Director of Housing and Residence Life
Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu, HI, United States
Job Summary:
Hawai’i Pacific University (HPU) is a private, non‑profit student‑centered institution of approximately 4,200 undergraduate and 700 graduate students. Founded in 1965, it is Hawai’i’s largest private university with its core campus in the heart of Honolulu’s business district. In recent years, the University has experienced year‑over‑year enrollment growth at the undergraduate and graduate levels in existing and new on‑site, hybrid, and online programs. Expanding student success is a strategic priority for HPU, and as an institution with federally‑designated Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander serving status, the University is leveraging federal grant funds, foundation grants, and internal resources to expand support student learning and success.
This position is an in‑person, 12‑month position that reports to the Associate Dean of Students. It is not eligible for remote work and is a live‑in position that receives room and board. The Director is responsible for two residence facilities and should have knowledge of StarRez housing software, which is highly desirable.
This position works closely with the Provost on the strategic direction of the residential experience, including facility management and planning. Successful candidates will be energetic, dedicated, team‑oriented, progressive, and student‑centered, and will contribute to promoting community standards of aloha, pono, and kuleana. The Director will also provide programs and activities to educate and prevent alcohol and drug abuse and sex discrimination. In addition, the Director is responsible for compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and could serve as the Title IX Deputy Coordinator, in conjunction with the Title IX Coordinator.
Location: HPU Downtown Campus; Honolulu
Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s Degree, preferably in the areas of higher educational leadership, social work, or related discipline
At least five years of experience in housing and residential life in a college or university setting
Demonstrated experience working with diverse student populations
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills
Desired Qualifications:
Five to ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience within student engagement, student life, residential life, student affairs, student support services, counseling, or closely related higher education environments
Knowledge of and proficiency with Microsoft Suite, Banner, StarRez, and Maxient
Demonstrated success supervising, developing, and motivating professional staff within Housing and Residential Life operations, including experience leading diverse teams across functional areas
Proven experience overseeing comprehensive on‑call systems, crisis response, student safety initiatives, and emergency management protocols within a residential campus environment
Demonstrated leadership within complex organizations, including strategic planning, goal setting, data‑informed decision making, assessment, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives
Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, with experience advancing inclusive practices and fostering a welcoming campus climate grounded in a student‑centered philosophy of care and accountability
Other Preferred Qualifications:
Working knowledge in Housing and Residence Life management systems, with experience leveraging technology to improve operations and reporting
Experience managing student conduct processes and utilizing Maxient or similar conduct management systems
Experience collaborating with off‑campus housing vendors and managing contracts, facility oversight, and partnership management with facilities and maintenance
Availability to support departmental operations during university closures, including winter break, as required by operational needs; position is fully on‑site
Ability to meet all training, background check, and Protection of Minors policy requirements
Flexibility to work extended hours, varied schedules, and all shifts as necessary to support a residential campus environment
Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, student‑centered environment requiring strong time management, adaptability, and stress management skills
Key Responsibilities: Leadership and Operational Oversight of Housing and Residential Life (60%)
Provide strategic leadership and comprehensive operational oversight for Housing and Residential Life, establishing a clear departmental vision aligned with institutional priorities, including staffing structures, supervision, professional development, budgeting, assessment, policy development, and long‑term planning with staff and improvements
Directly supervise, develop, and evaluate professional staff, including Assistant Director/manager and shared responsibilities with development of Area Coordinators, Student Community Advisors and Housing student personnel with the Assistant Director, by setting high performance standards; leading recruitment, selection, onboarding, and ongoing training; and cultivating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional excellence in supporting positive customer service
