Residence Director (Two Positions)

Job Description

The Residence Director engages in operational, administrative, and programmatic initiatives for Residential Living. This individual reports to an Assistant Director and is a full-time, 12-month, exempt status, live-in professional who is responsible for the management of a residential community, housing 250 to 1000 students.

Responsibilities include educational, managerial, and administrative functions to provide an environment supportive of the University’s mission and vision. This includes implementation of Residential Living’s curriculum; supervising student leaders; crisis intervention; participation in the Division of Student Experience’s on-call structure; resolution of violations of Residential Living policies; implementing programs and educational initiatives designed to assist students in transitioning to campus living; and other duties as assigned. This is a highly visible position with students and staff, providing day-to-day support to students, student employees, and multiple levels of staff. This position is critical to ensuring that students living on campus have residential staff committed to their success and development.

Education and Experience

Educational Requirements (minimum)

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in student personnel, higher education, or a related field is preferred.
• Evening and weekend commitments are expected.
• Residence Directors must reside in their provided on-campus apartment.

Experience Requirements (minimum)

• Previous residence hall or student advising experience and have confirmed skills in mediation, crisis intervention, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Demonstrated potential to supervise paraprofessional staff and experience in at least two of the following specialized areas: counseling, advisement, programming, student development, housing operations, residence hall safety and security, public relations, or summer programs.

Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of student development, counseling, and/or event management. Excellent written and verbal communication. Strong ability to handle multiple priorities and work across many different constituencies.
• The Residence Director should support the development of an inclusive residence hall community and demonstrates cultural competency in race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability, gender, gender identity expression, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin.

Responsibilities

Residential Education & Living Learning Communities

• Utilize the department’s residential curriculum to foster student learning, development, and engagement.
• Assists RAs in assessing the needs of residents and developing strategies to meet their needs.
• Advise student organizations, supported by theory and best practice.
• Advises students informally regarding personal, social, and academic concerns, and when necessary, makes appropriate referrals.
• Mediates a range of student conflicts, including roommate agreements and concerns.
• Actively develops an environment, through dialogue and other educational means, that encourages and fosters inclusive communities. Participates in the development and implementation of residentially based Living Learning Community assigned to their building or complex.
• Works with specific Living Learning Community staff members to develop, implement, and attend Living Learning Community programs and team meetings.
• Participates in all departmental trainings and debriefings, as directed by the Assistant Director or departmental leadership.

Supervision

• Provide direct supervision for 8-21 Resident Advisors, which includes facilitating staff meetings and one-on-one meetings, holding Resident Advisors accountable to departmental expectations, and addressing and documenting performance concerns according to departmental protocol.
• Participate in the student leader evaluation process and assist in the design and execution of student leader training as determined by the departmental leadership.

Crisis Response And Student Conduct

• Communicates students’ rights and responsibilities and assists in adjudicating departmental and university code of conduct violations.
• Provides staff coverage, including emergency duty, during the course of the year, including hall openings, closings, and university vacation days.
• Address emergency situations utilizing crisis intervention skills and resources.
• Serve in the on-call rotation for the Division of Student Experience.
• Provide support for students and updates to staff according to established protocols.
• Attend and participate in divisional and departmental training sessions.

Managerial

• Ensures that the hall staff has an operating knowledge of the procedures, policies, and practices essential to the effective functioning of the hall.
• Manages their hall/complex by conducting weekly walkthroughs of their building and following up with maintenance and custodial concerns.
• Manages the programming and operation budget for the hall and is an active participant in area meetings, departmental meetings, and training programs.
• Establishes a schedule for Residential Work Hours that is appropriate for a student-facing, residentially focused role.
• Schedules work hours that meet the needs of students living on and off campus. This includes some evening and weekend hours essential for programs and training, as well as some university business hours for meetings and business with other university staff.
• Maintains a visible and active presence in their residence hall(s).

Departmental And Institutional Support

• Serves as a member or co-chair on departmental committees.
• Support departmental and university summer initiatives and projects as directed by departmental leadership.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About The Syracuse Area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.