Boston University
DIRECTOR RESIDENCE LIFE Division of Student Affairs
Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
As a pivotal leader within the Division of Student Affairs, the Director of Residence Life reports to the Senior Associate Dean of Students and oversees a large and multifaceted residential program. The Director provides strategic vision, leadership, and management to foster an inclusive, safe, engaging, and supportive residential environment for a diverse student population, including 11,800 undergraduate students in 160 residences, and 770 graduate students in 39 residences. The Director leads a substantial team, including professional staff, administrative staff, faculty in residence, graduate resident assistants (GRAs), graduate housing assistants (GHAs), resident assistants (RAs), and a work-study staff. The Director works collaboratively with various campus partners to create vibrant residential experiences that enhance student well-being, belonging, and engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Team Management:
Administrative Oversight:
Lead the central administrative office team and provide supervision to the Senior Associate Director of Residence Life, Associate Director of Residence Life for Administration, Associate Director of Residence Life for Student & Staff Development, Fiscal & Operations Administrator, and Administrative Assistant. Provide strategic direction, support, and guidance to the overall department to ensure effective operations and program delivery. Staff Oversight:
Implement recruitment, selection, training, and development programs to build a high-performing team. Cultivate a collaborative work environment that encourages professional growth, accountability, and effective performance. Ensure staff at all levels are equipped to support residents, uphold community standards, and contribute to a positive residential experience.
Strategic Vision and Policy Development:
Strategic Planning:
Develop and execute a strategic vision for the Residence Life program that aligns with the Division of Student Affairs’ mission, values, and strategic priorities. Ensure that all residential programs and services support broader institutional goals and contribute to student success. Policy Formulation:
Create, review, and update policies and procedures for residence life operations. Ensure that policies are in compliance with University regulations, legal standards, and best practices in student affairs. Address emerging issues and adapt policies as needed.
Program Management and Development:
Residential Curriculum:
Oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive residential curriculum designed to enhance student learning, engagement, and personal growth. Ensure that the curriculum supports academic achievement and personal development. Student Governance:
Supervise the student governance structure within residences, promoting student leadership development and engagement. Foster initiatives that encourage active participation and leadership among residents.
Collaboration and Partnership:
Campus Partnerships:
Partner with key campus entities, including BU Housing; Facilities Management & Operations; Safety, Security & Preparedness, including Boston University Police; Judicial Affairs; Student Health Services, including Behavioral Medicine; Environmental Health & Safety; Disability & Access Services; Dining Services; Events & Conferences; Office of the General Counsel; Risk Management; Human Resources; and other departments within the Division of Student Affairs. Interdepartmental Collaboration:
Build and maintain effective relationships with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. Engage in collaborative problem-solving and planning to address issues and develop integrated solutions that enhance the residential experience.
Crisis Management and Incident Response:
Emergency Response:
Lead a team of 24/7 on-call emergency responders. Participate in the on-call rotation and manage or coordinate responses to crises and critical incidents affecting the residential community. Ensure that staff are trained and prepared for emergency situations. Crisis Protocols:
Develop, review, and refine crisis management protocols, standard operating procedures, and continuity of operations plans. Continuously improve these protocols based on feedback and emerging best practices.
Student Engagement and Support:
Student Well-Being:
Foster a safe and supportive residential environment where students feel a sense of belonging and can thrive academically and personally. Address and resolve student concerns related to behavior, conflicts, mental health, and other challenges. Provide resources and support to help students navigate these issues. Parental and Guardian Communication:
Address concerns from parents and guardians regarding student behavior, policy violations, and other urgent matters. Maintain clear, supportive communication channels with families to address their concerns and provide necessary information while respecting FERPA guidelines.
Financial Management:
Budget Oversight:
Maintain and manage the departmental budget, making informed decisions about resource allocation and financial planning. Collaborate with Shared Business Services for long-term financial planning and budget management. Ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively to support departmental goals. Resource Management:
Monitor and evaluate resource usage to ensure alignment with budgetary constraints and departmental priorities. Implement strategies to optimize resource allocation and achieve financial sustainability.
Quality Assurance and Improvement:
Assessment and Evaluation:
Implement assessment and evaluation practices to measure student learning, satisfaction, and engagement. Utilize feedback and data to make informed decisions about program enhancements and improvements. Develop valid and reliable instruments for evaluating residential programs and services. Continuous Improvement:
Stay current with trends and best practices in higher education, student affairs, and residence life. Make recommendations for program improvements and enhancements based on industry developments, institutional needs, and feedback from stakeholders.
Communication and Outreach:
Internal and External Communication:
Ensure that all communications, both internal and external, are welcoming, student-centered, and effectively convey opportunities, expectations, and departmental initiatives. Manage communications through various channels, including social media, websites, and reports. Representation:
Represent the Residence Life department at university-wide events, divisional meetings, orientation programs, admissions-related events, and other relevant functions. Serve on committees and task forces as assigned by the Dean of Students or Senior Associate Dean of Students.