Oversee comprehensive housing operations with the Assistant Director/manager, including occupancy management, marketing strategies, contract administration, room assignments, guest housing, and effective utilization of StarRez or comparable systems to drive operational efficiency and data‑informed decision making
Lead the development, implementation, enforcement, and regular review of housing policies, procedures, and communications related to applications, contracts, assignments, and community standards, ensuring compliance and student education regarding institutional expectations
Support Summer Conferences with assigning housing in the summer months
Collaborate with Facilities and Operations to ensure residential facilities are safe, well‑maintained, and operationally sound, including oversight of housing inventories and long‑term capital planning considerations
Provide executive oversight of crisis response and risk management within residential communities, including lead participation in on‑call rotations, consultation during critical incidents, and leadership during residence hall openings, closings, early arrivals, and extended stays
Serve as budget officer for Housing and Residential Life, overseeing fiscal planning, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring responsible stewardship and alignment of resources with strategic priorities
Student Conduct and Crisis Response and Management (30%)
Provide strategic leadership in student conduct and case management processes, serving as a conduct hearing officer; maintaining accurate non‑academic conduct records in Maxient; and ensuring compliance with institutional policies, federal regulations, and best practices
Serve as a Title IX Deputy Coordinator, as assigned, including investigation, resolution, and coordinated response to student‑to‑student cases, in collaboration with the Title IX Coordinator and legal counsel
Lead and coordinate crisis response efforts within residential communities in partnership with Associate Dean of Students, Security, Counseling and Behavioral Health, the Registrar, and other campus stakeholders, ensuring effective response to emergencies, critical incidents, and complex student situations
Meet with students involved in high‑level or escalated cases of concern; facilitate alternative dispute resolution processes such as mediation and restorative practices when appropriate; and ensure coordinated follow‑up and holistic student support
Assume and oversee on‑call responsibilities for two campus locations, including university breaks and holidays, ensuring consistent leadership presence and operational continuity
Community Building (10%)
Serve as a visible and engaged leader within residential communities, fostering connection, accountability, and a strong sense of belonging among residents
Represent Housing and Residential Life on university committees, at campus‑wide initiatives, and at community events, serving as a strategic ambassador for the department and institution
Partner strategically with Student Engagement and campus stakeholders to design and assess a residential education curriculum, living learning communities, and intentional programming that promotes student development and the foundational values of Pono, Kuleana, and Aloha
Contribute as a collaborative and flexible senior member of the division, providing additional leadership and operational support during peak periods, seasonal demands, and institutional initiatives
This description is not designed to list all activities, duties or responsibilities which may be required for this job. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned at any time.
Hawaii Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable environment in which faculty and staff can excel irrespective of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or any other protected class covered by state and federal law. Hawaii Pacific University encourages applications from veterans and individuals with disabilities. A pre‑employment background investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.
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This position is an in‑person, 12‑month position that reports to the Associate Dean of Students. It is not eligible for remote work and is a live‑in position that receives room and board. The Director is responsible for two residence facilities and should have knowledge of StarRez housing software, which is highly desirable.
This position works closely with the Provost on the strategic direction of the residential experience, including facility management and planning. Successful candidates will be energetic, dedicated, team‑oriented, progressive, and student‑centered, and will contribute to promoting community standards of aloha, pono, and kuleana. The Director will also provide programs and activities to educate and prevent alcohol and drug abuse and sex discrimination. In addition, the Director is responsible for compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and could serve as the Title IX Deputy Coordinator, in conjunction with the Title IX Coordinator.
