What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Residence Life position at Ursinus College?
Department
Residential Life
Overview
The Director of Residence Life serves as a transformative leader who shapes the residential experience at Ursinus College, where the majority of our students live on campus throughout their four-year journey. This pivotal role reports directly to the Vice Provost for Campus Life/Chief Student Affairs Officer/Dean of Students and holds significant influence in creating vibrant, inclusive living-learning communities that embody the College’s commitment to applied experiential learning. The Director orchestrates a comprehensive residential program that seamlessly integrates with our innovative APEX (Applied Professional Experiential) learning ecosystem, ensuring students develop essential life skills while building meaningful connections in their campus home. As a senior member of the Campus Life Leadership Team and crisis response team, the Director helps architect policies and practices that define the Ursinus residential experience.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities:
- Leadership & Team Development
- Cultivate a dynamic, student-centered residential life team by recruiting, mentoring, and empowering three Assistant Directors, an operations coordinator, and senior student leaders
- Design and implement transformative professional development opportunities for over 60 student staff members, including Resident Advisors, Key Room Manager & Assistants, and Room Inventory Crew
- Foster a culture of innovation, positivity, accountability, and excellence within the Residence Life department
- Strategic Residential Experience Design
- Develop and implement a residential curriculum that serves as a cornerstone of the APEX learning ecosystem, creating seamless connections between classroom learning and residential experiences
- Champion inclusive community-building initiatives that prepare students for local and global engagement
- Collaborate with academic partners to develop signature residential learning experiences that distinguish Ursinus’s approach to holistic student development
- Operational Excellence
- Oversee comprehensive housing operations for approximately 1,400 resident students across 5 traditional halls and the residential village (40 houses)
- Direct mission-critical processes including housing selection, room assignments, move-in/move-out logistics, and residential facility management
- Partner with Information Technology and Residence Life operations coordinator to administer the StarRez housing software, leveraging technology to enhance residential operations and student experience
- Develop and implement innovative solutions to residential challenges while managing complex budgets and resources
- Student Support & Crisis Response
- Lead crisis response efforts as part of the senior staff duty rotation, demonstrating sound judgment and compassionate leadership during emergencies
- Provide case management for students of concern, coordinating resources and interventions for students facing emotional and behavioral challenges
- Design proactive wellness initiatives that support student thriving and resilience in the residential context
- Institutional Leadership
- Serve as a key strategic partner in advancing institutional priorities through the residential experience
- Collaborate with campus partners to integrate the APEX learning ecosystem throughout residential programming
- Contribute to the development of forward-thinking student affairs policies and practices
- Represent Residence Life in campus-wide initiatives and committees
Other Duties:
- The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
- Job responsibilities and activities may be modified or changed at any time with or without notice. Job descriptions will be audited periodically by the Ursinus Human Resources department to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect the essential responsibilities and duties of the job.
Requirements and Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or related field
- 7-10 years of progressive professional experience in residence life or student affairs with demonstrated leadership impact
- Previous success implementing a residential curriculum or learning-centered approach
- Experience at a residential liberal arts institution strongly preferred
Impact & Influence
- This position significantly shapes the Ursinus student experience, directly influencing student satisfaction, retention, and success through the creation of dynamic living-learning environments. The Director plays a central role in translating the College’s APEX learning ecosystem into meaningful residential experiences that prepare students for life beyond graduation.
Preferred Skills and Competencies
Knowledge & Skills
- Demonstrated expertise in student development theory and practice
- Proven ability to design and assess learning-centered residential programs
- Comprehensive understanding of current trends and best practices in residence life
- Experience responding to and managing complex student incidents and crises
- Exceptional administrative acumen, including budget management and strategic planning
- Proficiency with housing management software and student information systems
Leadership Qualities
- Cultivation of a healthy, collaborative, and positive work environment
- Visionary approach to creating transformative residential communities
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships with students, staff, faculty, families, and administration
- Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities
- Creative problem-solving orientation with a student-centered mindset
- Ability to lead with both compassion and accountability
Application