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Area Director of Residential Life

Colgate University, Sharonville, Ohio, United States

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Area Director of Residential Life Position Category:

Professional/Administrative

Work Arrangement:

On‑Site (Hamilton, NY) - expected to work fully at the designated campus/office location.

Salary:

$62,355

Core Qualifications

Candidates must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills and be capable of creating and maintaining productive and collegial working relationships with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and visitors

Must be available to work evenings, late nights and occasional weekends as required

Must be self‑motivated and able to manage multiple projects, programs and student challenges simultaneously with an appropriate sense of urgency

Preferred Qualifications

A minimum of two years of relevant work experience is preferred

A minimum of one year post‑baccalaureate full‑time work is preferred

Preference will be given to candidates who have college or university experience in crisis management, student conduct, student staff supervision and program design

Experience with student activities and event planning preferred

Experience working with faculty within the context of a learning community or similar program is highly desired

Prior student intern, volunteer and/or professional supervisory experience is required

Previous student leadership roles are required

Education

A Bachelor’s degree is required

A Master’s degree in higher education or a related field is preferred

Responsibilities The Area Director (AD) is a full‑time, live‑in position, primarily responsible with the effective and efficient execution of strategies and programs that enrich the residential experience at Colgate. The AD works closely with the Residential Life Leadership Team and, when assigned to a Commons Area, a Residential Commons Leadership Team to build intellectually‑engaging residential communities in which all students feel like they belong and have the opportunity to grow.

Community Development & Engagement

Provide support in the development and furthering of the departmental philosophy, mission, and programs by translating the mission, vision, and strategic goals in ways that impact and transform residential communities

Manage the facilitation of the community development and learning model in their area, which may include one‑on‑ones, event planning, community meetings, and other strategies

Cultivate an identity that is appropriately visible and approachable to the campus community as a live‑in residential staff member

Provide accurate advice and guidance that actively supports the growth, maturity, and intellectual development of individual students and groups of students within assigned residential communities

Facilitate the administration of protocols and processes to address the needs of students of concern and to connect them with appropriate resources and support systems

Participate in the management of student behavior by responding to incidents, meeting with students, and applying appropriate sanctions as detailed in the University student handbook

Resolve student conflict and conduct issues within assigned residential area (or broader when on‑call), ensuring proper documentation of conduct issues

Ensure the development of a safe, welcoming, accessible, and fair environment that actively includes and engages everyone

Actively address issues and concerns that diminish the capacity for all students to feel like they belong and are able to engage in their respective communities

Maintain active engagement in your assigned communities by participating in events and programs and having a presence in each area

Serve as a role model of healthy engagement in the greater campus community

Intellectual Connection

Provide leadership and support within assigned Residential Commons

Assist residents with concerns that are barriers to academic success and make appropriate referrals as required

Develop effective relationships with faculty, including assigned Residential Commons directors, in active implementation of living and learning objectives

Facilitate the development of residential communities that support and encourage intellectual pursuits and academic engagement

Advise the Commons Council in support of these goals

Staff Supervision

Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate a team of student staff in accordance with department expectations, goals, and established procedures

Participate in and plan on‑going staff development and in‑service activities for the purpose of continued training and opportunities for personal development for student staff

Advise departmental committees for student staff members and students

Facilities & Building Management Duties

Coordinate, maintain, and monitor the administrative and operational functions associated with the management of a residence hall (occupancy management, room condition, maintenance, technology, etc.)

Exercise judgement in effective day‑to‑day management of multiple housing facilities

Manage residence hall opening and closing procedures for all assigned areas

Facilitate regular health and safety inspections in each residential area

Ensure that all reported damages and problems with residential facilities are fixed within an appropriate time frame

Crisis Management & Emergency Response

Serve as a referral source for student staff during counseling and crisis issues

Provide crisis intervention along with necessary follow‑up after an incident, working in coordination with other Residential Life staff, as well as professionals from the Counseling Center, Dean's Office, Campus Safety, and other areas as needed

Participate in scheduled professional staff on‑call duty rotation

Manage the student staff on‑call duty for assigned duty areas

Core Departmental Responsibilities

Build and maintain collaborative relationships with others in Residential Life, Dean of the College, Facilities, Faculty, and the University community, creating opportunities for them to engage and be involved with students around their areas of expertise

Disseminate information regarding policies, conduct, administrative matters, and campus events to staff

Become familiar with central department processes and policies in order to accurately promote and communicate with campus partners, students, and families, cover central office on a rotating basis to ensure these constituents are met with a welcome and informative presence

Assist in assessment of student learning, student needs, and program effectiveness

Manage room assignment changes within assigned residential communities in partnership with the Housing Coordinator

Meet regularly with supervisor to review department goals, establish individual goals, assess progress and solve problems

Work with students, parents, co‑workers, supervisor, department staff, and University staff from diverse backgrounds on a variety of issues

Communicate with students, colleagues, and parents, resolving concerns and addressing questions with care and professional support while effectively managing boundaries

Effectively utilize a broad band of communication methods

Maintain accurate knowledge of occupancy and vacancy records in your residential communities

Facilitate weekly staff meetings and one‑to‑one meetings with assigned student staff

Participate in departmental and university committees as deemed appropriate by members of the Residential Life Leadership Team, supervisor, or Director

Model professional behavior appropriate for living in and among students

Other duties as assigned

This position has been designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA), in accordance with the federal statutory requirements of the Jeanne Clery Act. CSAs are required to and responsible for reporting allegations of crimes they receive from students and employees to the Campus Safety Department.

Benefits Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our

Benefits page .

EEO Statement The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

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