What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Housing and Residence Life position at Allegheny College?
Director of Residence Education
Summary of Position
Allegheny College is a four-year residential liberal arts college where on-campus living is
integral to student development and success. The Director of Housing and Residence Life plays a
pivotal role in shaping this transformative experience. The Director of Housing and Residence
Life provides strategic leadership for housing and programs, fostering a safe, inclusive, and
engaging residential experience that supports student retention, holistic development, and
academic success in alignment with Allegheny College’s Strategic Pathway. The Director
champions a culture of continuous learning and innovation, supporting the professional growth
of staff and students alike.
This position is responsible for the design, execution, and continuous maintenance of a robust
residential curriculum, ensuring it highlights the educational benefits of the residency
requirement. The Director directly supervises two professional Residence Life Coordinators,
works collaboratively with a two-person operations team, and oversees the recruitment, training,
and management of a 55-person student staff. Critically, this role collaborates with key campus
partners—including Academic Success, Athletics, and Operations—to deliver integrated, high-
quality services grounded in a comprehensive student development philosophy.
Key Responsibilities
Professional Staff Leadership, Supervision, and Mentorship: Provide direct supervision,
performance management, and ongoing professional development to the full-time professional Residence
Life staff, ensuring equitable administration of College policy and fostering a culture of continuous
learning and innovation.
- Residential Curriculum Strategy and Assessment: Lead the design, implementation,
demonstrate learning outcomes and measure the impact of the four-year residency model.
- Budget Management and Fiscal Planning: In consultation with the Dean for Student
overseeing purchasing, expenditure approval, and long-range capital planning for
residential resources.
- Student Staff Development and Talent Pipeline: Direct the recruitment, selection,
student resident life staff members, ensuring high standards for mentorship and service
delivery.
- Campus Collaboration and Integrated Services: Serve as the primary departmental
leading collaborative initiatives, joint programming, and policy development to support
student retention and experience.
- Crisis Management and Dean-Level On-Call Response: Serve in an escalated, year-
management for campus emergencies and complex student conduct matters.
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
- 4-7 years of related professional experience required
- Knowledge of FERPA and other applicable privacy laws and regulations.
- Knowledge of residence education models and student development theory.
- Advanced supervisory skills.
- Strong listening and communications skills.
- Ability to manage potentially stressful and crisis situations.
- Ability to hold meetings for 60 minutes.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.
- Ability to be adaptive as needed when working with students.
Compensation
Starting salary will be competitive, based on the candidate’s qualifications and
experience.
Expected starting salary: $50,000.00 full time, exempt
Salary : $50,000