Residential Life Director

Department
Student Life

Job Posting Title
Residential Life Director

Job Description

Overview:

The Department of Residential Life's mission is to assist in the preparation of citizen-leaders by fostering community, providing access, focusing on resident needs and supporting the educational experience.

Position Summary:

The Director of Residential Life is responsible for providing leadership and vision in the development and administration of a vibrant residential life program that engages the entire residential community using nationally recognized best practices. Under the administrative direction of the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/Student Life, the Director of Residential Life is responsible for six halls and two apartment complexes, housing up to approximately 1,700 residents.

Responsibilities:

• Provides vision for the development and implementation of a comprehensive housing and residential life program.
• Provides leadership in the areas of planning, human resources, policy development, operational, facility, and budgetary aspects of the department of residential life.
• Develops and implements services, activities, and opportunities that complete the student residential life experience and enhances students’ adjustment to and participation in college life with the specific purpose of increasing student retention, persistence, and graduation rates.
• Oversees the quality and consistency of student development programming across the department.
• Develops a comprehensive department assessment and evaluation plan.
• Plays a key role in the implementation of the Division of Student Affairs strategic plan.
• Prepares and submits documents in accordance with the annual key dates calendar.
• Collaborates to support the Early College Programs (Kansas Academy of Math and Science | Academy of Math and Science staff in enhancing student learning and providing for an outstanding residential life experience.
• Responsible for the hiring, training and supervision of professional staff; oversees the hiring, training, and supervision of all other staff in the department.
• Works proactively with the facilities supervisor and custodial manager responsible for residence life areas.
• Works in collaboration with the Assistance Vice President for Student Affairs/Student Life in overseeing the financial management of the department.
• Responsible for the monitoring, forecasting, and management of occupancy, the room selection processes, room assignments, and room changes. Serves as back-up to the Assistant Director of Business Operations.
• Works in conjunction with the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/Student Life in coordinating contracts with outside vendors, such as laundry machine vendor, cable TV, and snack/vending machine service provider. Serves on the oversight committee for the campus food service provider.
• Oversees the physical environment in conjunction with facilities staff, to maintain a safe, secure, and healthy living environment.
• Ensures the security and safety of students through appropriate training, policy development, and implementation of emergency, crises, and on-call procedures. Works directly with the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/Student Life, University Police, and Health and Wellness staff towards this end.
• Generates and prioritizes auxiliary improvements projects. Works with the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/Student Life in submitting them through University processes. Works in partnership with Administrative and Finance staff to implement approved projects.
• Responsible for the marketing, development, and implementation of the summer camps and conferences program.
• Develops marketing plan to complement University objectives to include a coordinating role with the Office of Admissions and Fraternity and Sorority Life as well as the development of a communication strategy for those students not required to live on campus. Reviews and approves all marketing materials, forms, and signage, to include brochures, posters, handbooks, and contracts.
• Works effectively with a wide variety of constituent groups including students, parents, university staff, faculty, and the public.
• Remains abreast of current issues and best practices in residential life.
• Supports the system of internal controls developed by the University, Division of Student Affairs, and individual departments. Upholds all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Leads and serves on various division and university committees.
• This description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in student affairs, higher education or in a related field
• Three to 4 years progressively responsible management experience within student affairs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five or more years of professional and progressive responsible management experience within a comprehensive residence life setting.
• Knowledge and experience of long and short-range facility planning, maintenance operations and food service facilities.
• Experience in the development and training of professional/paraprofessional staff.
• Demonstrated competence in administration, student development, budget planning and management.
• Ability to handle multiple work priorities, organize and plan projects effectively.
• Successful experience in building collaborative partnerships.
• Demonstrated experience in exercising good judgment.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to build and manage teams effectively.
• Knowledge of StarRez and Maxient programs.

This is a 12-month position responsible for the decision making and delivery of a vibrant residential living community that engages students for success at Fort Hays State University. Versatility and collaboration are the keys to this position.

Salary/Benefits: Commensurate with qualifications/ experience.

Benefits: Competitive benefit package: http://www.fhsu.edu/humanresourceoffice/Prospective-Employees/

Position Opens: Review of candidates will begin June 17, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. Applications submitted prior to June 17, 2022 will receive priority consideration.

Application Procedure: To apply for this position, please visit https://fhsu.edu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CAREERS . Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.

Required Application Documents: Applicants submit a cover letter, resume and names and contact information for three (3) professional references. Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF.

If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:

Name: Mr. Will Burns

Email: wlburns@fhsu.edu

Phone: 785-628-4690

Community of Hays

FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.

Notice of Non-discrimination – Fort Hays State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, color, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or veteran status.

Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.

Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.