Area Coordinator

Widener University is currently seeking a full-time, 12-month, live-in Area Coordinator to support the residential experience within the Office of Student Living. Reporting to the Senior Associate Director for Student Living, this role oversees co-ed residential communities of 300–400 students and plays a key role in fostering inclusive, engaging, and development-focused living environments.

The Area Coordinator (AC) supports student success by cultivating a welcoming residential community that promotes academic achievement, personal growth, and social responsibility. This role combines student development, staff supervision, operations management, and campus collaboration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to) :

Essential Duties:

Staff Supervision & Leadership

• Supervise and mentor 8–15 Resident Assistants (RAs).
• Lead staff training, development, and facilitate semester performance evaluation process.
• Participate in recruitment and selection of student staff.
  
  

Community Development & Residential Education

• Foster inclusive residential communities through residential curriculum and engagement.
• Provide advising, referrals, and crisis support to residents.
• Serve as a Conduct Hearing Officer and uphold university policies.
• Collaborate on programming that promotes personal, academic, and social development.
  
  

Operations & Administration

• Manage housing operations for assigned communities, including occupancy, facilities, and room assignments.
• Coordinate building openings/closings and oversee health, safety, and risk management practices.
• Maintain accurate records using housing databases and prepare reports.
• Respond to maintenance concerns and ensure timely resolution.
  
  

Departmental Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead or co-lead key collateral assignments which are departmental initiatives (e.g., staff selection/training, student leadership programs).
• Collaborate with campus partners across Student Engagement & Transformation (SET), Facilities, Dining, and academic departments.
• Support summer housing operations, orientation, and conference programs.
• Participate in an on-call rotation for emergency response.
  
  

Student Development & Engagement

• Promote and commit to equity, inclusion, and belonging within the residential community.
• Advise student organizations such as Residence Hall Association.
• Address student concerns related to academic, personal, or interpersonal challenges.
  
  

Professional Development

• Maintain regular visibility and presence within the residential community.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and stay current with higher education best practices.
• Demonstrate initiative, collaboration, and a student-centered approach.
  
  

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Assist with student and professional staff participation on search committees and other initiatives within the Office of Student Living.
• Provide coverage for other Area Coordinators when appropriate, including supporting emergency response efforts and assisting with events during staff absences, vacations, or position vacancies.
• Support central office staff by completing additional duties and assisting with operational procedures as assigned.
• Provide supplemental coverage and support for critical university events, including weekends, such as Homecoming, Move-In/Move-Out, and other key initiatives identified by the SET Division.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of the Office of Student Living and Widener University.
  
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required) :

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• One (1 ) years of professional experience in residential life, student affairs or related field. An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
• Experience as a graduate assistant or employee will be considered.
• Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, student-focused environment.
  
  

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, Counseling or related field.
• Previous experience in Residence Life or Student Affairs.
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• This is a 12-month, live-in position.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods of time.
  
  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D