What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Residence Life position at Lincoln University?
Job Title: Director of Residence Life
Position Type: Full-Time
Division: Student Success
Department: Residence Life
Department Overview
The Department of Residence Life at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania fosters a safe, inclusive, and supportive living-learning environment that enhances student success and personal growth. We aim to provide a residential experience that supports academic achievement, builds community, and promotes student engagement.
Position Summary
The Director of Residence Life provides strategic leadership and vision for the university’s residential programs. This role is responsible for creating and sustaining inclusive, educational, and vibrant living environments where students thrive academically and socially. The Director oversees residential education, housing operations, facilities coordination, policy development, and staff supervision.
As the leader of the department, the Director manages a team of professional and paraprofessional staff and partners closely with colleagues across campus to ensure a seamless and student-centered housing experience. This position plays a key role in enhancing student retention and satisfaction through intentional residential programming and responsive operations.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Supervision
Lead the Department of Residence Life in setting goals, assessing outcomes, and enhancing overall program effectiveness.
Supervise professional staff, including Area Coordinators and Community Advisors, with responsibility for training, performance evaluation, and professional development.
Provide direction and oversight for housing operations including assignments, move-in/move-out processes, damage billing, and key inventory.
Serve as the first point of contact for Area Coordinators in crisis situations and on-call protocols.
Foster a community of accountability, mutual respect, and responsible citizenship.
Operations & Housing Management
Develop and implement housing policies, procedures, and contracts in alignment with institutional goals and legal standards.
Manage residential assignments and data systems using The Housing Director (THD) software.
Ensure effective communication with students and families regarding housing processes and deadlines.
Oversee departmental marketing efforts, including social media and website content.
Respond to complex housing inquiries and concerns from students, families, and campus partners.
Promote inclusive practices aligned with the ADA, Fair Housing Act, and Title IX.
Campus Partnerships & Compliance
Collaborate with the Office of Accessibility Services on housing accommodations.
Serve on campus-wide committees, including the CARE Team, and contribute to emergency response and risk management efforts.
Partner with Facilities, Public Safety, Financial Aid, Information Technology, and other key offices to deliver coordinated support services.
Train Residence Life staff on shared responsibilities with facilities and other campus partners.
Designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act; required to report allegations of crime to Campus Safety.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in residence life or housing administration.
Demonstrated experience supervising professional and paraprofessional staff.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and work collaboratively across departments.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with residential management software (e.g., THD or similar platforms).
Previous experience in a liberal arts college or residential HBCU environment.
Knowledge of student development theory and its application to residential education.
Professional Attributes
High level of professionalism, discretion, and maturity.
Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community.
Enthusiasm for engaging with students and supporting their development.