Faculty-in-Residence and Living-Learning Communities:
Program Oversight:
Provide oversight to the Faculty-in-Residence Program and living-learning communities (LLCs). Collaborate with university partners to enhance the LLC experience and ensure effective faculty-student engagement. Promote programs that integrate academic and residential life.
Compliance and Policy Interpretation:
Policy Interpretation:
Interpret and enforce university policies, including the Code of Student Responsibilities and the Lifebook online, for students, staff, and parents/guardians. Ensure that all parties understand and adhere to university regulations and standards. Regulatory Compliance:
Ensure that residence life operations comply with legal, regulatory, and institutional standards. Address compliance issues proactively and implement necessary changes to meet regulatory requirements.
Move-In/Move-Out Management:
Procedural Oversight:
Oversee the complex and nuanced move-in and move-out processes throughout the year. Ensure that these processes are managed with care and precision, focusing on welcoming students and providing clear procedures for staff.
Long-Range Planning:
Strategic Planning:
Lead long-range planning efforts for the Residence Life department. Develop strategic plans that address future needs, opportunities, and challenges, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and priorities.
On-Call Responsibilities:
Emergency Response:
Serve as part of the on-call rotation, managing or coordinating responses to student-related crises and urgent situations. Provide guidance and support to staff during emergency situations.
Social Media and Communication Management:
Departmental Communications:
Coordinate social media and other departmental communications. Prepare and distribute reports and updates to keep the community informed about Residence Life activities, achievements, and initiatives.
Strategic Counsel and Staff Development:
Advisory Role:
Provide strategic counsel to divisional leaders to improve student programs, staff development, and operational capabilities. Support the development and mentorship of staff, serving as a role model within the Division of Student Affairs.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Engagement and Resources:
Engage stakeholders across the University to connect students with relevant resources and opportunities. Facilitate connections between students and University services that support their academic and personal success.
Qualifications: Education:
Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, or a related field required. Experience:
Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in student affairs or residence life, with a proven track record of successful leadership in various facets of college/university residential living. Experience should include oversight of facilities, community standards, crisis response, and student learning and development. Experience in supervising a diverse full-time and student staff, including working with represented (unionized) teams and collective bargaining agreements. Required Skills: Communication Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate vision and mission through meetings, presentations, reports, and various communication channels (e.g., websites, social media). Organizational Skills:
Exemplary organizational, management, leadership, and financial management skills. Ability to conceptualize and prioritize objectives, manage complex projects, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Interpersonal Skills:
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders. Ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team. Cultural Competence:
Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills for engaging with individuals from a range of cultural backgrounds and identities. Demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive environment. Problem-Solving:
Demonstrated problem identification and resolution skills. Ability to make informed decisions and take decisive action in complex and nuanced situations. Ethical Conduct:
Strong understanding of ethical professional conduct and best practices in student affairs. Ability to uphold and model high standards of professionalism and integrity. Additional Information: Work Schedule:
This live-in position requires evening and weekend responsibilities, including participation in an on-call rotation. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
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Administrative Oversight:
Lead the central administrative office team and provide supervision to the Senior Associate Director of Residence Life, Associate Director of Residence Life for Administration, Associate Director of Residence Life for Student & Staff Development, Fiscal & Operations Administrator, and Administrative Assistant. Provide strategic direction, support, and guidance to the overall department to ensure effective operations and program delivery. Staff Oversight:
Implement recruitment, selection, training, and development programs to build a high-performing team. Cultivate a collaborative work environment that encourages professional growth, accountability, and effective performance. Ensure staff at all levels are equipped to support residents, uphold community standards, and contribute to a positive residential experience.
Strategic Vision and Policy Development:
Strategic Planning:
Develop and execute a strategic vision for the Residence Life program that aligns with the Division of Student Affairs’ mission, values, and strategic priorities. Ensure that all residential programs and services support broader institutional goals and contribute to student success. Policy Formulation:
Create, review, and update policies and procedures for residence life operations. Ensure that policies are in compliance with University regulations, legal standards, and best practices in student affairs. Address emerging issues and adapt policies as needed.
Program Management and Development:
Residential Curriculum:
Oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive residential curriculum designed to enhance student learning, engagement, and personal growth. Ensure that the curriculum supports academic achievement and personal development. Student Governance:
Supervise the student governance structure within residences, promoting student leadership development and engagement. Foster initiatives that encourage active participation and leadership among residents.
Collaboration and Partnership:
Campus Partnerships:
Partner with key campus entities, including BU Housing; Facilities Management & Operations; Safety, Security & Preparedness, including Boston University Police; Judicial Affairs; Student Health Services, including Behavioral Medicine; Environmental Health & Safety; Disability & Access Services; Dining Services; Events & Conferences; Office of the General Counsel; Risk Management; Human Resources; and other departments within the Division of Student Affairs. Interdepartmental Collaboration:
Build and maintain effective relationships with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. Engage in collaborative problem-solving and planning to address issues and develop integrated solutions that enhance the residential experience.
