Residential Area Director

Position Summary

Proudly standing as the nation’s oldest HBCU, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania has been a stalwart and highly respected institution of higher education since our founding in 1837. For over 185 years our alumni have emerged as leaders and left their mark on the social, economic, and political history of Philadelphia, the surrounding region, the nation, and the world. Building on this legacy, the vision for Cheyney University is to become the premier model for academic excellence, character development, and social responsibility.

Here at Cheyney, we value scholarship, diversity, integrity, respect, and service. We are committed to maintaining a vibrant educational community that is dedicated to promoting scholarship and lifelong learning for its students, offering wide student access to resources to ensure an opportunity for all to acquire an education, encouraging freedom of thought and freedom from discrimination by ensuring a respectful environment, and provide outreach and service to external and constituent communities, demonstrating their understanding of the importance and value of service.

We’re looking for exceptional individuals who share our values, embrace our mission, recognize our potential, and covet the opportunity to continue to move our historic University forward. CU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with many wellness programs; generous retirement plans; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities.

The Residential Area Director (RD), a full-time, live-in employee within the Department of Housing and the Division of Student Affairs, implements and leads residential processes and program. The RD cultivates an environment that enhances and promotes the academic, personal, and social development of students residing in the residence halls. Responsible for providing administrative oversight for one or more residence halls, the RD selects, trains, and supervises Resident Advisors, as well as creates, provides oversight, and promotes student engagement and leadership opportunities. The RD is required to live on campus in a university-furnished apartment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION

• Provide administrative oversight for the operations of one or more residence halls.
• Supervise the in-hall paraprofessional staff and work with all residents to establish a positive living environment and a sense of community.
• Maintain high visibility and availability, including attending community events, regularly touring the community, and interacting with residents.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings of the Department of Housing and Division of Student Affairs as required.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff stakeholders to implement programmatic opportunities, some of which may be connected with living learning community themes.
• Submit weekly reports at the end of shift to the Director of Housing.
• Serve as a mediator/facilitator to provide resolutions for interpersonal conflicts between students. Respond to all inquiries, and concerns from students, staff, and families related to the residence halls.
• Supervise and train 8-17 resident advisors and possibly 1 graduate assistant.
• Develop and implement a plan of action and assessment with goals and objectives for the year.
• Host weekly staff meetings to communicate upcoming events, discuss community concerns, and facilitate professional development experiences related to the goals of the Residential Curriculum.
• Ensure RAs are appropriately confronting and documenting behavioral issues and concerns.
• Ensure that RA’s duty procedures are followed. Provide regular formal and information feedback regarding job performance.
• Administer student check-in, check-out, and room changes; assist with room condition reports and damage billing processes.
• Assess resident needs and adapt programs to promote student development and success.
• This job description includes, but is not limited to, the above duties. May temporarily perform other duties as assigned to maintain operations and services to students.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in a Social Work, Counseling, or another relevant field plus a minimum of five years related work experience is required. Also, training and/or experience in conflict resolution, mediation and or restorative practices is a priority. Previous experience in higher education environment is preferred with a thorough understanding of university business operations.

Knowledge & Skills, Abilities:
Ability to make effective decisions; problem solver
Excellent communication, verbal, and written skills
Ability to develop solutions to problems
Ability to organize and plan effectively
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to focus on details in analyzing and evaluating information
Ability to complete multiple tasks
Ability to interact with diverse publics in a friendly and welcoming manner
Ability to work effectively in a team environment
Computer Skills (Microsoft Word Suite and other related software)
Knowledge of housing and student affairs processes and programs that may enhance operations.

Instructions for Applying

A complete online application will include the following attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

• Cover Letter
Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Diversity Statement

Cheyney University an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.