Executive Director of Housing and Residential Life - Cal State Long Beach

At a glance

Envision spearheading a transformative student housing experience at one of California’s most dynamic universities—CSU Long Beach is hiring an Executive Director of Housing, Residential Life & Auxiliaries in Long Beach, CA, with relocation assistance available! You’ll lead a team of over 80 and oversee a $20M operation spanning housing, dining, and auxiliary services. With a new residence hall opening in Fall 2028, Olympic involvement on the horizon, and plans to expand housing through 2030, this is a unique opportunity to shape the future of student living on a thriving 330-acre campus. You'll modernize housing infrastructure, build inclusive living-learning communities, and lead initiatives grounded in data and best practices. Be part of a university on the rise—apply now and make your mark at The Beach!

Description: What you'll be doing

Another Source’s client, Cal State Long Beach, is recruiting an Executive Director of Housing, Residential Life to join their team in Long Beach, California.  

Here’s a little about Cal State Long Beach and the Housing Team and the position they are recruiting for:   

Cal State Long Beach, one of the largest universities in the CSU system, is located in Long Beach on a beautifully landscaped, 320-acre campus near the ocean and the thriving downtown area. University Housing and Residential Life creates safe, welcoming, and inclusive communities that engage a diverse student population in their personal and social development while promoting academic success and responsible citizenship through high quality services and initiatives. University Housing has 23 buildings, two office buildings, and the Pointe Conference Center totaling about 650,000 square feet and houses about 3,000 students. 

Learn more about: 

• CSU Long Beach: https://www.csulb.edu/about-csulb  

• University Housing and Residential Life: https://www.csulb.edu/student-affairs/university-housing-residential-life  

The anticipated yearly salary range for this position is: $140,000-$170,000 based on experience.  

About the role:  

Imagine leading a transformative student housing experience at one of California’s most vibrant universities. As the Executive Director for Housing, Residential Life, and Auxiliaries, you will drive strategic growth, student engagement, and operational excellence, ensuring CSULB’s housing facilities provide a welcoming and inclusive home for students. 

You will take the lead in expanding and modernizing on-campus housing, overseeing construction and renovation projects that enhance the student experience. You will create living-learning communities that foster academic success, personal growth, and a strong sense of belonging. Your work will shape student-centered residential life programs, using data-driven insights and national best practices to enhance student engagement and well-being. 

Beyond housing, you will also oversee dining services, occupancy management, and auxiliary operations, ensuring a seamless and enriching residential experience. You will lead a dedicated team of over 80 in building an environment that is equitable, culturally sensitive, and student-focused, empowering students to thrive both academically and personally. 

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Student Success & Engagement, you will have the autonomy to develop strategic initiatives, manage staffing, and drive operational improvements that directly impact student success at CSULB. 

How you will spend your time: 

Leadership & Management 

• Direct and oversee housing operations, facility maintenance, renovations, and new construction projects. 

• Develop policies and procedures that enhance residential life, dining services, and community engagement. 

• Collaborate with the HRL Facility Operations Director and Leadership Team to ensure effective staffing and operational support. 

• Implement safety, emergency response, and security measures for HRL facilities. 

• Align long-term housing strategies with CSULB’s institutional goals. 

Human Resources & Budget Management 

• Supervise the HRL Leadership Team, fostering staff development, training, and performance evaluation. 

• Ensure recruitment, retention, and professional growth for housing and residential life personnel. 

• Manage and oversee budget planning, financial forecasting, and resource allocation for housing operations. 

• Partner with Procurement and Facilities teams to manage supplies, renovations, and long-term investments. 

Strategic Planning & Program Development 

• Lead the creation and execution of a comprehensive Housing Master Plan. 

• Develop innovative strategies to enhance student engagement, retention, and success through housing programs. 

• Oversee marketing, occupancy management, and continuous assessment of residential programs. 

• Utilize data-driven decision-making to improve student living experiences. 

Customer & Campus Relations  

• Serve as the primary liaison for campus departments, community partners, and external stakeholders. 

• Regularly communicate with building representatives to align goals and resolve concerns. 

• Represent Housing & Residential Life in university committees, public events, and strategic initiatives. 

What you will bring: 

• Master’s degree required; Doctorate preferred. 

• Minimum of 8 years in housing, student services, or a related field. 

• Demonstrated experience in budget management, staff supervision, and program planning. 

• Strong knowledge of facility operations, HR practices, and crisis management. 

• Experience working in unionized environments and collective bargaining settings. 

• Valid CA driver’s license and ability to travel for university-related business. 

• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with StarRez. 

• Understanding of building codes, ADA compliance, and safety regulations. 

• Ability to manage multiple projects under changing conditions. 

• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills. 

• Cultural competency and experience working in a diverse environment. 

Why a career with CSU is for You: 

The CSU system offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary: https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf 

• Immerse yourself: Being on campus allows you to enjoy renowned sporting events, artist events, world-renowned speakers. Stroll through trails, museums, and enjoy all campus has to offer. 

• Tuition waiver: up to 2 courses, or 6 units, per semester for employee, spouse, registered domestic partner or eligible dependent child for any of the 23 campuses.  

• Mission driven culture: Transforming the lives of a diverse student body, including first-generation students and under-represented communities. 

• Jury duty: The CSU will continue an employee’s salary while they are on jury duty, regardless of length of jury service. 

• CalPERS Retirement Plan: CalPERS is a defined benefit retirement pension plan. Lifetime medical benefits for you, your spouse, or registered domestic partner. Learn more here: http://www.calpers.ca.gov/ 

• 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan (Similar to a 401k plan) 

• Employees in this classification are entitled to two vacation days (16 hours) per month. 

• A healthier you. Access to athletic and gym facilities on campus  

• Transportation support. Pre-tax commuter benefits 

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination:  

The California State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. This policy applies to all CSU students, faculty and staff programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). 

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA , and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us. 

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Salary : $140,000 - $170,000