Dillard University
Job Description
Job Title: Director of Residential Education
Department : Residential Life
Reports To: Dean of Students
FLSA Status: Exempt
Prepared By: Courtney Williams
Prepared Date: 07/22/2024
Approved By: HR
Approved Date
Location: New Orleans, LA
Summary
The Director of Residential Life is a full-time, live-in, professional staff member responsible for the leadership and management of the University’s comprehensive residential living program to
provide a safe, secure, and healthy living environment for students that enhances learning and development through community service, quality programming, and academic support. The director is expected to be a strong partner with various stakeholders including students, faculty, staff, and parents and collaborator with colleagues within the Division of Student Success, academic affairs, and facilities.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervises Residence Life Coordinators (who supervise student Resident Assistants and Community Assistants) the Housing Coordinator/Administrative Assistant, and the Residential Facilities Manager. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Participate in the development, coordination and implementation of campus housing plans and programs, including creating and executing a strategic vision that maximizes both occupancy and satisfaction of residents in campus housing.
Provide support and training to Resident Assistants and Community Assistants on the resolution of housing issues, incidents, and student support networks.
Counsels and advises students informally with regard to personal, social and academic problems and when necessary, makes appropriate referrals.
Collaborates with Facilities, University Police and contracted security company to ensure proper maintenance, safety, and security needs are met.
Ensure adherence with all defined emergency and crisis protocols and processes. Generate incident reports and after hours crisis response reports. Coordinate the appropriate response and follow up by Resident Managers and Resident Assistants. Participate in emergency response,
including weather-related emergencies.
Manage residence openings and closings. Oversee and participate in residential damage review, assessment and the corresponding billing process.
Manage housing application and assignment process. Review special requests (ESA, ADA, Medical, Campus Affiliation).
Develop goals and objectives for the hall and staff.
Implement, monitor, and evaluate a wide range of student activities, programs, and events for all constituencies of the campus.
Develop and modify programs in accordance with student interests, divisional and institutional mission and objectives and University Strategic Plan.
Work with academic units to provide co-curricular programming, and guidance that meets educational and professional development needs of students.
Assist in the planning, administration and oversight of operational budget for the office of Residential life (develops budgets, monitor expenditures, ensure compliance with University fiscal policies and procedures).
Plan, implement and assess a comprehensive campus program of leadership development. Plan annual calendar that cites all management and programming responsibilities, events, and
deadlines that must be met by the residence life office
Assist in the coordination, implementation and assessment of new/transfer and returning student orientation programs.
Consult with students, parents, and members of the University community.
Responsible for the development and maintenance of unit website/webpage content and creation. Coordinate and/or assist in the coordination of campus traditional annual or special events.
Develop and administer a program of assessment and evaluation related to activity programs, orientation, services and student needs.
Oversee residential student conduct accountability and restorative justice processes
Confer regularly with immediate supervisor, staff, and other University personnel to plan, coordinate and evaluate programs, activities, policies, and exchange information, investigate and resolve problems, refer students, and the like.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess a sound understanding of student development theory and philosophy; previous experience in residence life/housing with ability to administer a comprehensive set of rules and regulations, and the ability to explain, interpret and apply rules and policies in a rational, objective, and consistent manner; familiarity in dealing with the unique needs of the non-traditional adult learner; proven quality program planning, organizational, administrative, supervisory, and budget management skills.
Education And/Or Experience
Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred. Supervisory experience and extensive experience in residential living, knowledge of student development, strong communication skills,
and a demonstrated capacity to work with a diverse student population are preferred. Energy, commitment, flexibility, and enthusiasm are highly desired.
Language Skills
The successful candidate must have the ability effectively communicate in writing an orally with
students, parents, faculty, administrators, staff, and other stakeholders, such as members of the business community, regulatory agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference as well
as apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations is required
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers,
common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ration, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Special Requirements
Employee must maintain confidentiality in all work performed. Must be flexible in work
schedule. Must be willing to work evening or weekends for special events, crisis response, and/or opening and closing of hall. Must be willing to participate on an on-call duty rotation cycle during breaks and university closures. Must abide by Residential Life policies including no pets.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described her are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Employee Signature
_____________________________________________Date_______________________
Supervisor’s Signature ____________________________________________Date_____________________
