiatives. Provides exceptional service to members and program participants to maximize engagement, outcomes, and overall satisfaction.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions**):
- Supervise the fitness facility; interact with members, monitor equipment usage and participant safety within the DAPER Lincoln Laboratory Fitness Center.
- Coordinate health promotion activities, special events, and member outreach efforts.
- Provide on-brand personal training services, including assessments and program design, in one-on-one and small group settings.
- Create educational and promotional content, including bulletin boards, newsletters, and social media posts.
- Perform daily fitness center operations such as processing memberships and maintaining towel service.
- Deliver exceptional customer service and foster a welcoming fitness environment.
- Design and lead engaging group fitness classes that are safe, effective, and appropriate for a wide range of fitness levels and formats.
- Develop individualized personal training programs based on participant goals, abilities, and health status, using sound exercise science principles.
- Conduct fitness assessments and testing; interpret results and provide tailored exercise and wellness recommendations.
- Assess health status of members, ranging from apparently healthy to high-risk populations, and provide appropriate guidance and program modifications.
- Create innovative and engaging fitness programming, including class formats and specialty offerings that enhance member participation and retention.
- Develop and implement creative motivational incentive programs and challenges to drive engagement and build community.
- Coordinate and lead a variety of health improvement programs, promotions, and special initiatives.
- Track and evaluate program effectiveness; adjust offerings based on participation, feedback, and outcomes.
- Promote programs and services through outreach efforts to attract new members and re-engage inactive participants.
- Support membership initiatives, including onboarding, enrollments and equipment orientations.
- Enforce facility policies and procedures to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.
- Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Health Fitness Coordinator
Supervision Received:
Reports directly to the Lincoln Lab Health Fitness Center Manager
Supervision Exercised:
None.
Qualifications & Skills:
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
REQUIRED: High school diploma or equivalent; a minimum of three years of related experience, and a full working knowledge of general office practices and procedures. Current certification as a Group Fitness Instructor from a nationally recognized organization. Current certification as a Personal Trainer from a nationally recognized organization or must obtain certification from an approved organization within six months of hire. CPR/AED certification or willing to obtain within 3 months of hire.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
PREFERRED: Bachelor’s Degree in related field. Strong proficiency in group fitness instruction, including class design and delivery. Expertise in personal training and program design. Demonstrated ability in creating engaging incentive programs and challenges. Ability to work independently, strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to motivate others.
Apply Online: https://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client_mit/external/search/search.html (Job ID #25759)
** To comply with regulations by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the principal duties in position descriptions must be essential to the job. To identify essential functions, focus on the purpose and the result of the duties rather than the manner in which they are performed. The following definition applies: a job function is essential if removal of that function would fundamentally change the job.
General Summary:
Responsible for providing administrative and operational support for the graduate residence on behalf of Housing and Residential Services (HRS), Division of Student Life (DSL). Works closely with the Housing Operations Managers and Housing Unit-12 staff to provide customer oriented services including check-in and check-outs, record keeping, mail and package handling, and guest/visitor policies for residents and live-in staff. Conducts Break Officer support for staff breaks and meals, covers desk shifts for weekly desk staff to support vacations, sick time, and emergencies.
Primary Functions:
- Receive and process resident mail and packages for all residents.
- Provide email notifications to residents of package arrivals.
- Conduct check-in and check-out procedures to include verifying arrival dates, providing room access keys/packets, and ensuring forwarding address at check-out.
- Assist House Operations Manager in tracking of reported maintenance work orders, and notification for access to resident rooms for external contractors.
- Sign for, inventory, and track duplicate room keys used for lock-out procedures. Issue lock-out keys to verified residents and track status of keys during shift.
- Prepare key packages for move-in and record issuing of key and check-in to the residential hall via check-in platform.
- Receive and record key and check out the resident(s) when the housing lease has ended.
