Director of Residence Life

OUR UNIVERSITY

Ottawa University (established in 1865), one of the oldest private liberal arts universities in the United States, is a multi-campus system serving approximately 4000 students through its campuses in Kansas (Ottawa, Kansas- Residential Campus and Overland Park, Kansas- Adult Programs); Arizona (Surprise Residential Campus and OUAZ Adult Programs); Wisconsin (Brookfield Adult Programs); and our OU ONLINE PROGRAM based out of Overland Park, Kansas.

Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, private university that strives to integrate faith, learning, and life in the academic experiences of students.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for all aspects of leading a comprehensive Residence Life program which is complementary to student life and instructional programs, contributing to the intellectual, spiritual, social, physical and emotional development for students. Position responsible for leading the daily operations of Residence Life programming. Provide conduct administration assistance to the Dean of Student Life & Services, weekend work, and participation in on-call rotation is required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB (provide list of items which are essential to effective outcomes in this role):

• Responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, and supervising the housing operations functions (i.e. Check-in and check-out procedures, request-to-stay over breaks, etc.).
• Manage operations of all residence halls. Develop a strong sense of community within the halls and facilitate an environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, personal, and interpersonal lives of residents. Provide leadership and direction to resident assistants. Live in and manage a residence hall. Schedule all rotation assignments of each hall and monitor coverage for effectiveness. Schedule and participation in the professional on-call staff rotation (including breaks).
• Responsible for assisting in hiring, training, scheduling, and supervising all residence life staff and Student Life Graduate Assistants. Manage your staff consistent with University personnel policies. Encourage collaboration among staff and with others, provide regular evaluation and feedback, and facilitate developmental opportunities.
• Facilitate and direct residence hall programming initiatives in cooperation with the Dean of Student Life & Services and insure the facilitation of educational and social programs in the residence halls.
• Coordinate the editing and publishing of the Residence Hall Staff Procedure Manual (RA Handbook).
• Monitor residence hall staff compliance with health and safety regulations (i.e. fire drills, severe weather drills, emergency procedures, etc.
• Responsible for assuring residence life conduct issues are handled in a prompt, thorough and effective manner. Understands and includes the Dean of Student Life & Services concerning student conduct issues as needed and appropriate.
• Prepares related reports, as required.
• Prepares and monitors related annual residence life operational budgets.
• Provide direction and guidance in program development and assessment for campus programming efforts of campus Fraternity and Sorority and Life. Procure resources for the growth and success of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
• Works as a member of the Student Affairs Team to provide support to events and encouragement to college-wide participation and effective event programming.
• Responsible for providing support and assistance to event planning including, but is not limited to: Braves Camp, Homecoming, Fall Family Weekend, Student Appreciation Week, Thanksgiving Dinner, and Late-Night Finals Breakfast.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with facilities, housekeeping staff, security officers, professional staff, faculty members and other university and non-university personnel.
• Serve as the lead on housing systems (Adirondack, Housing and conduct in J1)
• Serve as representative on applicable committees as assigned by the Dean of Student Life & Services.
• Provide support and assistance to summer camps and conference programming.
• Serve as an administrator for Blackboard Transact One card system, Adirondack, Housing and conduct in J1
• Assure all students (undergraduate and graduate) needs and opinions are heard and communicated to the appropriate individuals. Provide leadership in an effort to help each student develop strong personal values through experience, growth and development, encouraging them to live a life of integrity.
• Serve as a role model through demonstration of ethical behavior, good judgement, respect for laws and university policies, and a cooperative and positive attitude.
• Other duties as assigned

STANDARD UNIVERSITY EXPECTATIONS:

• Model and encourage collaboration among University departments assuring effective communication and operations.
• Understand the University’s policies and, procedures, and exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty, and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.
• Be mindful and supportive of the overall Mission of Ottawa University.
• Exercise Inclusivity in your daily actions accruing alignment within expectations of the University’s Mission Statement and Statement of Inclusion, Openness, and Community.

NOTE

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Ottawa University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate in recruitment or employment on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

REQUIRED EDUCATION: (education based on essential job duties and requirements consistent with business necessity):
Bachelor’s degree required.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: (experience based on requirements in role and are consistent with business necessity)
2-5 or more years of related experience preferred.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: List required and/or preferred certification, industry specific requirements, required or preferred use of equipment, and all necessary job skills, abilities, and knowledge competencies) Provide a list of items below:

• Excellent communication skills
• Effective organization skills for implementing events and managing budgets
• Proven leadership skills working in collaborative organization
• Ability to work with diverse groups to provide education and training
• Ability to assume a leadership role with multiple types of work groups

WORKING CONDITIONS (Physical attributes required to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation - examples: sitting, lifting #, bending, driving, environmental factors or elements, noise level, stairs in a building, or other factors that will affect working conditions). Provide a list of items below:

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing, must be able to lift 5-15 pounds at times. Office building requires daily use of stairs. May include long days during events and peak times of academic calendar.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: No - Travel Required

• If YES, list type and approximate percentage: None
• Responsible for driving students and University vehicles as part of job duties (YES/NO): No