Associate Director of Residential Life and Community Partnerships

Who We Are

PLC Detroit (PLC) is the Creative Northstar and premier HBCU that is Rebranding Education and Blacklighting the Industry. We are the pipeline for career-focused learning and professional development serving all students of the game. To be a student of the game is to prepare and empower yourself to enter the industry and make it better for the next generation.

At PLC, we offer a new path to do just that - break into the world of product creation and change the scope of what it looks like to navigate within educational and career pathways.

We believe in carrying vision together. We put trust in our partners and creative community to drive change in providing access to the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in the future we are designing.

Make the choice to bear the torch to lead the way forward.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Associate Director of Residential Life and Community Partnerships is a key relationship-builder who will oversee the student residential experience while fostering strategic partnerships with community organizations, landlords, faculty, and operational staff. This role focuses on developing mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance student living, engagement, and learning experiences both on and off-campus.

With student housing located off-campus in leased apartments, this role emphasizes partnership management with landlords, property managers, security and service providers to ensure safe, reliable housing. Additionally, the Associate Director of Residential Life and Community Partnerships will lead student engagement initiatives through community-based partnerships that connect students to local resources and cultural experiences.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who values partnerships as a key strategy for enhancing student success, risk mitigation, and community integration.

Key Responsibilities

Residential Life and Housing Partnerships

• Build and maintain partnerships with landlords and property management companies to secure, manage, and maintain off-campus housing leases.
• Collaborate with the Operations Director to negotiate lease terms and procure new housing units as student enrollment fluctuates.
• Ensure partnership agreements with housing providers meet safety, security, and compliance standards.
• Act as the primary liaison between PLC Detroit, landlords, and property managers to address maintenance, repairs, and other housing-related issues.
• Cultivate partnerships with local service providers, including utilities, security services, and cleaning companies, to support a safe and sustainable living environment for students.
  
  

Student Engagement and Community Partnerships

• Develop and implement student engagement programs that are grounded in community partnerships.
• Create partnership opportunities with local businesses, non-profits, and cultural organizations to connect students with learning and service opportunities outside of the classroom.
• Organize community-based events in collaboration with partner organizations that promote social responsibility, cultural awareness, and professional development.
• Serve as a liaison between PLC Detroit and the broader community, ensuring that community partnerships support both student learning outcomes and institutional goals.
  
  

Risk Mitigation and Compliance Partnerships

• Partner with the Director of Operations and Associate Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation and Community Partnerships to ensure all student housing partnerships adhere to federal, state, and local laws, including the Clery Act and Title IX guidelines.
• Coordinate with local emergency services and safety organizations to establish safety protocols for student housing and engagement activities.
• Develop and maintain incident reporting procedures in collaboration with risk management partners to ensure timely and accurate documentation of safety concerns.
• Facilitate training in first aid, CPR, and mental health first aid in partnership with health and wellness organizations, ensuring students and staff are prepared to respond to emergencies.
  
  

Operational and Administrative Partnerships

• Collaborate with the Director of Operations to manage housing procurement and address student housing needs.
• Work closely with the Associate Director of Student Services to align on student admissions needs, roommate placements, and student onboarding plans, ensuring seamless coordination of housing assignments and student engagement scopes.
• Partner with faculty and staff to ensure student engagement programs align with academic goals and community mission.
• Build internal partnerships across departments to streamline student support services, including housing assignments, move-in/move-out processes, and compliance reporting.
• Maintain accurate records of partnership agreements, student concerns, and incident reports to ensure accountability and transparency in housing operations.
  
  

Qualifications And Skills

• Proven experience in residential life management, student engagement, or community partnerships.
• Strong ability to build and maintain partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including landlords, community organizations, and institutional staff.
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to foster collaborative partnerships that enhance student life.
• Familiarity with risk mitigation practices and compliance requirements, including the Clery Act and Title IX, is a plus.
• Ability to respond to urgent situations with professionalism and care, often in collaboration with external partners.
  
  

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; a Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, or a related field is preferred.
• Previous experience in partnership development, managing off-campus housing, or student engagement programs is highly desired.
• Certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Mental Health First Aid are preferred or must be obtained within the first six months of employment.
  
