Director of Residence Life na American University
American University · Washington, Estados Unidos Da América · Hybrid
- Senior
- Escritório em Washington
American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University
Department:
Time Type:
Full time
Job Type:
FLSA Status:
ExemptWork Modality:
Union:
Job Description:
Summary:
The Director of Residence Life provides strategic and operational leadership for the Residence Life unit within Housing and Residence Life (HRL), overseeing all aspects of the residential student experience for a community of more than 4,000 students living in on-campus residence halls and university apartments. This position plays a critical role in fostering student learning, engagement, and well-being through the development and implementation of a contemporary residential curriculum grounded in student development theory.
The Director provides oversight for community standards, crisis response, behavior intervention, policy creation, and conflict resolution, while promoting a living-learning environment that supports academic and personal growth.
This position leads a team of professional and student staff, supervising 2 Associate Directors, 2 Assistant Directors, and indirectly supervising 9 community Directors, 1 Coordinator, and more than 150 student leaders.
In addition to managing a budget more than $1 million, the Director represents HRL in university-wide committees, initiatives, and cross-functional areas with campus partners in student affairs, academic affairs, and public safety. The Director serves in the senior administrator on-call rotation and plays a key role in maintaining a safe and student-centered residential experience aligned with the mission and strategic priorities of the university.
Essential Functions:
1.) Residence Life Supervision and Leadership
Support a thriving and robust Residence Life program with oversight of 13 Residence Halls, and a budget more than 1 million dollars.
Directly supervise, develop, and evaluate 2 Associate Directors, 2 Assistant Directors, and indirectly supervising 9 community Directors and more than 150 student leaders.
Respond to inquiries from students, staff, and families. Provide leadership for complex student concerns through problem identification, complex issues through problem identification and resolution, policy interpretation, and conflict mediation.
Coordinate departmental and/or divisional response to students in crisis, behavioral issues, student wellness, general student safety, and roommate conflicts.
Oversee student conduct processes in collaboration with Dean of Students and Office of Student Accountability & Restorative Practices, including informal resolution, adjudication, and sanction implementation. Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with applicable university policies and federal regulations.
Lead hiring, onboarding, training, and professional development of HRL staff. Conduct annual performance evaluations and implement staff retention and growth strategies.
Represent HRL and the Executive Director, Housing and Residence Life on university committees and work groups.
Promote leadership development within the team through mentorship, leadership pathways, and succession planning efforts aligned with departmental and institutional priorities.
2.) Program Development, Assessment, Education, and Engagement
Develop and implement a robust student development and engagement model that integrates academic and co-curricular program support for residential students.
Design and assess tools to evaluate residential curriculum initiatives, staff performance, residential community programming, judicial and behavioral trends.
Collect and analyze data to inform programming, staffing decisions, learning outcomes, and strategic planning.
Promote and support student leadership opportunities, including the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and Residence Hall Councils.
3.) Administration
Provide leadership and direction for the development and implementation of Residence Life strategic planning and goal setting .
Develop and communicate broadly departmental mission, vision, goals, and values to ensure alignment with University and divisional priorities.
Develop and implement an integrated cross training program of direct, and indirect reports on key departmental functions.
Manage and oversee all financial decision making associated with the Residence Life team. Direct and review purchases and the ongoing reconciliation processes within departmental budgets.
Create and develop policies and procedures that align with the University’s mission and the Division of Student Affairs (DSA).
Create, update, and revise internal and external department guides, manuals, and other literature, and consult with the Director of Housing on housing policies and operations.
Oversee the use of software platforms for incident reporting, occupancy, student engagement tracking, and budgeting (e.g., Guardian, StarRez, Engage).
Maintain Residence Halls, RHA, and restricted accounts with sound financial practices.
4.) Collaboration and Partnerships
Coordinate with DSA and campus partners to develop and implement programs that promote community, safety, security, and belonging within residence halls.
Serve as a visible and engaged presence in the residential community and at campus events.
5.) On-Call Emergency Response/After Hours Responsibility
Provide on-call emergency coverage after hours for the resident population.
Ensure compliance with Clery Act, FERPA, Title IX, ADA, and other applicable policies.
Serve on the bi-weekly Student Activism Support Team (SAST).
Maintain risk reduction procedures while supporting student well-being.
Provide after-hours support for room assignments, staff selection/training, and Admissions events.
Supervisory Responsibility:
The Director supervises 2 Associate Directors, 2 Assistant Directors, and indirectly supervises 9 Community Directors, 1 Coordinator, and more than 150 student leaders.
Competencies:
Championing Customer Needs.
Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
Developing Plans.
Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
Building and Supporting Teams.
Managing Talent.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Full-time.
35 hours per week.
This is a live-off position with “non-traditional” business hours.
Attendance at campus functions, student programs, and after-hours emergency response is often required.
Salary Range:
$110,000 - $120,000 annually.
Required Education and Experience:
Master's degree or equivalent in higher education, student affairs, counseling, social work, or related field.
5-8 years of relevant experience.
Minimum of 6 years post-masters, professional residence hall experience required, including progressive experience in the areas of residence hall leadership, residential curriculum and/or program development, implementation, and assessment.
Experience with campus crisis management and/or on-call coverage required.
Prior supervision of full-time staff is required.
Demonstrated success in developing, implementing, and assessing strategic collaborations with college departments and/or student organizations required.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in your work required.
Preferred Education and Experience:
8-10 years of relevant experience.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
Knowledge of student development theory and its application, the law and higher education, case management models, evidence of an effective leadership style, and a background demonstrating success in working with students, parents, administrators, and faculty.
An ability to welcome, value, and affirm individuals of all identities and experiences, and a commitment to ensure they are understood, appreciated, and fully included in the university community.
Evidence of organizational leadership and an ability to work collaboratively.
Flexibility and the ability to work outside of traditional business hours.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits
AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.
Other Details
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an E-Verify employer.
Current American University Employees
American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [email protected].
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.
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