Director Of Residence Life

Warren Wilson College invites applications for the Director of Residence Life position. This position develops and administers a comprehensive Residence Life program including the supervision of two professional residence life staff, oversight and coordination of the conduct system for residential students, and implementation of a student staff program. The Director of Residence Life serves on the Vice President of Student Engagement & Dean of Students' leadership team and assists the Vice President in leadership of the Division. We seek an empathetic leader who has the ability to remain calm and professional during intense or challenging situations, and is responsive and respectful while handling complaints. The individual in this role will provide leadership over all aspects of Residence life including oversight over 13 residence halls, supervision, training, programming, the conduct system for residential students, implementation of a staff and student-staff program, and student success/retention. 
Competitive candidates will have previous Residence Life experience in higher education successfully supporting students from a variety of genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, identities and lived experiences, as well as promoting innovation and DEI initiatives that foster communicating across difference. Director of Residence Life position is a regular, full time, exempt position, and is required to live on campus. This position is also required to work regular evening and weekend hours, as a part of their role, and will also have on-call responsibilities.
Interested individuals should read further to learn more about the college, and the responsibilities for this full-time, exempt position. Applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter, which includes experience working with a diverse range of identities and experiences including, but not limited to, previous DEI training or initiatives. 
First consideration will be given to candidates who apply by June 9, 2024. All applications must be received electronically. Please be aware that no relocation assistance is available for this position.
Our mission:
Warren Wilson College's distinctive approach to education intentionally integrates academics, work, and community engagement to cultivate curiosity, empathy, and integrity. We empower graduates to pursue meaningful careers and lead purposeful lives dedicated to a just, equitable, and sustainable world.
To fulfill this mission, the College, through its Strategic Imperative for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is unwavering in our commitment to the dignity of all people—particularly those populations who have been both historically oppressed and continue to experience systemic oppression. As we value the breadth of diversity necessary for a rich campus culture, we also recognize the particular challenge and opportunity for growth and leadership around race, noting that such a focus necessarily intersects with deepening efforts around other aspects of identity (such as ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexuality, class, and worldview). We are committed to a culture of educational access and to ensuring that students and employees from a diverse range of identities and experiences will thrive in this community. We seek and support a culturally diverse faculty and staff with a genuine interest in our innovative approach to education and focus on inclusive excellence, as well as a willingness to fully participate in the life of the College. We welcome applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups (e.g., people of African, Latiné, Indigenous, and/or Asian descent) and individuals who have experience working with diverse populations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree in Student Development, Higher Education or related field. Two to four years of progressive leadership experience in a higher education residence life setting. Previous supervision and staff development experience. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of student, retention, leadership, and community development theories. Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment. Previous experience managing database and software systems that support the operations of residence life. Ability to exercise exceptional judgment, ensure strict confidentiality, and demonstrate outstanding professionalism when responding to students who are struggling or in crisis. Proficiency with Microsoft office / Google Suite. Demonstrated experience building partnerships and relating effectively with diverse constituents including students, faculty, staff and administrators. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated ability to manage institutional change, establish new programs, and/or lead the development of new initiatives. Previous experience as a live-in professional staff member in a college or university residence life program. Previous supervisory experience of graduate or professional staff in higher education. Experience in a small liberal arts college setting. Experience with Title IX. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Division Leadership The Director of Residence Life provides administrative leadership and oversight to the Student Life division in the Dean's absence. Serves as the Student Life module manager in the campus ERP software Jenzabar. Develops Student Life marketing materials in coordination with the Enrollment division. Serve on committees representing the Student Life division and the Residence Life program. Engage in professional development. Positively represent Warren Wilson College in the local, regional and national community. Position is required to live on campus. Student Success and Retention This position is highly collaborative and plays an active role with students of concern, developing and implementing both long and short-term response plans. Examples of concerns include, but are not limited to transition, physical and mental health, student safety, personal crisis, and integration to campus life. Represents the Student Life division on various committees such as retention and student success committees. Serve on the early support (CONNECT) committee. Develop and maintain a positive academic environment in the residence halls. Residence Life Administration Ensure a safe living and learning environment that embraces diversity and difference, engages students in healthy lifestyles, promotes Warren Wilson College Core Values, and supports the mission of the College as well as the College's strategic plan. Develop, maintain and promote the residence life mission statement, strategic plans, policies and procedures within the guidelines and practices of the College and Student Life division. Establish strong relationships with students. Assess the needs, learning outcomes and satisfaction of students regarding their residential experience. Develop and monitor budgets. Ensure excellent service to students, parents and other constituents. Develop positive working relationships with Student Government and other departments, such as Admissions/Enrollment, Dining, Center for Experiential Learning, etc. Respond to student concerns and issues. Residence Life Staffing Supervision Supervise, select, train, and evaluate professional Residence Life staff. Develop and implement a student RA and a Senior RA program including continual improvement of staff organization, job descriptions, and compensation. Oversight of fall and winter training and regular in-service training, and ensure the implementation of a successful student staff selection. Maintain a high level of visibility with student staff. Ensure staff coverage year-round including all college breaks as appropriate. Crisis Response Serves as a member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT). Provides Student Life on-call student crisis/emergency response. Provide support to students in crisis and make referrals as necessary. Determine when to inform and involve the VPSE and the Dean of Students in crisis response. Conduct Coordination and Oversight Preferably serve as a deputy Title IX officer supervising the Title IX investigators. Ensure the implementation of a fair judicial process for all residential students. Interpret and apply Warren Wilson College conduct policies. Understand and apply legal issues as they relate to student issues. Train and oversee conduct officers, ensuring conduct philosophy is consistently applied by all officers. Coordinate the dissemination, tracking, and accountability of conduct cases. Create and coordinate the activity of a Conduct Board including training, advisement, and case referral. Address policy violations. Housing Oversight Analyze campus housing trends and provide guidance for changes to how campus housing is utilized and offered. Supervise the housing assignment process including housing lottery, new student assignments, mid-year room changes, etc. Work with the Disability Access Committee in terms of medical accommodations, such as emotional support animals, medical single rooms, and waiver of meal plans. Oversee check-in and check-out process including room inspections, billing, and key dissemination/collection. Other duties as assigned. Warren Wilson College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.