What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director of Residence Life position at Inside Higher Ed?
Job Title: Associate Director of Residence Life
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 62119
Department
University Housing
Florida State University
Florida State University - recognized as a Forbes Best-in-State Employer - is a place where purposeful work, student growth, and community impact meet every day. The Associate Director of Residence Life plays a pivotal role in shaping the residential student experience at one of the nation’s premier research universities.
Our residence halls are more than places to live; they are dynamic communities where students learn, connect, and thrive. As a key leader within University Housing, you will guide strategic programs, mentor a talented team, and support operational excellence across a large and vibrant residential community.
Responsibilities
Why This Role Matters
Residence Life is central to the student journey at FSU. Thousands of students call our residence halls home, and the environment you help build directly influences their well-being, academic success, and personal development.
In This Role, You Will
Shape policies and practices that guide community standards and student support.
Lead, mentor, and develop full-time, graduate, and undergraduate Residence Life team members.
Strengthen a curriculum-driven residential experience focused on learning and wellness.
Serve as a trusted advisor during crisis response, emergency operations, and institution-wide coordination.
This position is integral to fostering a supportive, connected environment that defines the residential experience at FSU.
What You’ll Do
Residence Life Administration
Develop, interpret, and implement policies that guide the residence life program.
Partner with Student Conduct & Community Standards and campus colleagues to support consistent, student-centered conduct processes.
Team Leadership & Supervision
Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate full-time, graduate, and undergraduate staff.
Directly supervise Residence Life Assistant Directors and the Program Coordinator for Residential Student Experience.
Build and sustain a high-performing team rooted in strong communication and sound judgment.
Community Development
Lead the implementation of residential curriculum initiatives that enhance student learning and wellness.
Partner with faculty, campus units, and student leaders to deliver intentional programming and ongoing assessment.
Crisis Response & Emergency Management
Coordinate crisis response involving residential students and campus operations.
Serve as an essential member of the department’s emergency response team during events such as severe weather or public health incidents.
Fiscal Management
Oversee budget areas that support staffing, training, travel, safety initiatives, and student programs within Residence Life.
Campus & Departmental Representation
Represent Residence Life on University committees, work groups, and task forces.
Stay informed on trends and promising practices through professional development and conference engagement.
Qualifications
Master's in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or related field and at least four years of post-Master’s experience in Housing and Residence Life.
Preferred Qualifications
What We’re Looking For
Education & Experience
Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
Four years of progressive post-master’s experience in Housing and Residence Life.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Advanced abilities in policy development, team management, and strategic planning.
Experience supporting students in complex and dynamic settings.
Sound judgment, crisis readiness, and the ability to build trusted relationships across campus.
Additional Requirements
Successful completion of a standard background check.
University Information
One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!
Learn more about our university and campuses.
FSU Total Rewards
FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.
How To Apply
If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.
Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.
Considerations
This is an A&P position.
This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.
This position is advertised as open until filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Working at Florida State University
Employees at FSU are part of a vibrant academic and professional community where ideas matter, collaboration fuels progress, and meaningful work happens every day. Within University Housing, your leadership will elevate the student experience in ways that resonate well beyond a single academic year.
Your future begins here - Learn more and apply at jobs.fsu.edu
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 62119
Department
University Housing
Florida State University
Florida State University - recognized as a Forbes Best-in-State Employer - is a place where purposeful work, student growth, and community impact meet every day. The Associate Director of Residence Life plays a pivotal role in shaping the residential student experience at one of the nation’s premier research universities.
Our residence halls are more than places to live; they are dynamic communities where students learn, connect, and thrive. As a key leader within University Housing, you will guide strategic programs, mentor a talented team, and support operational excellence across a large and vibrant residential community.
Responsibilities
Why This Role Matters
Residence Life is central to the student journey at FSU. Thousands of students call our residence halls home, and the environment you help build directly influences their well-being, academic success, and personal development.
In This Role, You Will
Shape policies and practices that guide community standards and student support.
Lead, mentor, and develop full-time, graduate, and undergraduate Residence Life team members.
Strengthen a curriculum-driven residential experience focused on learning and wellness.
Serve as a trusted advisor during crisis response, emergency operations, and institution-wide coordination.
This position is integral to fostering a supportive, connected environment that defines the residential experience at FSU.
What You’ll Do
Residence Life Administration
Develop, interpret, and implement policies that guide the residence life program.
Partner with Student Conduct & Community Standards and campus colleagues to support consistent, student-centered conduct processes.
Team Leadership & Supervision
Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate full-time, graduate, and undergraduate staff.
Directly supervise Residence Life Assistant Directors and the Program Coordinator for Residential Student Experience.
Build and sustain a high-performing team rooted in strong communication and sound judgment.
Community Development
Lead the implementation of residential curriculum initiatives that enhance student learning and wellness.
Partner with faculty, campus units, and student leaders to deliver intentional programming and ongoing assessment.
Crisis Response & Emergency Management
Coordinate crisis response involving residential students and campus operations.
Serve as an essential member of the department’s emergency response team during events such as severe weather or public health incidents.
Fiscal Management
Oversee budget areas that support staffing, training, travel, safety initiatives, and student programs within Residence Life.
Campus & Departmental Representation
Represent Residence Life on University committees, work groups, and task forces.
Stay informed on trends and promising practices through professional development and conference engagement.
Qualifications
Master's in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or related field and at least four years of post-Master’s experience in Housing and Residence Life.
Preferred Qualifications
What We’re Looking For
Education & Experience
Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
Four years of progressive post-master’s experience in Housing and Residence Life.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Advanced abilities in policy development, team management, and strategic planning.
Experience supporting students in complex and dynamic settings.
Sound judgment, crisis readiness, and the ability to build trusted relationships across campus.
Additional Requirements
Successful completion of a standard background check.
University Information
One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!
Learn more about our university and campuses.
FSU Total Rewards
FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.
How To Apply
If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.
Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.
Considerations
This is an A&P position.
This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.
This position is advertised as open until filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Working at Florida State University
Employees at FSU are part of a vibrant academic and professional community where ideas matter, collaboration fuels progress, and meaningful work happens every day. Within University Housing, your leadership will elevate the student experience in ways that resonate well beyond a single academic year.
Your future begins here - Learn more and apply at jobs.fsu.edu
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.