Director of Housing & Residential Services

Fitchburg State University, located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, is a public institution committed to integrating high-quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and sciences studies. Founded in 1894, the University now has more than 30 undergraduate programs, 22 master's degree programs, and approximately 6,800 students. Fitchburg State offers undergraduate and graduate programs emphasizing career-orientated learning that is firmly grounded in the liberal arts, as well as selected majors in the traditional arts and sciences. The University features small class sizes, hands-on professional education, and an accessible faculty dedicated to teaching. A compact campus provides the added bonus of a secure community where social and cultural activities abound, and students assume a wide range of leadership roles in the community, student government, and social and artistic affairs. Fitchburg State is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in Best Colleges 2022-2023 for Top Public Schools (Regional Universities North and Public), Social Mobility (Regional Universities North), Best Value, and Best Undergraduate Nursing.

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs and serving as a vital member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team, the Director of Housing & Residential Services functions as the institution’s chief housing officer and provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for a comprehensive department of Housing & Residential Services and Parking Services Management. In collaboration with University Financial Services and the Massachusetts State College Building Authority (MSCBA), the Director effectively manages a $9 million auxiliary budget, ensures sound fiscal operations, develops processes and initiatives that promote a high level of space utilization and occupancy of housing facilities, and coordinates the development of short- and long-range plans for the renovation, maintenance, and improvement of University-owned housing facilities. The Director works in partnership with Capital Planning and Maintenance to ensure secure and satisfactory living environments for approximately 1,400 residential students; evaluates and fosters departmental effectiveness and efficiency through ongoing data collection and assessment efforts; and engages an active student body and workforce to foster a welcoming and supportive environment that promotes, values, and supports diversity, equity, and inclusivity. The Director manages, supervises, and provides professional development opportunities for a professional and graduate staff of seven, including four to five direct reports, indirectly oversees 30+ Resident Assistants, and focuses the team toward meaningful learning and exceptional programming, which support student success, retention, and persistence.

A master’s degree in student personnel, higher education administration, or related area, and progressive mid- to senior-level experience within a university housing and residential life operation, are required. Other requirements include demonstrated proficiency with budget development and management; knowledge of and experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion work; program planning and project management skills; proven communication skills; the ability to maintain a sense of fairness, sensitivity, and sound judgment in emotionally-charged situations; and demonstrated supervisory skills that foster a motivated staff and build an effective team. Preferred qualifications include experience in and understanding of assessment techniques, co-curricular initiatives, professional training programs, living/learning communities, crisis and emergency response, student conduct processes, Title IX, and student counseling.

Review of applications will begin Friday, February 3, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to J. Scott Derrick at jsd@spelmanjohnson.com or Julie A. Leos at jal@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodations to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.

Visit the Fitchburg State website at www.fitchburgstate.edu.

Fitchburg State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, diversity, affirmative action, and a campus free from all forms of sexually harassing and violent behavior. The University is dedicated to providing an educational, working, and living environment for students, employees, and other members of the campus community.