Director of Residence Life en CHARLESTON SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Description

Director of Residence Life

 Charleston Southern University

Summary

The Director of Residence Life provides leadership, vision, and strategic direction for Charleston Southern University’s residential community in alignment with the University’s mission of integrating faith in learning, leading, and serving. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Student Engagement, the Director oversees all aspects of the residential experience—fostering a Christ-centered, safe, and inclusive environment that supports student development, community engagement, and academic success.

Work Performed

Leadership & Administration

• Provide strategic oversight of all Residence Life operations, including supervision of the professional and student staff team.
• Develop and implement policies, programs, and procedures that align with the mission and values of Charleston Southern University and support student success.
• Lead efforts to cultivate a vibrant, Christ-centered residential community that promotes holistic student development.
• Manage departmental budget, housing assignments, and occupancy planning in collaboration with university partners.

Student Development & Engagement

• Foster an environment that supports personal, spiritual, and academic growth among residential students.
• Develop and assess initiatives that enhance student belonging, community engagement, and leadership development.
• Collaborate with campus partners (Student Engagement,  Campus Ministries, Counseling Services, Campus Security, Facilities, etc.) to provide comprehensive support for students.
• Serve as a resource and advocate for students, responding to concerns and facilitating conflict resolution in a caring, developmental manner.

Staff Supervision & Training

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate Residence Life Coordinators (RLCs), Graduate Assistants (GAs), and Resident Assistants (RAs).
• Provide ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance leadership and ministry effectiveness among Residence Life staff.
• Lead regular staff meetings and retreats focused on team development, mission alignment, and best practices in student affairs.

Crisis Management & Student Conduct

• Oversee residential crisis response, ensuring effective on-call rotation, communication, and follow-up in collaboration with campus partners.
• Support the student conduct process by administering and interpreting community standards consistent with Christian principles and help serve along the Conduct Coordinator if needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation of incidents and interventions, ensuring compliance with University and legal standards.

Assessment & Collaboration

• Use data-driven decision-making to assess student needs, housing satisfaction, and program outcomes.
• Collaborate with other campus departments to advance student retention, wellness, and engagement initiatives.
• Represent the Office of Residence Life on University committees and at institutional events.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in residence life, housing, or student affairs within a university setting (faith-based experience preferred).
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff, managing budgets, and leading student development programs.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong commitment to the mission and values of Charleston Southern University and to integrating faith into all aspects of leadership and service.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and foster collaboration across departments.
• Experience with housing management systems and residence life software preferred.
• Ability to model servant leadership and Christ-like character in interactions with students and staff.

This position requires evening and weekend availability as needed for student programming, crisis response, and staff support.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a CSU application, cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. In the cover letter, applicants should address their experience and how their personal faith aligns with the mission of Charleston Southern University.
Charleston Southern University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community that reflects our values and mission.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.  Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position will remain open until filled.

Charleston Southern University is a Christian university and tobacco-free campus.  We do not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including but not limited to lactation), religion, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the university is prohibited from discrimination under local, state or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admissions, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and university-administered programs.  In order to fulfill its purpose, the university may legally discriminate on the basis of religion in employment.  The university has been granted exemption from certain regulations promulgated under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 which conflict with the University’s religious tenets and core values.

To apply, please complete the online application below and attach a resume.  Entering untrue or inaccurate information will result in disqualification for consideration of vacant positions, or subsequent termination after hire.  This position will remain open until filled.  By completing this application you are giving Charleston Southern University the authority to contact any person, educational institution, current or former employer, or company to disclose in good faith any information they may have regarding your qualifications and fitness for employment including, but not limited to, those you have listed in your application materials.  Prior to a final offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to submit to a background check including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, criminal background check and reference check.  Applicants who will drive for the University will be required to complete a background check on their driving record.