Director of Residence Life

Job Summary:

The Director of Residence Life provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Office of Residence Life (ORL), with responsibility for creating a vibrant, safe, inclusive, and engaging residential environment that supports student success, belonging, personal development, and community. The Director provides leadership for housing operations, residential education and programming, and staff development, while ensuring effective departmental operations and collaboration across the University. The Director advances the University’s mission and strategic priorities by developing a residential experience that contributes meaningfully to student learning, engagement, retention, and overall success.

Essential Functions:

Mission, Culture & Leadership

• Model Alvernia’s Franciscan values through compassionate service, ethical leadership, and commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful community for all.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the Office of Residence Life (ORL), ensuring departmental programs, services, and operations support the University's mission and student success goals.
• Establish clear expectations, goals, and performance standards for professional staff and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development.
• Directly supervise and evaluate the Assistant Director of Residence Life and Area Coordinators; provide leadership and oversight for the broader Residence Life team including the Graduate Assistant and Resident Assistants
• Coordinate onboarding, training, and continuing professional development for ORL professional staff. 
• Develop and oversee the Residence Assistant (RA) performance evaluation process and support Area Coordinators in its effective implementation. 
• Foster a collaborative, student-centered team culture that promotes accountability, professional growth, and effective communication.

Housing Operations 

• Provide leadership and oversight for the University's residential housing operations, including housing selection, housing lotteries, new student assignments, occupancy management, and summer housing. 
• Oversee residence hall marketing and communication strategies related to the housing process. 
• Coordinate processes for incoming and returning student housing assignments and ensure they are implemented effectively and equitably. 
• Oversee semester break and other special housing processes. 
• Oversee the management of custodial, maintenance, access, key management, and other facilities-related residential operations in collaboration with Facilities and Campus Operations. 
• Attend Facilities and Campus Operations (FACO) meetings and collaborate with appropriate campus partners to address residential facility needs and priorities. 
• Facilitate and coordinate live-on housing processes for professional Residence Life staff. 
• Ensure effective use of housing portal and other departmental technology platforms to support housing and Residence Life operations.

Departmental Administration, Budget and Assessment

• Develop, propose, and manage the Office of Residence Life budget in alignment with institutional priorities and established budget goals. 
• Monitor departmental expenditures and operational practices to ensure responsible stewardship of University resources. 
• Oversee departmental processes and systems to promote efficient, effective, and student-centered operations. 
• Coordinate departmental data collection, assessment, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts. 
• Use enrollment, occupancy, student engagement, and other relevant data to inform departmental planning and decision-making.

Student Support, Community Standards and Crisis Response

• Respond appropriately to student concerns, residential incidents, emergencies, and other situations affecting the health, safety, and well-being of residential students. 
• Promote a residential environment that supports student safety, well-being, academic success, and community development.
• Serve as a Community Standards Hearing Officer as needed.
• Oversee Level 1 on-duty response rotation 
• Participate in the Level 2 on-duty response rotation and provide coverage during evenings, weekends, breaks, and holidays as needed.
• Serve as essential personnel during University emergencies, campus closures, severe weather events, pandemics, and other circumstances requiring an on-campus response. 

Professional Development, Customer Service & Representation

• Lead or contribute to internal training and professional development initiatives that enhance compliance, service excellence, communication, and inclusive practices across the organization.
• Promote a high standard of customer service by modeling responsive, solutions-oriented interactions with students, clients, colleagues, and external partners.
• Serve as a positive ambassador for the organization by communicating its mission, values, and offerings effectively to internal and external audiences.
• Represent the university at recruitment and outreach events, including open houses, orientations, and community engagement programs.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform additional duties, as assigned to support departmental and organizational needs.

Qualifications/Education:

• Commitment to the organization’s mission, values, and service-oriented culture.
• Master’s degree in Higher Education or relevant years of experience required.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or team-lead experience, demonstrating the ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff.
• Proficiency in relevant systems, databases, and software applications.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, evaluate processes, and implement improvements.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing demands.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, or travel as required.

Physical Requirements:

• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for the performance of this role.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Employee Benefits:

Join a team that values your well-being! We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family:

• Robust Health Coverage: Choose from three offered medical plans, plus dental and vision.
• Financial Security: Enjoy University-paid life/AD&D insurance and long-term disability, with options for short-term disability and supplemental coverage for you and your family (including accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans). Flexible spending accounts are also available.
• Exceptional Retirement: Start saving immediately with our 403(b) Retirement Plan. You will get 100% immediate vesting, a University gift contribution, and a generous match up to 5% of your deferrals.
• Time Off & Flexibility: Take advantage of 20 paid holidays each year, including 5 floating holidays, and the possibility of flexible or hybrid work options for many roles.
• Invest in Your Future: Enjoy tuition remission benefits for yourself and your dependents.
• On-Campus Wellness: Benefit-eligible employees on our main campus receive free access to our Medical & Counseling Center.
• Employee Meal Plan: This plan provides convenient, flexible dining options on campus at a reduced cost.