What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Residence Life position at Shenandoah University?
Shenandoah University’s Office of Student Affairs is accepting applications for a Director of Residence Life. This is a full-time benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, Virginia.
The Director of Residence Life (DRL) is a full-time professional position within the Division of Student Affairs, providing central, strategic leadership for Shenandoah University's residential experience.
The DRL will provide essential leadership and assessment to develop a campus culture that is welcoming, safe, respectful, and inclusive. The role is charged with creating living environments designed to foster personal growth, student responsibility, and transformative learning. This is a unique opportunity to deepen the university's existing culture of inclusivity through intentional training and educational opportunities.
Core Responsibilities:
The DRL serves as a senior leader in the division, focusing on operational excellence, staff development, and strategic university partnerships.
- Staff Leadership & Mentorship:
- Provide senior-level training, supervision, and career development for 3 Area Coordinators, 4 Graduate Assistants, and 40 undergraduate Resident Assistants.
- Guide the residence life team in supporting student retention and persistence to graduation.
- Serve as a mentor to professional staff and both undergraduate and graduate students, focusing on their growth and professional development.
- Operations, Facilities, & Fiscal Management:
- Oversee management of housing assignments, contracts, and occupancy for all residential facilities.
- Manage the departmental budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and cost-effective operations.
- Provide senior-level leadership for housing facilities renovation and new construction projects.
- Ensure efficient office management, departmental assessment, and operational effectiveness.
- Program Development & Assessment:
- Lead the development and assessment of Residence Life programming aligned with defined student learning outcomes.
- Deepen the university's culture of inclusivity through the training and educational opportunities offered in campus communities.
- Provide leadership to facilitate restorative justice initiatives in the residential community.
- Strategic Partnerships & Crisis Management:
- Work collaboratively with senior campus partners, including Physical Plant, Hornet Central, Public Safety, Auxiliary Services, International Programs, and Admissions.
- Contribute to administrative decision-making, creative problem-solving, and serve on campus-wide committees.
- Crisis Management: Serve in a leadership capacity responding to campus crisis situations, and support the on-call staff members in residence life with managing after-hours incidents.
- Requirements & Benefits:
- Professional Development: The DRL is encouraged to take advantage of on-the-job training as well as professional development opportunities.
- On-Call Requirement: DRL responds to and supports the on-call staff members in residence life with managing after hours incidents.
- Benefits: This is a live-on optional position with housing based on need and availability at the time of hire. A meal plan is also available with this position
Required Skills
Qualifications:
The successful applicant must possess the knowledge, experience, and motivation required to lead a comprehensive residential program.
Required:
- 5-7 years of professional higher education experience, with a focus on student life.
- Should possess a deep understanding of housing operations and occupancy, fiscal management skills, and facilities management.
- An understanding of and an appreciation for university policies, procedures, and skills to serve as a conduct officer.
- Supervision and personnel management skills.
- Strong organizational skills, ability to multitask, and meet deadlines for reporting.
- Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to foster connections and work in collaboration with university partners.
- Technology competence with proficiency in Datatel, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to work with a diverse student population and a desire to be a role model.
- A motivated, high-energy, and creative problem solver.
Preferred/Strongly Preferred:
- A Master's degree in higher education, counseling, or a related field.
- Prior crisis management and/or student life experience.
- Experience with StarRez housing software.
How to Apply:
The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed immediately and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected.
**Note: A pre-employment background check will be required, and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.
**Authorized to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment. At this time, Shenandoah University is not in a position to sponsor international visas.
Shenandoah University values individuals and communities' unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.