Area Director of Residential Life

Area Director of Residential Life Full‑time, live‑in position responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating strategies and programs that enrich the residential experience and foster intellectual growth, community engagement, and student well‑being at Colgate University. Responsibilities Community Development & Engagement Support the development and furthering of the departmental philosophy, mission, and programs by translating the mission, vision, and strategic goals into actions that transform residential communities. Facilitate community development and learning models in the area, including one‑on‑ones, event planning, community meetings, and other outreach strategies. Cultivate a visible and approachable identity as a live‑in residential staff member. Provide accurate advice and guidance that supports the growth, maturity, and intellectual development of students. Administer protocols and processes to address student concerns, connecting them with appropriate resources and support systems. Participate in student behavior management by responding to incidents, meeting with students, and applying appropriate sanctions as detailed in the University student handbook. Resolve student conflict and conduct issues within the assigned area (or broader when on‑call), ensuring proper documentation. Ensure the development of a safe, welcoming, accessible, and fair environment that includes and engages everyone. Actively address issues that diminish students’ sense of belonging and engagement. Maintain active engagement by participating in events, programs and having a presence in each area. Serve as a role model of healthy engagement in the greater campus community. Intellectual Connection Provide leadership and support within assigned Residential Commons. Assist residents with barriers to academic success, making appropriate referrals. Develop relationships with faculty, including Residential Commons directors, to implement living and learning objectives. Facilitate the development of communities that support intellectual pursuits and academic engagement. Advise the Commons Council in support of these goals. Staff Supervision Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate a team of student staff according to department expectations, goals, and procedures. Plan on‑going staff development and in‑service activities to support continued training and personal development. Advise departmental committees for student staff members and students. Facilities & Building Management Duties Coordinate, maintain, and monitor administrative and operational functions associated with residence hall management (occupancy, room condition, maintenance, technology, etc.). Exercise judgment in effective day‑to‑day management of multiple housing facilities. Manage residence hall opening and closing procedures for all assigned areas. Facilitate regular health and safety inspections in each residential area. Ensure all reported damages and facility problems are fixed within an appropriate time frame. Crisis Management & Emergency Response Serve as a referral source for student staff during counseling and crisis issues. Provide crisis intervention and follow‑up after incidents, coordinating with Residential Life staff and professionals from the Counseling Center, Dean’s Office, Campus Safety, and others as needed. Participate in scheduled professional staff on‑call duty rotation. Manage the student staff on‑call duty for assigned duty areas. Core Departmental Responsibilities Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Residential Life, the Dean of the College, Facilities, Faculty, and the University community to engage students around their expertise. Disseminate information regarding policies, conduct, administrative matters, and campus events to staff. Become familiar with central department processes and policies to accurately promote and communicate with partners, students, and families, covering central office on a rotating basis. Assist in assessment of student learning, student needs, and program effectiveness. Manage room assignment changes with the Housing Coordinator. Meet regularly with supervisor to review goals, set individual goals, assess progress, and solve problems. Work with students, parents, co‑workers, supervisor, department staff, and University staff from diverse backgrounds on a variety of issues. Communicate with students, colleagues, and parents, resolving concerns and addressing questions with care and support while managing boundaries. Effectively utilize a broad range of communication methods. Maintain accurate knowledge of occupancy and vacancy records in residential communities. Facilitate weekly staff meetings and one‑on‑one meetings with assigned student staff. Participate in departmental and university committees as appropriate. Model professional behavior appropriate for living among students. Other duties as assigned. Campus Security Authority This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act, responsible for reporting alleged crimes to Campus Safety. Qualifications Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build collegial relationships with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and visitors. Availability to work evenings, late nights, and occasional weekends as required. Self‑motivated with the capacity to manage multiple projects, programs, and student challenges simultaneously with urgency. Minimum two years of relevant work experience. Minimum one year of post‑baccalaureate full‑time work experience. Experience in crisis management, student conduct, student staff supervision, and program design is preferred. Experience with student activities and event planning is preferred. Experience working with faculty within a learning community or similar program is highly desired. Prior student‑intern, volunteer, and/or professional supervisory experience is required. Previous student leadership roles are required. Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in higher education or related field preferred. Benefits Colgate University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness programs, continuing education and professional development, free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. EEO Statement The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws. Compliance Colgate University is committed to campus safety and compliance with the Clery Act, ensuring the protection of students, staff, and visitors. #J-18808-Ljbffr