Director of Residential Life

The Director of Residential Life is a member of the Valparaiso University Student Life staff and reports to the Dean of Students. The Director of Residential Life is responsible for coordinating and implementing a comprehensive residential life program consistent with the philosophies and goals of Valparaiso University and the Division of Student Life.

The Director of Residential Life serves as the chief housing officer in a 2,500-bed housing program consisting of nine traditional residence halls and two, third-party, master-leased apartment buildings. Directly supervise, train, and evaluate full-time Residential Learning Coordinators, an Assistant Director for Residential Life, and provides indirect supervision for Resident Assistants and Desk Attendants. The Director of Residential Life provides leadership for the development of policies, programs, and initiatives that support and enhance the learning objectives and strategic goals of the University, the Division of Student Life, and the Office of Residential Life.

Major Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the general administration and operation of the University’s Residential Life programs and Housing operations, including maintaining & reporting out accurate housing data, including occupancy reports, projections (occupancy and revenue), and historical data, including the development of annual housing rate recommendation(s) and market comparison report(s)
• Directly supervise and evaluate full-time professional staff (Residential Learning Coordinators, Assistant Director(s)) and provide indirect supervision for related student staff positions
• Develop and coordinate programs and activities that promote student learning and the creation of civil, respectful communities through constructive development and implementation of University and residence hall policies
• Provide leadership for residential safety and security initiatives
• Manage department operating and programming budgets
• Develop and maintain effective collaborative relationships with University partners (e.g. Facilities Management, Valparaiso University Police Department, Athletics, Enrollment Management, etc.) and with third party vendors and companies
• Respond to or initiate contact with parents as appropriate, maintaining requirements of confidentiality while demonstrating care and understanding
• Serve as a responder to residential student-related matters of concern and crisis situations brought forward by the on-call professional residence hall staff, University police, or other agencies

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs, College Student Personnel, Counseling, Education, or related field
• A successful candidate should have strong skills in organizational leadership, crisis management, advising, problem-solving, and interpersonal, oral, and written communication
• A high degree of energy
• Patience; sensitivity to the academic and personal needs of college students
• Enthusiasm for teaching and learning that goes beyond the classroom
• 5-7 years experience 
• Experience with Colleague Access, The Housing Director, Guardian Conduct, Starfish, and Slate

Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

To be considered for this position, you must upload:

• Cover letter

• Resume

• List of 2 professional references

• Answer all application questions

Please address the cover letter to:

Ryan Blevins, Dean of Students

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, Indiana