Associate Director for Residence Life Operations & Junior-Senior Support

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman’s vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.  

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

The Associate Director for Residence Life Operations & Junior-Senior Support is responsible for overseeing housing operations and support for approximately 350 juniors and seniors living in College-owned houses and apartment communities. This role will oversee the College’s new Junior-Senior Village, which includes 212 beds across three new apartment buildings opening in Fall 2025, as well as oversee College-owned off-campus student rentals, totaling 100-150 beds. The Associate Director supervises a team of three student Community Assistants (CAs) and works closely with the Housing Coordinator to facilitate housing processes for Residence Life and Housing Office. This position reports to the Director of Residence Life and Housing and may be asked to step in when the Director is unavailable. 

This role requires approximately 25-30 hours per week in the Residence Life and Housing Office, with the remaining hours spent elsewhere on campus or participating in programming, events, and training that may occur outside of standard business hours. Periodic overtime, including evenings and weekends, should be expected, particularly during peak times of the academic year, such as late August to early September and in January.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Junior-Senior Village and College-Owned Rentals Oversight and Individual Student Support (50%)

• Supervise three student CAs, overseeing training, weekly team meetings, one-on-one mentoring, and hiring.  
• Support students in College-owned housing by facilitating community-building programming and wellness checks in coordination with the Residence Life and Housing Office and the College’s Care Team. 
• Oversee annual check-in and check-out processes for the Junior-Senior Village, including both logistical operations and celebratory programming. 
• Develop community-building opportunities, events, and activities tailored to the needs of junior and seniors, fostering connections and linking them to relevant support services and growth opportunities.
• Provide on-call support for student emergencies (mental/physical health), utilizing campus and local resources. Advise professional staff on appropriate crisis response procedures and decision-making. Serve on an on-call rotation as requested. 
• Address conduct violations using a restorative and motivational approach to encourage positive behavior. 
• Coordinate with Facilities Management to ensure timely maintenance and repairs. 

Housing Lottery, Selection, and Placement (20%)

• Partner with the Director and Housing Coordinator manage housing lotteries, placements and room selection for all students living in Residence Life and Housing spaces. 
• Assist in implementing and improving housing management software (e.g., Colleague, eRezLife) to enhance data accuracy, reporting and system functionality. 
• Develop and distribute housing materials (assignment letters, instructions and communications) for  students living in Residence Life and Housing spaces.
• Coordinate with Disability Support Services to ensure that accessibility needs related to housing are met.
• Serve as a point of contact for students, parents, and colleagues on housing-related matters. 

Professional Team Development and Professional Mentoring (20%)

• Foster positive team dynamics through team-building activities, meals and retreats. 
• Participate in student-staff trainings throughout the year, including January and August Resident Assistant Training and inservice sessions.
• Support New Student Orientation, attending sessions and facilitating Residence Life and Housing’s involvement as needed.   
• Conduct periodic one-on-one meetings with Resident Directors and Community Directors to provide guidance and problem-solving support. 
• Lead trainings and workshops on Residential Education topics as requested.

Other Student Life Assignments, Committee Work, and Professional Development (10%)

• Build strong relationships across the other Division of Student Life offices, serving as a representative to key departments (e.g., Dean of Students, Counseling and Health Centers, Campus Security.) 
• Participate in standing and search committees as requested, collaborating across the College. 
• Attend periodic higher education conferences to stay informed of best practices in Student Affairs and Residence Life and Housing. 
• Support other Residence Life and Housing functions, including communication, event planning, and student engagement initiatives as needed.  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills; ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, and parents, while handling sensitive housing concerns with professionalism.
• Proven leadership in supervising and mentoring student staff. 
• Excellent time management, initiative, ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment, and strong problem-solving skills for housing conflicts and operational challenges.
• High accuracy in housing assignments, data management, and correspondence; ability to analyze trends for informed decision-making on housing operations and student placement.
• Proficient in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and quick to learn specialized housing software (e.g., Colleague, eRezLife, Datatel).
• Ability to manage a dynamic work environment with frequent interruptions while maintaining a professional demeanor. Strong commitment to confidentiality in handling sensitive student information.
• Knowledge of housing policies and best practices in higher education. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, social justice, inclusion, antiracism and accessibility in a multicultural environment.
• Professional experience in Residence Life and Housing with expertise in leadership, organization, communication, crisis management, and complex housing processes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree AND 3 years of professional experience in Residence Life and Housing, OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience in housing selection and placement, student staff supervision, event planning, and training development.
• Experience in crisis response and campus/community resource referral.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or a related field, OR 4 years of professional experience in Residence Life and Housing.
• Knowledge of Student Development Theory and related frameworks.
• Experience with housing software (e.g., eRezLife, StarRez).
• Experience with Motivational Interviewing or student advising.
• Possess a valid driver’s license with 3 years of driving history with the ability to pass a motor vehicle report.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and encourages applicants to highlight how their background aligns with this role. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS 

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

Optional on-campus housing in a 1-bedroom apartment. Living on campus is not a requirement of the position. If this benefit is waived, no additional housing stipend will be offered in its place.

An on-campus, full meal plan, equating to approximately 15-meals per week during the academic year.

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.

Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.

Paid Time Off: 20 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays.

Tuition Remission – Dependent Children

Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester.

Employee Assistance Program

Relocation benefits for eligible employees

Learn more about benefits eligibility here. 

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin on March 10, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE

July 2025

Salary : $60,500 - $65,500