- Input, track, monitor, and update all records for accuracy for key(s) issued, check-in, check-out, and number of residents in space on a monthly basis and provide a written report to the HRS Desk Services supervisors.
- Support implementation of resident guest policies by checking in and out all guests using Omnigo Reporting Software to ensure only authorized individuals are permitted to enter the residence hall and report all trespassers to the MIT Police.
- Observe GENETEC security cameras and fire and smoke alarm panels and notify Housing Unit-12 or MIT emergency services in the event of a security or safety issue.
- Assist HRS Desk Services supervisors with on-boarding and training of new staff and existing staff to assist in transition to a new position or enable movement of staff for operational needs.
- Notify other desk staff and HRS Desk Services supervisors of any pertinent issues that may have occurred during your shift.
- Assist HRS Desk Services supervisors as a Break Officer in providing desk coverage to enable staff breaks without closing desks during weekday operating hours.
- Expected to work Institute holidays and cover shifts during special closings.
Contacts Required to Perform Duties:
Desk Associates are required to conduct positive interactions with numerous residential and campus partners to be successful. These partners include but are not limited to students, family members, HRS and DSL staff, MIT faculty, Facilities staff, contractors. Desk Associates may also have contact with emergency personnel including the Cambridge Fire Department, MIT and Cambridge Police Departments, and Cambridge/Boston Department of Public Works.
Years of Experience:
Customer service or office experience preferred. Strong verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills and strong customer service orientation is required as is the desire to work in a collaborative environment. Have excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks, set priorities, work independently, and work in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrate experience with the use of web-based programs including email and Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to work in a diverse community and treat all residents, guests, and staff with respect regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, beliefs, abilities or disabilities, or position or rank within the department.
Competencies:
- Ability to achieve success in new initiatives and processes by demonstrating commitment to action, information seeking, and service to students.
- Competency in both analytical and conceptual thinking.
- Ability to influence others through thoughtful collaboration and engagement in teamwork.
- Experience with computer software (Word & Excel), email, electronic work order tracking systems essential, and web-based technology.
- Demonstrated experience and success working in a multicultural environment with a clear understanding of diversity, social justice, and inclusion in both student and workplace settings.
Education:
High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred with emphasis on customer-service or operations.
Moving Requirement:
Ability to move 50 pounds
Working Conditions:
Frequent moving or remaining stationary for extended periods of time may be required. Ability to ascend and descend stairs
Availability:
This position is a full-time position. This position is designated as essential personnel in accordance with the MIT Policy on Emergency Closing or Early Release. During emergencies, employees in this title are excused from their regularly scheduled work only with the specific authorization of their supervisors, regardless of any public announcement that the Institute is closed.
Common Requirements:
- Must treat colleagues, supervisors and all members of the MIT community in a professional and respectful manner. Acts in a manner that is consistent with the Department’s goal of providing high quality service to the Department’s customers. Must comply with all MIT and Department Policies and Procedures.
- Must have the sufficient language/communication skills to communicate with supervisor, colleagues and customers as required by the position. Must be able to read and understand written directions, safety signage and other documents. Must be able to use email, the IT equipment that is utilized for work order tracking software, and other types of job specific technology once Management has provided the necessary training.
- Must be able to successfully work independently and as a member of a team based on the varying nature of different tasks.
- Must report any unsafe conditions or hazards to immediate supervisor.
- This job description is intended to provide a summary of the position. It is not a complete list of all of the duties. An employee may be required to perform other duties that are related to the primary functions listed in the job description.
- MIT will conduct a background check (including checking criminal records) for finalists. For current MIT SEIU members, this background check will be done for finalists who are bidding for a promotion or for a voluntary transfer to another classification unit.
