Assistant Director of Residence Life

Assistant Director of Residence Life

The Assistant Director of Residence Life is a full-time, live-in professional staff member responsible for providing leadership and oversight for residential education, student engagement, staff supervision, crisis response, and residential operations within a comprehensive residential campus environment. This position supports the mission of the university and the Division of Student Life by fostering inclusive, student-centered residential communities that promote belonging, personal growth, academic success, wellness, and student retention.

The Assistant Director provides direct supervision and leadership to professional and student staff and assists with the overall administration of residential communities and departmental initiatives. This position is responsible for overseeing residential education efforts, student conduct processes, crisis management, staff development, occupancy and operational functions, and collaborative campus partnerships. The Assistant Director contributes to departmental strategic planning, assessment initiatives, policy development, and ongoing efforts to enhance the residential student experience.

As a member of the Residence Life leadership team, the Assistant Director participates in an on-call rotation and responds to emergencies and critical incidents outside of standard business hours. Evening and weekend responsibilities are required throughout the academic year.

In addition to salary and benefits, this position includes a furnished on-campus apartment with utilities, access to laundry facilities, a staff meal plan during the academic year, and professional development opportunities.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Residential Education and Student Development
• Staff Supervision and Development
• Crisis Response and Student Support
• Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution
• Residential Operations and Facilities Management
• Assessment, Administration, and Strategic Initiatives
• Collaboration and Campus Engagement

Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of student development theory, residential education, and student engagement practices.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and develop professional and student staff.
• Experience responding to crises, emergencies, and complex student situations with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Knowledge of student conduct practices, conflict resolution, and restorative approaches.
• Ability to foster inclusive communities and incorporate justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles into daily work.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and project management skills.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse campus stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and student housing management software systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success, wellness, and retention.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in Residence Life, Housing, Student Affairs, or a related area.
• Experience supervising professional and/or student staff required.
• Demonstrated experience with crisis response, student conduct, residential operations, and student engagement initiatives preferred.
• Experience working within a residential campus environment strongly preferred.

Western New England University is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging by acknowledging and embracing diversity of thought, opinion, and approach with colleagues regardless of background, culture, and organizational level. WNE encourages diversity in our job applicants to ensure the best culture and work outcomes.