Director of Residence Life

Job Description

Job Description

Bethany College

Lindsborg, Kansas

Bethany College

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

DIRECTOR OF RESIDENCE LIFE

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.

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.).
• Manage employee housing, including agreements, keys, and HR notifications.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for housing-related questions for students and families.

Residential Education and Community Development

• Develop and assess residential education and community-building programs aligned with the College mission.
• 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.

Conduct, Safety, and Emergency Response

• Implement the Student Code of Conduct and Community Standards; serve as a hearing officer as assigned.
• Coordinate fire drills, safety procedures, and monthly health and safety inspections.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and respond to emergencies, crises, and significant student incidents.

General Student Affairs & Collaboration

• Function as an active member of the Division of Student Affairs, representing the department on college-wide committees.
• Collaborate with campus partners including Academic Affairs, HR, Facilities, Athletics, and Admissions.

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.
• One to three years of professional experience in residence life, housing, or student affairs.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively to emergencies and crises.
• Willingness to live on campus and participate in an on-call rotation.
• 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

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 with housing systems such as Jenzabar/J1, Slate, or COGNOS.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

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 references, 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.