Apply Online: https://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client_mit/external/search/search.html (Job ID #25483)
** To comply with regulations by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the principal duties in position descriptions must be essential to the job. To identify essential functions, focus on the purpose and the result of the duties rather than the manner in which they are performed. The following definition applies: a job function is essential if removal of that function would fundamentally change the job.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Assistant Dean of the Fraternities, Sororities, and Independent Living Groups (FSILGS) Office, the Assistant Director provides primary support and advisement to MIT’s Panhellenic Association (Panhel), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) and Living Group Council (LGC) and the individual chapters and living groups that are recognized under these governing councils, particularly in the areas of leadership, organizational development, and chapter and community programming. The Assistant Director works with Panhel’s seven sororities, MGC’s six fraternities and sororities and LGC’s five independent living groups in collaboration with their governing councils to strengthen the ongoing viability of the FSILG community and to ensure the system offers effective and quality programs that support MIT’s educational mission. The Assistant Director offers resources and skills in the areas of recruitment and intake, event planning, organization activities support, educational and officer training, crisis response, and effective communication between MIT’s Division of Student Life (DSL) and the FSILG Community.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Advise Panhel, MGC, and LGC governing boards and individual board members in all areas of management and programming, including oversight of recruitment/intake programs, new member education programs, and risk management programs. Attend weekly cabinet meetings and regularly scheduled council meetings.
- Advise the chapter/organization leaders of the Panhel, MGC, and LGC organizations in all areas of management and programming, including risk management, new member education programs, chapter and member development and facility maintenance. Meet regularly with each chapter/organization president.
- Assist in and help coordinate the development and implementation of leadership training programs for fraternities, sororities, living groups, and their members, including community service programs, alumni/ae development, officer development and other leadership programs.
- Work closely with other members of the FSILG Office team to assist in the development of chapter/organization intervention and support strategies.
- Approve event registration processes for Panhel, LGC & MGC councils & chapters. Provide event registration training for student leaders in those councils.
- Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of the FSILG Office who advises MIT’s Interfraternity Council (IFC), as well as the Assistant Dean of the Office of Student Conduct (OSC) in advising and training the governing judicial boards for Panhel, MGC, and LGC, mediating complaints between MIT students and organizations, and advise individual students and student leaders, as appropriate.
- Assist in selection and training of the Graduate Resident Advisors (GRAs) and development and management of the GRA program.
- Supervise the GRAs that live in the Panhel and LGC houses. This includes holding regular GRA cluster meetings and once a month one-on-one meetings.
- Collaborate with the FSILG Office team (Associate Dean/Director, Assistant Dean/IFC adviser, GAs/GRAs), DSL Partners (e.g. Student Activities Office and Undergraduate Residential Life) to ensure a diverse slate of programs and an open, welcome environment for all students in the FSILG community.
- Serve on Residential & Community Life and Division of Student Life (DSL)-wide committees as necessary.
- Assist in the follow up with Dean on Call issues as delegated by the Associate Dean.
- Assist Associate and Assistant Deans in their work with individual chapter/organization officers, the FCI, and the AILG Safety, Licensing and Inspection and Accreditation programs to ensure life-safety and risk management compliance. Work with chapters/organizations and MIT Facilities on move-in, move-out, and recruitment preparation support.
Supervision Received
Direct supervision is received from the Assistant Dean of Fraternities, Sororities, and Independent Living Groups.
Qualifications & Skills
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree required. Minimum 2 years of academic administration, student services, or related work experience required.
Ideal candidates will exhibit a strong adherence to best practices, including AFA Core Competencies, NASPA and ACPA Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Practitioners, and CAS Standards. Qualified candidates will embrace a fast-paced, multi-task setting and have the flexibility to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are necessary. Experience and skills in conflict resolution, leadership training, public speaking and writing are necessary, as is good judgment and sensitivity in understanding and relating to students of various backgrounds. Must possess the ability to articulate a student development philosophy in a high intensity academic environment. Must be both team and service-oriented with the ability to work collaboratively with students, alumni, administration, and local officials. Preference will be given to candidates with an appreciation for the value of the fraternal/sorority experience as a component of the college educational experience as well as the ability to be creative and innovative in support of the needs of the MIT campus community. The position requires the successful applicant to secure housing within close proximity to campus. Evenings and weekend hours are necessary.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Master’s degree preferred, preferably in College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, or related field.
