Director of Residence Life

Job Details

Job Summary: This position will support the Dean of Student Experience to cultivate a vibrant, engaging, and inclusive student experience outside of the classroom for traditional undergraduate students, in accordance with the direction set by the President and in line with the LBC Mission and Promise.

 

The Director of Residence Life is a professional live-in staff member who participates in fostering a sense of belonging, community engagement, and personal wellbeing within the residence halls, and is active in student care and educational initiatives and strategies. This position oversees the overall planning and management of the residence halls, provides direct supervision to Residence Life staff and residential buildings, and serves as a front-line on call and emergency responder.  As an educator and member of the Student Affairs Staff, this individual will also support the care and spiritual growth needs of students, with special attention to at-risk populations.  This position plays a key role in the retention of TUD students.

 

Reports to: Dean of Student Experience

 

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to function will in a high paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Ability to ethically manage confidential information.

 

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Embrace and advance the College mission and vision as pertaining to this role.
• Oversee budget development to steward Residence Life funds for maximum student impact in line with the overall College mission and Student Affairs learning outcomes.
• Work closely with leadership to develop and track occupancy and budget projections and forecast future furniture and hall needs.
• Lead with vision to create a safe and welcoming living-learning environment in the residence halls and campus community that promotes Christ-centered care, student development, belonging, and personal ownership.
• Each semester, set up the On Call RD and Senior On Call schedules, serving in the senior-on-call emergency response rotation to provide care-focused emergency and crisis response to students.
• Manage the On Call system and provide appropriate training to Student Affairs and Residence Life staff.
• Develop, communicate, and employ Residence Life and housing policies, procedures, and emergency protocol that supports the overall College mission and Traditional Community Lifestyle Standards and Handbook.
• Provide general oversight and everyday management to the operations of residence hall(s).
• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate Resident Directors and Resident Assistants.
• Provide leadership in planning and facilitating RA selection.
• When applicable, provide supervision to assigned Resident Assistant staff, including holding weekly staff meetings and bi-weekly 1:1 meetings with each RA, performance evaluations, etc.
• Pursue continuing education and knowledge of current trends in student development.
• Plan and facilitate RA training and on-going development opportunities.
• Administer discipline, with a restorative approach, in relation to Residence Life conduct issues.
• Collaborate with Student Affairs team members to assign housing for all resident students.
• Oversee key distribution, collection, storage, and inventory.
• Supervise resident check-in and check-out procedures.
• Develop and implement programs, in alignment with Student Success Outcomes that encourage positive, academically oriented community living.
• Support and promote student leadership and spiritual growth within the residence halls.
• Collaborate with faculty and other student services from across the institution to best support the overall needs of all students.
• Supervise student move-in in August and January, and building closings prior to each break.
• Respond to student concerns, including conduct, housing/roommate concerns, mental health, wellness, or other concerns as assigned.
• Fully utilize Anthology and Housing Software (StarRez) to ensure accurate data.
• Collaborate with other Student Affairs staff and partner offices in providing student care.
• Assist with follow through on student care needs that arise from the various areas within Student Affairs: wellness, student care, residence life, and general student experience.
• Ensure that maintenance and housekeeping needs are met in collaboration with Physical Plant.
• Develop and facilitate a residential renewal plan that focuses on providing safe, aesthetically pleasing residential spaces that are part of a destination campus philosophy and promote community engagement.
• Meet with students to address questions or concerns and serve as a connection point within the Student Affairs Office as needed.
• Attend meetings as requested, including Student Affairs team, Residence Life team, and one-on-one meetings with supervisor.
• Assist with WOW and New Student Orientation as assigned, including RDs and RAs within the first year experience programming.
• Participate in chapel promotion and attend chapel services three times per week.
• Support and participate in Residence Life signature events and Student Activities on campus, with the goal to connect visibly with residents on campus.
• Seek to actively engage with and intentionally build relational connections with residential students beyond the RD/RA structure.
• Support summer residence hall usage in coordination with the Events department staff.
• All other duties as assigned.

 

Personal Qualities – The ability to identify personal strengths, weaknesses, skills and limitations and to use this understanding profitably.

• The desire to grow, develop, and mature, both spiritually and professionally.
• The ability to create and maintain a Christian professional atmosphere in all internal and external relationships.
• A spirit of cooperation and willingness to serve others.
• The desire and ability to disciple and mentor students.
• A professional appearance.

 

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Higher Education or related field preferred; Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience as a Resident Assistant or Resident Director or related position preferred.
• Growing and dynamic Christian faith which is naturally communicated in words and actions.
• Knowledge of student affairs and residence life, and the sense of mission and commitment to the personal development of college students.