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Director of Residential Life

National Association of Independent Schools, South Lake Tahoe, CA, United States


Tahoe Hockey Academy is California's first and only residential boarding school dedicated to the sport of ice hockey. Located in South Lake Tahoe, we serve high school student‑athletes in grades 9 through 12 through a purposeful three‑tiered program built around academics, athletics, and character. Our mission is to inspire and impact our students' lives through character, trust, and integrity so they are able to benefit others with purpose.

We implement the proper balance of academic, athletic, and residential programs to support our students, creating a foundation for learning that allows each student to chart their own course in the pursuit of academic and athletic excellence. At Tahoe Hockey Academy, we do not subscribe to the notion of one size fits all. We embrace the different backgrounds and perspectives of our students, build genuine partnerships with them, and hold ourselves to a high standard in everything we do.

THE OPPORTUNITY Tahoe Hockey Academy is seeking a Director of Residential Life to lead and oversee all aspects of student life on campus. This is a senior‑level, live‑in administrative faculty role for someone who believes deeply in the power of community, routine, and human connection to shape the development of young people. The Director of Residential Life is not simply a supervisor of a dormitory program — they are an architect of the culture that defines life at Tahoe Hockey Academy outside of the classroom and off the ice.

This person will work closely with the Head of School, academic faculty, and coaching staff to ensure that the residential experience is integrated with and supportive of every dimension of the school's three‑tiered program. They will lead a team of residential life staff, coordinate student programming and activities, manage health and safety protocols, and serve as a steady, trusted presence in the daily lives of our student‑athletes.

This is a small school where everyone wears multiple hats. The ideal candidate is organized, compassionate, energetic, and ready to build something meaningful alongside a committed team of educators and coaches.

As our students prepare to enter the next phase of college life, we foster and promote independence as a way to grow and learn from their surroundings. Our goal is to mentor leaders and free thinkers who are prepared for the future challenges that await them.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Residential Life Leadership & Program Management

Direct and oversee all aspects of the residential life program, including policy development, program implementation, and ongoing assessment

Develop, maintain, and deliver a structured residential life curriculum that supports student wellness, independence, and personal growth

Coordinate and supervise residential life staff, including scheduling, training, performance support, and day‑to‑day communication

Serve as the primary point of contact for residential life matters for students, families, and school leadership

Maintain a consistent, visible, and supportive presence in the residential community during evenings and on weekends

Dormitory Supervision & Student Life

Oversee all dormitory operations, including check‑in and check‑out procedures, room assignments, curfew enforcement, and house meetings

Monitor student well‑being and proactively address concerns related to peer relationships, homesickness, conflict resolution, and community standards

Enforce the behavioral and residential expectations outlined in the Student Handbook, managing disciplinary matters in a fair, consistent, and restorative manner

Foster a residential culture grounded in the school's core values of character, trust, and integrity

Health, Safety & Student Wellness

Oversee health and safety protocols within the residential program, including emergency procedures, illness management, and after‑hours support

Coordinate with school medical staff and external providers to ensure student health needs are addressed promptly and appropriately

Maintain accurate records of student health, incident reports, and residential life documentation

Identify and respond to signs of student distress, connecting students with appropriate support resources as needed

Athletics & Academic Coordination

Serve as a liaison between the residential program and the athletic and academic departments to ensure scheduling alignment and student accountability

Support student‑athletes in managing the demands of a rigorous combined academic and athletic schedule

Monitor daily academic progress in coordination with faculty, and support evening study hour routines that promote consistent academic engagement

Participate in school‑wide meetings and contribute to the integrated planning of the full student‑athlete experience

Student Activities & Community Life

Plan and coordinate a calendar of co‑curricular activities, weekend programming, and community events that enrich student life and build school culture

Encourage student leadership and agency in shaping the residential community

Organize off‑campus excursions and community service opportunities that connect students to the broader South Lake Tahoe community

Celebrate student achievements and milestones in ways that reinforce a positive, inclusive community identity

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Student Affairs, Education, Counseling, or a related field preferred

Minimum of two to three years of experience in residential life, boarding school administration, or a closely related field

Demonstrated ability to supervise and develop a team of staff members

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust with students, families, and colleagues

Experience managing student conduct, wellness, and crisis response in a residential setting

Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment

A genuine commitment to the holistic development of student‑athletes — academically, athletically, and personally

Enthusiasm for living and working in a boarding school community and all that entails

Interest or experience in athletics, particularly hockey, is a plus, though not required

Valid driver's license and clean driving record

HOUSING & COMPENSATION This is a live‑in position. On‑campus housing is provided as a condition of employment and is integral to the responsibilities of the role. The Director of Residential Life will be provided with a private apartment on or adjacent to campus, allowing them to be accessible to students and staff during evening and overnight hours.

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. The total package includes base salary, on‑campus housing, and the intangible rewards of living and working in one of the most extraordinary natural environments in North America — on the shores of Lake Tahoe, surrounded by year‑round mountain recreation.

TO APPLY Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, current resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references to:

info@tahoehockeyacademy.com

Please include '2026 Director of Residential Life Application' in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled. Tahoe Hockey Academy is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive community of faculty and staff.

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