Assistant Director of Housing Operations

 Summary

The Assistant Director of Housing Operations is a full-time professional responsible for a residential environment that is conducive to the academic and personal growth of Elmhurst University students. This person oversees all aspects of housing assignments and processes associated with assignments and serves as the liaison between the department and other campus agencies—Facilities, Public Safety, Student Financial Services, Information Services, and Athletics. This individual will provide leadership and support for all initiatives, facilities, services, and efforts offered by the Office of Housing and Residence Life. Their efforts will support the mission of the University and the goals of the Division of Student Affairs. This individual will work closely with students, parents, and all stakeholders to foster a positive residential living community. This is a 12-month, full-time, live-on position with on-call responsibilities which also includes a $1,200 meal plan every 6 months.

The Assistant Director of Housing Operations is a professional staff member at the University. As such, this individual will maintain professional conduct and ethical behavior at all times. Additionally, it is expected that this team member will:

• Follow-through with all responsibilities and communications in a timely manner.
• Keep accurate records of events, programs, budgets, evaluations, etc.
• Complete the appropriate assessments of programs and functions.
• Develop appropriate, professional relationships with students and colleagues (internal and external).
• Work collaboratively with all areas of the University and serve as a resource for the campus community.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with students.
• Embrace an open-door approach to communicating with students to assist with ideas, issues, and concerns relating to Student Affairs, individual development, and programs/services.

Essential Functions

• Oversee all aspects of housing assignments and processes associated with all student assignments.
• Serve as the direct supervisor for the Coordinator of Housing Operations.
• Collaborate with live-in residential staff (Head Residents and Resident Advisers) to accurately determine current status of student assignments, room vacancies and room changes, and to resolve complaints related to room assignments.
• Serve as the liaison to Athletics for student housing and to the Wellness Center for compliance with vaccination requirements.
• Oversee annual residence hall opening and closing events and break housing.
• Manage The Housing Director (THD) Adirondack software, serve as primary departmental liaison with the Adirondack Corporation, and provide training to Housing and Residence Life personnel on the use of THD.
• Oversee the OHRL email account and provide assistance with office calls and student walk-ins.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the locksmith to rectify key discrepancies and change locks or keys.
• Serve as the liaison with other campus departments (e.g., Facilities Management, Public Safety, and Disability Services).
• Report maintenance issues to Facilities Management.
• Work collaboratively with Facilities Management in the upkeep of room and lounge furniture in the residence halls, apartments, and houses.
• Provide support, guidance, and direction to professional and para-professional staff members, including Head Residents and Resident Advisers, to further their performance and build community within the residence halls.
• Serve as a conduct administrator for alleged violations of University policy and the Code of Conduct as assigned by the Assistant Dean of Students. Follow through with all aspects of the conduct review process for each case assigned.
• Assist with routine safety procedures including fire drills, health and safety checks, and natural disaster preparedness. Coordinate fire drill procedures with Public Safety.
• Identify and assist residents who have personal, academic and/or social issues or concerns. 
• Address behavioral concerns and roommate conflicts in a timely and effective manner and provides leadership and support in this area. 
• Serve as a University “first responder” for crisis situations, requiring availability and presence during disasters as identified by the University.
• Serve as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) with regard to Clery Act reporting.
• Create and manage the process for residence hall assignments and room selection. 
• Develop marketing tools for department for items such as room selection, moving on campus, and information for incoming students. 
• Produce regular occupancy rate reports.
• Complete billing for resident students, including room damage assessment, lock out charges, and all other billing concerns.
• Serve in the departmental on-call rotation and respond as appropriate.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• This position requires evening and weekend hours to fulfill position responsibilities.
• This position is a live-on position within a residential facility on campus.
• This position has on-call responsibilities that require visibility and presence on campus for immediate response.
• This position assists with maintaining a year-round housing operation for students (Fall Term, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, January Term, Spring Term, Spring Break, and Summer Term).
• Maintain and establish policies and procedures for the department.
• Assist with campus-wide programming efforts as needed, as well as major divisional and institutional initiatives.
• Serve on University committees and task forces.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• An earned master’s degree in higher education, or equivalent (Counseling, Student Personnel, or Higher Education Administration) from an accredited institution. 
• A minimum of two years of professional, post-graduate work in the field of housing and residence life in a college or university setting.
• Direct experience with housing assignments, facilities, student conduct, and crisis management.
• Strong relationship-building skills, working with individuals of diverse communities and cultures.
• A firm understanding and knowledge of student development theory.
• Demonstrated excellence in written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated passion for developing students in the higher education setting.
• Ability to effectively resolve conflict and manage crisis and emergency situations as well as an ability to foster a cooperative environment.
• Ability to promote collaboration, teamwork, and involve stakeholders in the decision making process.
• Prior experience with supervision of staff.
• Proven commitment to diversity, equal opportunity, and the academic, intellectual, and social development of all students.