Director of Residence Life and Fraternity-Sorority Life

Position Summary:

Southwestern University has an immediate opening for the Director of Residence Life and Fraternity & Sorority Life.  The Director is part of a Student Life team responsible for all operational aspects of a comprehensive and vibrant student residential and fraternity-sorority program designed to promote student safety, well-being, persistence, and success.  The position is responsible for strategic planning, management, and operation, both day-to-day and long-term, of residential experiences and fraternity-sorority development with an increasing residential capacity.  This position includes on-call responsibilities and supervises fulltime administrators and student paraprofessionals.  This is a fulltime exempt position with university benefits who reports to the Vice President of Student Life.

Primary Duties include but are not limited to:

• Manage daily operations of the Residence Life and Fraternity & Sorority Life department, including: Supervise professional staff and general oversight of the selection, training, and evaluation of student paraprofessional staff; Manage all aspects of housing assignments.  Maintain and adjust processes and coordinate communications related to:  housing applications, roommate matching/room selection, exemption from live-on requirement, and administration of housing software; Maintain accurate, updated records related to occupancy (including midsemester room changes), meal plans, key inventories, and room conditions; Supervise a Fraternity-Sorority Life Office to maintain accurate, updated records related to fraternity-sorority chapter membership, fraternity house occupancy, chapter membership retention, chapter grade point averages, and officer/advisor rosters; Oversee check-in and check-out, including room condition reports, damage reports, and damage billing; Complete work in a timely manner, either personally or through delegation and supervision;

Collaborate with university partners to develop a Housing Facilities Master Plan encompassing construction, renovation, deferred maintenance, renewal and replacement, and general preventative maintenance; Compile an annual analysis of competitive market housing rates and propose recommendations for housing rate structures; Partner with direct supervisor and other university staff to ensure proper administration of university policies and procedures; Manage and participate in the rotating on-call duty schedule; Maintain schedule for formal and informal accessibility with residents, students, and staff; Collaborate with university partners to: Articulate a vision for on-campus residence halls, including existing and future housing needs; Establish with Facilities Management a plan for residential projects, issues, and timely communications to residents.  Monitor and persist with work orders and other maintenance-related issues; Cooperate on issues of facility occupancy, hall maintenance, safety and security matters, and damage assessments; Provide with University Police the necessary emergency and crisis training and communications for/with Resident Assistant staff; Oversee ADA/Section 504/Fair Housing Act accommodations for all qualified students in consultation with the Center for Academic Success; Liaise with the residential laundry vendor alongside the Associate Vice President for Finance; Create and implement annual evaluation and assessment processes. Create student leadership development programs that feature students’ involvement in Residence Life, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and in residential programs.

Additional Duties:

• Demonstrate effective communication, planning and organizational skills as they relate to job responsibilities; Meet with direct supervisor weekly and participate in bi-weekly area staff meetings; attend staff development activities and in-service training programs as required by the supervisor; Prepare monthly reports detailing programs and services provided; Serve as a referral agent to other university related services; Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or related field; Outstanding ability to relate to traditional college-aged students including fraternity-sorority members; General knowledge regarding student development theory and practices; Demonstrated leadership skills, including a strong worth ethic; Willingness to adhere to the university’s core values; Excellent interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills; Knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of cultural differences and the diversity within the campus and community; Demonstrated professional manner with all internal and external constituents; Flexibility, adjusting to fluctuating priorities while producing reliable work products; Ability to perform well in stressful situations; Consistent and regular work attendance and work schedule.

Preferred Requirements:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience University Housing/Residence Life with increasing responsibility; Proven successful experience collaborating with undergraduate fraternities and sororities and with fraternity-sorority housing; Experience constructing and/or opening new residence halls; Comprehension and commitment to the liberal arts education, including the ability to relate to liberal arts faculty and staff.

Southwestern University offers competitive salary and benefits including health, dental, life, long-term disability, retirement, 15 paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, tuition assistance, access to athletic facilities, free parking and discounted meal rates.  Southwestern University is a selective, undergraduate institution committed to a broad-based liberal arts, sciences, business, and fine arts education.  Southwestern University is deeply committed to fostering a diverse educational environment and especially encourages applications from members of groups traditionally under-represented in higher education.  For information concerning the university, visit our website at www.southwestern.edu .

To apply: The University will only accept application materials through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/118481.  Interested persons must submit a letter of interest, resume, the names and contact information of three professional references, and salary expectations.  Email and paper applications will not be accepted.  Only completed applications will be reviewed by the Search Committee.  The Committee will review all completed applications until the position is filled.  All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of the University’s Background Check Policy process.  EOE/M/F