Director of Residence Life

Job Description

Job Description

DIRECTOR OF RESIDENCE LIFE

MUST INCLUDE A RESUME, COVER LETTER, and REFERENCES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE POSITION.

FLSA Status:

SALARY, EXEMPT – live-on, full-time, 12-month position

As an exempt employee, the employee may occasionally work beyond standard business hours (40 hours), including evenings and weekends, to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.

Department:  Student Affairs

Reports to:  Dean of Student Affairs

Positions Managed:  Resident Directors and Student Resident Assistants

Why Bethany:

Rooted in our Lutheran heritage and the transformative power of the liberal arts, Bethany prepares students to lead lives of purpose, leadership, creativity, and service in a complex and changing world. Located in Lindsborg, Kansas—affectionately known as "Little Sweden" and celebrated for its vibrant arts community—Bethany offers a close-knit environment where faculty and staff know students by name and mentor them in a highly personalized setting. 

Education at Bethany is rooted in intellectual discovery and a deep sense of belonging, equipping students to think critically, lead ethically, and serve with purpose. As a small, private, rural college, Bethany plays an essential role in renewing civic life, expanding opportunity, and fostering community revitalization. We believe in the value of personalized liberal arts education, the power of community, and the promise of rural America. 

At Bethany, you'll have the opportunity to inspire the next generation while contributing to the cultural and academic life of our campus and region as we prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the world.

About Bethany College:

Founded in 1881, Bethany College is a dynamic liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas—known as “Little Sweden U.S.A.” Bethany provides a transformative educational experience grounded in faith, learning, and community. The College is dedicated to cultivating leaders who serve and inspire through integrity, creativity, and purpose.

Position Overview:

The Director of Residential Life is responsible for supporting Bethany College’s mission statement in compliance with college regulations, policies, and procedures. This is a live-on, full-time, 12-month position that leads the residence life and residential education programs, fostering a positive, engaging, and educational environment that promotes student growth.

Essential Functions:

Residential Life Leadership and Staff Supervision

• Lead Bethany College’s residence life and residential education programs.
• Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate Resident Directors and Resident Assistants.
• Oversee the recruitment, selection, onboarding, and development of residential life staff.
• Conduct staff and individual meetings to provide guidance, feedback, and professional support.
• Establish performance expectations and standards for residential life staff.
• Foster a positive, engaging, and educational residential environment that promotes student growth.

Housing Operations and Administration

• Oversee housing assignments, room changes, contracts, check-in/check-out, keys, and related records.
• Maintain accurate residential and off-campus student housing information in College systems (J1, Slate, etc.).
• Monitor new student deposits in Slate and coordinate housing follow-up.
• Update housing forms and maintain emergency contact information in J1 or applicable systems.
• Manage employee housing, including agreements, keys, and HR notifications.
• Supervise staff responsible for processing and implementing room changes.
• Develop and implement plans to identify and pursue departmental revenue opportunities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for housing-related questions, communicating compassionately and professionally with students and their families while providing timely guidance and support throughout the housing process.

Residential Education and Community Development

• Develop and assess residential education and community-building programs aligned with the College’s mission and recognized best practices in Student Affairs.
• Lead Resident Directors and Resident Assistants in fostering healthy, inclusive residential communities. 
• Coordinate hall programming that promotes belonging, leadership, wellness, and student success.
• Support students experiencing personal, mental health, transition, or retention concerns, connecting them with campus resources.
• Connect students with counseling, academic support, health services, and other campus resources.
• Maintain a visible presence in the residence halls and serve as a positive student role model.

Conduct, Safety, and Emergency Response

• Implement the Student Code of Conduct and Community Standards with Student Affairs.
• Review and report residential conduct violations to appropriate administrators.
• Serve as a hearing officer for residential conduct cases, as assigned.
• Assure that monthly health and safety inspections and follow-up on findings are completed.
• Coordinate fire drills and residential safety procedures.
• Respond to emergencies, crises, and significant student incidents.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement in sensitive situations.

Assessment, Collaboration, and General Functions

• Assess residential programs, operations, engagement, and student learning outcomes, and recommend improvements.
• Maintain accurate housing, staff, duty, and program records.
• Participate in Student Affairs meetings, committees, orientations, enrollment, commencement, and major College initiatives.
• Collaborate with campus partners including Academic Affairs, HR, Facilities, Athletics, and Admissions.
• Communicate concerns and recommendations to College leadership.
• Support Bethany College’s missions through professionalism, service, and conduct.

General Student Affairs

• Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Set a standard and tone that will reflect well on the Division of Student Affairs and the College and will, as a result, provide students with a positive role model.
• Understanding the College’s policies and procedures and exercising judgment accordingly. Recommend policy changes and develop procedures to improve the Hall’s operation. Assure that students are safe and confidential College information is handled appropriately.
• Function as an active and cooperative member of the Division of Student Affairs and support the mission and goals of the department. Maintain active involvement in all student affairs activities and assist when necessary.
• Represent Student Affairs on college-wide committees as needed.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other areas to cover absences or provide relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload. 

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree OR one to three years of professional experience in residence life, housing, or student affairs.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, including the ability to recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate staff
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively to emergencies and crises.
• Willingness to live on campus and participate in an on-call rotation, including evenings, weekends, vacation periods, and holidays.
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance and the parameters of confidentiality in a student life role.
• Excellent grammar, spelling, and writing abilities 
• Microsoft Office, computer knowledge, and knowledge of office equipment 
• Ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences, including students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, administration, and the community at large
• Ability to handle multiple projects/assignments concurrently and be very results-oriented
• Highly motivated and works well both independently and in a team environment
• Regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or a related field.
• Two or more years of progressive professional experience in residence life.
• Experience working at a small, private, residential, liberal arts, or faith-based college.
• Knowledge of student development theory, residential education, conduct processes, crisis response, and housing operations.
• Experience with housing systems such as Jenzabar/J1, Slate, or COGNOS.
• Experience with assessment, residential curriculum, student retention, or community-building initiatives.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

Key Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

• Student-centered and committed to student safety, belonging, and holistic development
• Visible, approachable, and able to build trust with students and staff.
• Calm, dependable, and decisive during emergencies and difficult situations.
• Organized and detail-oriented in managing housing systems, records, schedules, and deadlines.
• Collaborative, professional, and effective in working across departments and with external partners.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic residential campus environment.
• Accountable, professional, and committed to confidentiality and ethical conduct.

Working Conditions:

• The role will primarily work from the office at Bethany College. 
• Work is generally performed indoors, although some events are held outdoors. 
• Evenings, weekends, and holiday rotations are required. 
• The position requires travel to assigned locations around and off-campus.

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans
• Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Tuition remission benefits
• Professional Development Funds
• Possible Relocation Assistance
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth
• Supportive, mission-driven community and a beautiful campus environment

How to Apply:

• Apply online at Employment
• Submit resume and cover letter

EEO:

Bethany College, an institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

This policy reflects Bethany College's mission to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. This commitment to equal employment opportunities strengthens our community and enhances our ability to fulfill our educational mission.