Senior Director of Residence Life

Penn State University • University Park, IL

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About The Position

The Senior Direct of Residence Life is responsible for a comprehensive, multi-campus Residence Life program housing more than 19,000 students on twelve campuses. They oversee a $17 million budget and approximately 100 full-time staff and 500 student leaders, and part-time staff. They provide strategic, collaborative, and student-centered leadership that supports student success and staff excellence. The Senior Director is a member of the Student Affairs Directors' leadership team at University Park. They also work closely with Chancellors and Directors of Student Affairs at Commonwealth Campuses to guide the leadership and management of their Residence Life operations. This position serves as Residence Life’s primary liaison to Housing and Food Services to ensure a high-quality living and learning environment for Penn State students.

Requirements

• Master's Degree
• 10+ years of relevant experience, includes 5+ years of supervisory experience
• Experience in strategic planning, fiscal management, and staff supervision.
• A proven record of leading large teams and managing complex residence life operations.
• A high level of cultural competence in working with diverse populations.
• Experience responding to crisis and emergency situations and knowledge of Clery Act and Title IX regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills.
• A record of effective collaboration with students, faculty, and staff.
• This is not a live-in position and requires the successful candidate to be able to be on campus within 20 minutes for any emergencies.
• This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise four senior leaders within Residence Life, including two Senior Associate Directors responsible for University Park and eleven Commonwealth Campuses (~19,000 residential students), an Associate Director overseeing academic and strategic initiatives (LLCs, Inclusive Excellence, RA class), and an Administrative Support Manager responsible for central office operations.
• Serve as the primary liaison to Housing and Food Services, the Behavioral Threat Management Team, University Police and Public Safety, and other partners to manage the safety and well-being of the students living on campus.
• Collaborate with all Student Affairs units to advance the division’s strategic priorities: creating intentional co-curricular learning experiences; preparing students for life, career, and citizenship; assisting students in overcoming barriers to success; advancing access, community, and belonging; and enhancing campus environments focused on student wellbeing.
• Develop and administer a $17 million annual operating budget and oversee the development and appropriations for a reserve account.
• Oversee the development and implementation of protocols and procedures used to respond to crises and emergency response, conflict resolution, and behavioral concerns. Advise and consult on complex cases.
• Hear appeals for housing contract releases and RA terminations.
• Serve on the Student Affairs Emergency Management committee.
• Represent Residence Life on facilities and capital planning projects, including staff apartment renovations, residence hall and apartment renovations, and new construction projects.
• Advise the Association of Residence Hall Students (ARHS), support the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH), area governments, and facilitate the Resident Assistant Advisory Board.
• Participate in the evening and weekend on-call rotation.

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director