  

Work Schedule and Compensation

• Flexible work schedule, including on-call availability and occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Compensation includes a competitive salary and room and board (if applicable).
  
  

Key Partnerships

This position will work closely with:

• Director of Operations to manage housing procurement, address student housing needs, and ensure the safety and sustainability of housing partnerships.
• Associate Director of Student Services to align on student admissions processes, coordinate roommate placements, and support student onboarding, ensuring housing assignments and engagement plans are effectively executed.
• Associate Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation to ensure housing and engagement programs meet compliance standards and align with institutional goals for student success.
• Local landlords, property management companies, and community organizations to build strong partnerships that enhance student living and engagement experiences.
  
  

Partnership Goals of the Role

This position plays a critical role in fostering partnerships across various levels:

• Housing Partnerships: Securing and managing lease agreements to ensure safe, compliant housing options for students
• Community Partnerships: Creating community-based learning and engagement opportunities for students through collaborations with local organizations
• Institutional Partnerships: Working with internal departments to streamline student support services and align housing operations with academic and student success goals.
• Risk Mitigation Partnerships: Collaborating with external partners to establish safety protocols, emergency procedures, and compliance reporting standards.
  
  

This position is ideal for someone who values building and sustaining partnerships that enhance the student experience at PLC Detroit. The Assistant Director will contribute to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students through strategic collaborations, community connections, and a focus on student safety and success.

Location: Detroit, MI

Compensation:

• Annual Stipend Range : $45,000- 52,000
• Housing Allowance: $20,400 on location (Parkstone or Parkhurst Apartments 1415 Parker St, Detroit, MI 48214
• Total Compensation Package: $72,400
  
  

Benefits: Comprehensive package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities

To Apply: Applications deadline is Feb 1st 2025

Compensation, Onsite Expectations, and Equal Opportunity Statement

At PLC Detroit, we value the diverse talents and experiences of our team members and are committed to offering competitive and equitable compensation packages. For this position, the annual base salary range complies with Michigan state regulations and reflects market standards for similar roles in nonprofit organizations and HBCUs.

When determining individual compensation, PLC Detroit considers multiple factors, including:

• Scope and Responsibilities: Evaluating the depth, breadth, and complexity of the position's duties.
• Candidate Qualifications: Factoring in professional experience, educational background, and relevant skills.
• Internal Equity: Ensuring fair and consistent compensation for team members with similar roles and responsibilities.
• Market Trends: Regularly analyzing local and national salary benchmarks to remain competitive.
• Organizational Needs: Balancing budgetary constraints and strategic growth priorities to ensure fiscal responsibility.
  
  

Onsite, On-Campus Role at 200 Walker St, Detroit, MI

This role requires physical presence at our Detroit campus to support the dynamic, interactive nature of PLC Detroit’s educational programs. The position demands frequent in-person collaboration and engagement with faculty, students, and other stakeholders, which are integral to maintaining our vibrant campus culture.

What does "onsite, on campus" mean?

• Being physically present at our campus, located at 200 Walker St, Detroit, MI
• Engaging regularly in face-to-face collaboration with colleagues and students
• Participating in the opportunities and vibrancy of our close-knit on-campus community
  
  

Why is this important?

• PLC Detroit thrives on the energy and synergy that come from in-person interactions
• Effective collaboration and communication are essential to fulfilling our mission as a nonprofit HBCU
• Our investments in creating a dynamic campus environment rely on the presence and contributions of our team
  
  

If you are enthusiastic about working onsite at PLC Detroit and contributing to our mission-driven culture, we encourage you to apply. Your dedication to being present on campus will help ensure the success of both your role and our shared goals.

Equal Opportunity Statement

PLC Detroit is fully committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. As a nonprofit educational corporation and HBCU, we proudly uphold state and federal regulations promoting equity and inclusivity in all aspects of our operations.

Note: If your career goals or work preferences do not align with an onsite, on-campus position, we encourage you to explore opportunities that better match your aspirations. Thank you for considering PLC Detroit, and we wish you success in your career journey.