Crisis Management and Incident Response:
Emergency Response:
Lead a team of 24/7 on-call emergency responders. Participate in the on-call rotation and manage or coordinate responses to crises and critical incidents affecting the residential community. Ensure that staff are trained and prepared for emergency situations. Crisis Protocols:
Develop, review, and refine crisis management protocols, standard operating procedures, and continuity of operations plans. Continuously improve these protocols based on feedback and emerging best practices.
Student Engagement and Support:
Student Well-Being:
Foster a safe and supportive residential environment where students feel a sense of belonging and can thrive academically and personally. Address and resolve student concerns related to behavior, conflicts, mental health, and other challenges. Provide resources and support to help students navigate these issues. Parental and Guardian Communication:
Address concerns from parents and guardians regarding student behavior, policy violations, and other urgent matters. Maintain clear, supportive communication channels with families to address their concerns and provide necessary information while respecting FERPA guidelines.
Financial Management:
Budget Oversight:
Maintain and manage the departmental budget, making informed decisions about resource allocation and financial planning. Collaborate with Shared Business Services for long-term financial planning and budget management. Ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively to support departmental goals. Resource Management:
Monitor and evaluate resource usage to ensure alignment with budgetary constraints and departmental priorities. Implement strategies to optimize resource allocation and achieve financial sustainability.
Quality Assurance and Improvement:
Assessment and Evaluation:
Implement assessment and evaluation practices to measure student learning, satisfaction, and engagement. Utilize feedback and data to make informed decisions about program enhancements and improvements. Develop valid and reliable instruments for evaluating residential programs and services. Continuous Improvement:
Stay current with trends and best practices in higher education, student affairs, and residence life. Make recommendations for program improvements and enhancements based on industry developments, institutional needs, and feedback from stakeholders.
Communication and Outreach:
Internal and External Communication:
Ensure that all communications, both internal and external, are welcoming, student-centered, and effectively convey opportunities, expectations, and departmental initiatives. Manage communications through various channels, including social media, websites, and reports. Representation:
Represent the Residence Life department at university-wide events, divisional meetings, orientation programs, admissions-related events, and other relevant functions. Serve on committees and task forces as assigned by the Dean of Students or Senior Associate Dean of Students.
Faculty-in-Residence and Living-Learning Communities:
Program Oversight:
Provide oversight to the Faculty-in-Residence Program and living-learning communities (LLCs). Collaborate with university partners to enhance the LLC experience and ensure effective faculty-student engagement. Promote programs that integrate academic and residential life.
Compliance and Policy Interpretation:
Policy Interpretation:
Interpret and enforce university policies, including the Code of Student Responsibilities and the Lifebook online, for students, staff, and parents/guardians. Ensure that all parties understand and adhere to university regulations and standards. Regulatory Compliance:
Ensure that residence life operations comply with legal, regulatory, and institutional standards. Address compliance issues proactively and implement necessary changes to meet regulatory requirements.
Move-In/Move-Out Management:
Procedural Oversight:
Oversee the complex and nuanced move-in and move-out processes throughout the year. Ensure that these processes are managed with care and precision, focusing on welcoming students and providing clear procedures for staff.
Long-Range Planning:
Strategic Planning:
Lead long-range planning efforts for the Residence Life department. Develop strategic plans that address future needs, opportunities, and challenges, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and priorities.
On-Call Responsibilities:
Emergency Response:
Serve as part of the on-call rotation, managing or coordinating responses to student-related crises and urgent situations. Provide guidance and support to staff during emergency situations.
Social Media and Communication Management:
Departmental Communications:
Coordinate social media and other departmental communications. Prepare and distribute reports and updates to keep the community informed about Residence Life activities, achievements, and initiatives.
Strategic Counsel and Staff Development:
Advisory Role:
Provide strategic counsel to divisional leaders to improve student programs, staff development, and operational capabilities. Support the development and mentorship of staff, serving as a role model within the Division of Student Affairs.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Engagement and Resources:
Engage stakeholders across the University to connect students with relevant resources and opportunities. Facilitate connections between students and University services that support their academic and personal success.
Qualifications: Education:
Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, or a related field required. Experience:
Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in student affairs or residence life, with a proven track record of successful leadership in various facets of college/university residential living. Experience should include oversight of facilities, community standards, crisis response, and student learning and development. Experience in supervising a diverse full-time and student staff, including working with represented (unionized) teams and collective bargaining agreements. Required Skills: Communication Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate vision and mission through meetings, presentations, reports, and various communication channels (e.g., websites, social media). Organizational Skills:
Exemplary organizational, management, leadership, and financial management skills. Ability to conceptualize and prioritize objectives, manage complex projects, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Interpersonal Skills:
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders. Ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team. Cultural Competence:
Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills for engaging with individuals from a range of cultural backgrounds and identities. Demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive environment. Problem-Solving:
Demonstrated problem identification and resolution skills. Ability to make informed decisions and take decisive action in complex and nuanced situations. Ethical Conduct:
Strong understanding of ethical professional conduct and best practices in student affairs. Ability to uphold and model high standards of professionalism and integrity. Additional Information: Work Schedule:
This live-in position requires evening and weekend responsibilities, including participation in an on-call rotation. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
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