Location: HPU Downtown Campus; Honolulu
Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s Degree, preferably in the areas of higher educational leadership, social work, or related discipline
At least five years of experience in housing and residential life in a college or university setting
Demonstrated experience working with diverse student populations
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills
Desired Qualifications:
Five to ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience within student engagement, student life, residential life, student affairs, student support services, counseling, or closely related higher education environments
Knowledge of and proficiency with Microsoft Suite, Banner, StarRez, and Maxient
Demonstrated success supervising, developing, and motivating professional staff within Housing and Residential Life operations, including experience leading diverse teams across functional areas
Proven experience overseeing comprehensive on‑call systems, crisis response, student safety initiatives, and emergency management protocols within a residential campus environment
Demonstrated leadership within complex organizations, including strategic planning, goal setting, data‑informed decision making, assessment, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives
Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, with experience advancing inclusive practices and fostering a welcoming campus climate grounded in a student‑centered philosophy of care and accountability
Other Preferred Qualifications:
Working knowledge in Housing and Residence Life management systems, with experience leveraging technology to improve operations and reporting
Experience managing student conduct processes and utilizing Maxient or similar conduct management systems
Experience collaborating with off‑campus housing vendors and managing contracts, facility oversight, and partnership management with facilities and maintenance
Availability to support departmental operations during university closures, including winter break, as required by operational needs; position is fully on‑site
Ability to meet all training, background check, and Protection of Minors policy requirements
Flexibility to work extended hours, varied schedules, and all shifts as necessary to support a residential campus environment
Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, student‑centered environment requiring strong time management, adaptability, and stress management skills
Key Responsibilities: Leadership and Operational Oversight of Housing and Residential Life (60%)
Provide strategic leadership and comprehensive operational oversight for Housing and Residential Life, establishing a clear departmental vision aligned with institutional priorities, including staffing structures, supervision, professional development, budgeting, assessment, policy development, and long‑term planning with staff and improvements
Directly supervise, develop, and evaluate professional staff, including Assistant Director/manager and shared responsibilities with development of Area Coordinators, Student Community Advisors and Housing student personnel with the Assistant Director, by setting high performance standards; leading recruitment, selection, onboarding, and ongoing training; and cultivating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional excellence in supporting positive customer service
Oversee comprehensive housing operations with the Assistant Director/manager, including occupancy management, marketing strategies, contract administration, room assignments, guest housing, and effective utilization of StarRez or comparable systems to drive operational efficiency and data‑informed decision making
Lead the development, implementation, enforcement, and regular review of housing policies, procedures, and communications related to applications, contracts, assignments, and community standards, ensuring compliance and student education regarding institutional expectations
Support Summer Conferences with assigning housing in the summer months
Collaborate with Facilities and Operations to ensure residential facilities are safe, well‑maintained, and operationally sound, including oversight of housing inventories and long‑term capital planning considerations
Provide executive oversight of crisis response and risk management within residential communities, including lead participation in on‑call rotations, consultation during critical incidents, and leadership during residence hall openings, closings, early arrivals, and extended stays
Serve as budget officer for Housing and Residential Life, overseeing fiscal planning, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring responsible stewardship and alignment of resources with strategic priorities
Student Conduct and Crisis Response and Management (30%)
Provide strategic leadership in student conduct and case management processes, serving as a conduct hearing officer; maintaining accurate non‑academic conduct records in Maxient; and ensuring compliance with institutional policies, federal regulations, and best practices
Serve as a Title IX Deputy Coordinator, as assigned, including investigation, resolution, and coordinated response to student‑to‑student cases, in collaboration with the Title IX Coordinator and legal counsel
Lead and coordinate crisis response efforts within residential communities in partnership with Associate Dean of Students, Security, Counseling and Behavioral Health, the Registrar, and other campus stakeholders, ensuring effective response to emergencies, critical incidents, and complex student situations
Meet with students involved in high‑level or escalated cases of concern; facilitate alternative dispute resolution processes such as mediation and restorative practices when appropriate; and ensure coordinated follow‑up and holistic student support
Assume and oversee on‑call responsibilities for two campus locations, including university breaks and holidays, ensuring consistent leadership presence and operational continuity
Community Building (10%)
Serve as a visible and engaged leader within residential communities, fostering connection, accountability, and a strong sense of belonging among residents
Represent Housing and Residential Life on university committees, at campus‑wide initiatives, and at community events, serving as a strategic ambassador for the department and institution
Partner strategically with Student Engagement and campus stakeholders to design and assess a residential education curriculum, living learning communities, and intentional programming that promotes student development and the foundational values of Pono, Kuleana, and Aloha
Contribute as a collaborative and flexible senior member of the division, providing additional leadership and operational support during peak periods, seasonal demands, and institutional initiatives
This description is not designed to list all activities, duties or responsibilities which may be required for this job. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned at any time.
Hawaii Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable environment in which faculty and staff can excel irrespective of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or any other protected class covered by state and federal law. Hawaii Pacific University encourages applications from veterans and individuals with disabilities. A pre‑employment background investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.
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