Assistant Director of Residence Life

Job Description

Job Description

The Assistant Director of Residence Life supports the overall management of residential communities and fosters a safe, inclusive, and engaging living-learning environment that promotes student success, personal development, and community belonging. This live-on position oversees all Housing Operations and Residence Life student staff training while participating in an on-call rotation for campus emergencies and student crisis response.

EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYEE

• Adhere to all College policies and procedures

• Be an active, positive, and engaged member of the Student Life staff and support the mission of the College
• Foster an inclusive, respectful, and student-centered environment
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues, students, and campus partners
• Maintain professionalism, sound judgment, and appropriate confidentiality
• Demonstrate flexibility, initiative, and effective time management
• Consistently report to work prepared to perform assigned responsibilities
• Respond appropriately to student concerns, emergencies, and crisis situations as needed
• Participate in professional development and required trainings
• Support departmental operations and perform additional duties as assigned
• Meet established departmental performance expectations and deadlines

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Residence Life

• Reside in a college-provided on-campus apartment to support student engagement, community development, and emergency response responsibilities
• Serve as a liaison with Facilities Management regarding maintenance, custodial, and housekeeping concerns within the residence halls
• Assist with the hiring, selection, training, and ongoing support of Residence Hall Coordinators (RHCs) and Resident Assistants (RAs)
• Foster a safe and supportive residential environment that promotes student success and belonging

Housing Operations

• Coordinate housing assignments for students residing in on-campus residence halls

• Manage the housing selection and assignment process for new and returning students
• Support intentional housing placements designed to foster student engagement and community development
• Collaborate with Admissions to collect and process housing applications
• Partner with Athletics regarding student-athlete housing needs and assignments
• Communicate housing assignments and related information to students & staff in a timely manner

• Assist with residence hall opening, closing, move-in, and move-out processes, including key distribution and collection
• Maintain accurate housing records, occupancy rosters, and key inventory databases

On-Call Rotation

• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule serving as a primary responder for residential student concerns and emergencies
  • Remain within a 15-minute response radius of campus while on-call
  • Logged in & respond to all incoming calls for the “On-Call” account while on-call
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, crisis situations, and urgent policy violations occurring within the residence halls
• Document incidents and communicate follow-up needs with appropriate campus partners and supervisors

Administrative

• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to housing operations, occupancy management, and departmental processes
• Assist with housing billing, damage reporting, and communication with the Business Office as needed
• Support departmental assessment efforts, reporting, and operational planning initiatives

Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on departmental needs, institutional priorities, and candidate experience or interests.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position may provide functional supervision, mentorship, and training for student staff members, including Resident Assistants and Residence Hall Coordinators, but has no professional staff supervisory responsibilities.

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education and / or Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field preferred
• Previous experience in Residence Life, Housing, Student Affairs, or a related higher education setting preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to student development, community engagement, and student success
• Experience working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, prioritize tasks, and respond effectively in dynamic environments
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion in sensitive situations

• Communication / Language
  • Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, parents, and campus partners
• Ability to prepare reports, maintain accurate records, and communicate policies and procedures clearly
• Ability to facilitate conversations, trainings, presentations, and student interactions in individual and group settings

• Organizational and Administrative Skills
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills

• Ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing departmental and student needs
• Ability to respond appropriately and effectively in crisis and emergency situations
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team-oriented environment

• Technology Skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and general office technology
  • Ability to learn and effectively utilize housing management systems, student conduct databases, and institutional software platforms
• Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations
  • Valid driver’s license preferred
  • CPR, First Aid, and/or mental health response training preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to communicate effectively in person and electronically
• Frequently required to operate a computer and standard office equipment
• Occasionally required to move throughout residence halls, including climbing stairs and walking between campus buildings
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move items up to 25 pounds

Work Environment

• Work is performed in both office and residential community settings
• Position requires regular interaction with students and campus community members in a fast-paced environment
• Moderate noise levels and occasional high-stress situations may occur, particularly during emergencies or peak operational periods

Work Schedule

• Regular office hours are expected, with availability to support students and departmental operations
• Evening and weekend responsibilities are required, including participation in campus programs, events, and departmental initiatives
• Position participates in an on-call rotation, including answering on-call phone calls during all hours and remaining within a 15-minute response radius of campus
• Live-on residency requirement included as a condition of employment