Apply Online: https://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client_mit/external/search/search.html (Job ID #25403)
** To comply with regulations by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the principal duties in position descriptions must be essential to the job. To identify essential functions, focus on the purpose and the result of the duties rather than the manner in which they are performed. The following definition applies: a job function is essential if removal of that function would fundamentally change the job.
Reports To:
Reports to the Supervisor of Nightwatch Operations. Will be primarily assigned to work in one or more specific dormitories but may be re- assigned to other dormitories on an as needed basis.
General Summary:
The Dormitory Patrol is responsible for monitoring the dormitories, enforcing security protocols and responding/reporting any unsafe incidents or conditions.
Primary Functions:
- Observe and patrol designated dormitory to prevent/report unlawful entry and vandalism.
- Monitor security cameras, fire and smoke alarms, window locks, interior and exterior lights.
- Reports any need for maintenance or repair.
- Responds to incidents of fire, medical emergency, flooding, water discharge, hazardous materials, and other incidents by contacting emergency personnel or other responders. Takes preliminary steps consistent with applicable training.
- Monitor two-way radio and respond to calls from the Operations Center and/or the Supervisor.
- Monitor residents and guests who are entering buildings and report all trespassers to the MIT Police.
- Approach and interact with students and visitors who are violating policies. Inform them of the policies and direct them to comply with the policies. When necessary, ask students or visitors to provide identification. Contact MIT Police whenever necessary.
- Submit scheduled written, electronic, and oral reports and provide information regarding unusual incidents.
- Perform resident lock outs.
License/Certification:
Drivers License preferred. (A Driver’s License is required in order to serve as the 10%er Dormitory Patrol on a shift.)
Years of Experience:
- One year of security experience or other relevant experience preferred
- One year experience working in a higher education residential environment preferred
- Customer service experience working in university or High School environment or other relevant work environment preferred
Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Moving Requirements:
Ability to move 50 pounds.
Working Conditions:
- Frequent prolonged periods of time of moving throughout the dormitory including ascending/descending stairs may be required.
- Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when required by the needs of the assignment.
- Required to wear Department provided uniform and carry guard tour device and two way radio.
Availability:
This is an essential position in accordance with the MIT Policy on Emergency Closing or Early Release. During emergencies, employees in this title are excused from their regularly scheduled work only with the specific authorization of their supervisors, regardless of any public announcement that the Institute is closed.
Common Requirements:
- Must treat colleagues, supervisors and all members of the MIT community in a professional and respectful manner. Acts in a manner that is consistent with the Department’s goal of providing high quality service to the Department’s customers. Must comply with all MIT and Department Policies and Procedures.
- Must have the sufficient language/communication skills to communicate with supervisor, colleagues and customers as required by the position. Must be able to read and understand written directions, safety signage and other documents. Must be able to use email, the IT equipment that is utilized for work order tracking software, and other types of job specific technology once Management has provided the necessary training.
- Must be able to successfully work independently and as a member of a team based on the varying nature of different tasks.Must report any unsafe conditions or hazards to immediate supervisor.This job description is intended to provide a summary of the position. It is not a complete list of all of the duties. An employee may be required to perform other duties that are related to the primary functions listed in the job description.
- MIT will conduct a background check (including checking criminal records) for finalists. For current MIT SEIU members, this background check will be done for finalists who are bidding for a promotion or for a voluntary transfer to another classification unit.
Apply Online: https://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client_mit/external/search/search.html (Job ID #25674)
** To comply with regulations by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the principal duties in position descriptions must be essential to the job. To identify essential functions, focus on the purpose and the result of the duties rather than the manner in which they are performed. The following definition applies: a job function is essential if removal of that function would fundamentally change the job.