Director of Housing and Residence Life

Job Description

Job Description

TITLE:  Director of Housing and Residence Life

DEPARTMENT:  Student Engagement

REPORTS TO:  VP of Enrollment Management and Student Success

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: 

Under the direction of the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success, the Director of Housing and Residence Life provides strategic leadership and oversight for all aspects of the University's residential housing program. The Director is responsible for the administration of housing operations, occupancy management, residence life programming, student conduct within residential communities, budget oversight, staff supervision, and emergency response coordination.

The Director develops and implements policies, procedures, and programs that support student engagement, retention, safety, and success within the residential community. This position collaborates with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Facilities Management, Information Technology, Campus Safety, and other campus partners to ensure the effective operation of residence halls and the delivery of quality residential experiences for students.

The Director oversees housing management systems, residential facilities operations, staff recruitment and development, emergency response efforts, and strategic planning initiatives related to housing and residence life.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide leadership and oversight for all housing and residence life operations.
• Coordinate and administer housing programs for students residing in University residence halls.
• Evaluate, assess, and project housing occupancy, retention, and utilization trends.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures related to housing applications, contracts, room assignments, waivers, cancellations, and occupancy management.
• Establish long-range planning goals and strategic initiatives for Housing and Residence Life.
• Manage departmental budgets and ensure responsible fiscal stewardship.
• Oversee the administration and continuous improvement of housing management software systems, including staff training and reporting functions.
• Direct room assignment and meal plan processes in accordance with University, state, and federal regulations.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate Housing and Residence Life staff.
• Develop and implement residential programming that supports student engagement, academic success, leadership development, and community standards.
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to establish living-learning opportunities and co-curricular programming.
• Oversee residential student conduct processes and coordinate with appropriate University officials regarding behavioral concerns.
• Serve as a member of the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) and other University committees as assigned.
• Respond to emergencies and critical incidents involving residential students and facilities.
• Serve in an on-call capacity outside regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and University closures.
• Collaborate with Campus Safety, local law enforcement, and emergency response personnel to ensure the safety and security of residential communities.
• Coordinate access control systems and housing security measures in collaboration with Information Technology and Campus Safety.
• Collaborate with Facilities Management regarding maintenance, capital improvement projects, and residence hall readiness.
• Coordinate housing accommodations for conferences, camps, and special events.
• Prepare reports and assessments related to housing occupancy, retention, student satisfaction, and departmental effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable University policies, state regulations, and federal laws.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:  

• Strong leadership, organizational, and management skills.
• Ability to supervise, motivate, and develop professional and student staff.
• Strong project management and strategic planning abilities.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, parents, and community partners.
• Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions regarding housing operations and student services.
• Knowledge of residence life operations, student conduct administration, crisis management, and emergency response.
• Proficiency in housing management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

• This position does have supervisory responsibility. 

OTHER DUTIES: 

• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, College Student Personnel, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in Housing and Residence Life, Student Affairs, or a related higher education environment.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in housing operations, occupancy management, student conduct, residence life programming, and budget administration.
• Demonstrated experience managing student crises and emergency situations.
• Experience utilizing housing management software and technology systems.

Licensing and Certifications:

• None required

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is normally performed in a typical office environment.
• Position requires evening, weekend, and holiday work.
• Position requires participation in an on-call rotation and response to emergencies.
• Limited physical effort is required.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.