Job Description
Job Description
JOB TITLE : Associate Director of Residential Life
DEPARTMENT : Operations
LOCATION : PLC Detroit Campus, Detroit MI
WHO WE ARE
PLC Detroit (PLC) is the Creative Northstar and premier HBCU that is rebranding education and reshaping industry standards. We prepare students for career-focused learning and professional development in the world of product creation, innovation, and design. Our mission is to build pathways into creative industries through experiential learning, community engagement, and industry partnerships.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Associate Director of Residential Life plays a pivotal role in shaping the student housing experience at PLC Detroit. This position leads student housing operations, enhances community engagement, and ensures compliance while fostering a safe and thriving residential environment.
As PLC Detroit continues its rapid growth, this role will oversee housing for an increasing student population, scaling from 30 students to potentially 300 students in the next five years. The ideal candidate is a strategic problem solver and self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can independently manage housing logistics, risk mitigation, and student engagement while collaborating with institutional leadership.
This is a unique opportunity to build and expand a residential life program at a fast-growing, industry-leading HBCU. The Associate Director will also lead housing compliance efforts (Title IX, Clery, ADA), manage housing transitions, forecast future housing needs, and support student life initiatives that enhance the overall experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESHousing Operations & Facilities Management
- Oversee the day-to-day management of student housing, ensuring operational efficiency, cleanliness, and security
- Conduct unit inspections, manage turnover, and coordinate move-in / move-out logistic
- Forecast housing needs and oversee maintenance requests to ensure timely repairs
- Track student housing assignments, lease agreements, and occupancy reports
- Develop long-term housing strategies based on student enrollment projections
Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure adherence to Title IX, Clery Act, and housing safety regulationsConduct compliance audits to assess fire safety, security measures, and ADA accommodationsMaintain records of student housing policies, incident reports, and emergency protocolsOversee student conduct, disciplinary procedures, and risk mitigation strategies.Partner with local emergency response teams and ensure staff training in crisis managementEnsure housing policies align with Title IX, Clery Act, and other federal, state, and local regulationsMaintain detailed records for incident reports, safety inspections, and compliance auditsServe as the point of contact for housing-related emergencies and coordinate crisis responseDevelop and implement safety protocols, in collaboration with security and emergency servicesBudget & Financial Oversight
Manage the housing budget, including forecasting costs and tracking expendituresIdentify cost-saving opportunities in housing operations and maintenanceWork with the finance team to ensure accurate reporting of housing-related expensesCommunity Engagement & Student Support
Establish and maintain strong professional relationships with students, faculty, and staffPromote a safe and inclusive residential community through engagement initiativesSupport student transitions to apartment living with guidance and resourcesAddress student concerns professionally and mediate conflicts as neededUtilize counseling skills to support students in crisis, manage conflicts, and foster a supportive living environmentQUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
A background check is mandatory due to student housing responsibilitiesProven ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accountabilityStrong organizational and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for operational efficienciesExcellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.Experience in student housing, residential life, or property management.Knowledge of compliance requirements related to student housing (Title IX, Clery Act).Budget management experience and the ability to forecast financial needs.Background in counseling, student affairs, or conflict resolution preferred.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree required; Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field preferredMinimum of 3-5 years of experience in housing operations, residential life, student affairs, or counselingCertifications in First Aid, CPR, and Mental Health First Aid are preferred or must be obtained within the first six months of employmentWORK SCHEDULE & COMPENSATIONWork Expectations & Flexibility
Standard workweek : 40 hours, with flexibility for housing operations, student support, and emergencies.On-call duty : Available for emergencies; working hours adjusted to maintain work-life balance.Peak periods (Move-In / Move-Out Weeks) : Additional hours required; offset by lighter workload during slower periods.Flex time adjustments : If after-hours emergencies occur, work hours will be adjusted accordingly.Routine responsibilities : Vendor coordination, compliance training, inventorymanagement, and operational support.Compensatory time : If multiple late-night emergencies arise, time off or reduced workload will be arranged.Compensation & Benefits
Annual Salary : $72,400 (includes housing benefit)Housing Benefit : On-campus housing at no additional costAdditional Benefits : Health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities40-Hour Workweek & On-Call Provisions
The standard expectation for this role is 40 hours per week, with flexibility based on housing needs, student support, and operational demands.The Associate Director is on-call for emergencies, but actual working hours will be adjusted to prevent excessive overtime.Peak Periods (Move-In / Move-Out Weeks) : Additional hours may be required, offset by reduced hours during slower periods.Flex Time Adjustments : If an after-hours emergency requires significant time, adjustments will be made to ensure work-life balance.Routine Responsibilities During Work Hours : Includes vendor coordination, compliance training, inventory management, and support for operational leadership.Compensatory Adjustments : If multiple late-night emergencies occur, a compensatory day off or reduced workload will be arrangedAnnual Salary : $72,400 (including housing)Housing Benefit : On-campus housing provided at no additional cost
Additional Benefits : Comprehensive package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities
ONSITE EXPECTATIONS & PROFESSIONALISM
This role requires a consistent presence on campus to ensure operational effectiveness, student support, and housing oversight. Professionalism and discretion are critical, as the Associate Director will represent PLC Detroit in all interactions related to housing, student life, and external partnerships.
TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit their application by February 28, 2025.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
PLC Detroit is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, or veteran status. We uphold state and federal regulations that promote equal opportunity in hiring and employment.
Salary : $72,400
