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Director Of Residence Life Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Director Of Residence Life information

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$39K

$73.3K

$122K

How much do director of residence life jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of residence life in the United States is $73,284.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $95,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of residence life, and how can they be addressed?

Directors of Residence Life often navigate challenges such as managing diverse student needs, resolving conflicts among residents, and responding to campus emergencies. Balancing administrative duties with providing support to students and staff can also be demanding. Successful directors typically address these challenges by fostering open communication, implementing proactive training programs for resident assistants, and collaborating closely with campus partners such as counseling services and campus security. Building a resilient and supportive team is crucial for maintaining a positive residential experience.

What is the difference between Director Of Residence Life vs Residence Hall Coordinator?

AspectDirector Of Residence LifeResidence Hall Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees housing programs, staff management, student engagement, policy developmentManages daily hall operations, assists students, enforces rules, coordinates events
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree, experience in student affairs, leadership skillsBachelor’s degree, experience in residence life or student services
Work EnvironmentAdministrative, strategic planning, supervisory roles in college housingOn-site, direct student interaction, operational tasks in residence halls

The main difference between a Director Of Residence Life and a Residence Hall Coordinator is the scope of responsibilities. The Director oversees the entire residence life program, focusing on strategic planning and staff management, while the Residence Hall Coordinator handles daily hall operations and student interactions. Both roles require relevant experience and a bachelor’s degree, but the Director position involves higher-level leadership and policy development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of residence life, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Of Residence Life, you need expertise in student affairs, housing operations, and crisis management, typically supported by a master's degree in higher education or a related field. Familiarity with housing management software, student conduct systems, and compliance regulations like Title IX is often required. Strong leadership, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication skills help foster inclusive communities and guide staff effectively. These abilities are essential for creating safe, engaging, and supportive living environments that promote student success and wellbeing.

What does a director of residence life do?

A Director of Residence Life oversees the operations and management of student housing on a college or university campus. Their responsibilities include developing residential programs, supervising residence hall staff, handling student concerns, and ensuring a safe and inclusive living environment. They often collaborate with other campus departments to promote student engagement and support academic success. This role requires strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
More about Director Of Residence Life jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Of Residence Life jobs? Cities with the most Director Of Residence Life job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Of Residence Life jobs? The most popular types of Of Residence Life jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Director Of Residence Life jobs? The top employers for Director Of Residence Life jobs are:
What states have the most Director Of Residence Life jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Of Residence Life jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Of Residence Life job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,284 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Director of Residence Life

University of Nebraska

Kearney, NE • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


University Of Nebraska rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

437th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Director of Residence Life
Job Description
Job Summary:
The Director of Residence Life provides visionary leadership and comprehensive operational oversight for the Office of Residence Life, cultivating residential communities that are engaging, safe, and conducive to student learning, development, and success. The position is essential to advancing the mission of the University of Nebraska at Kearney by supporting student success, retention, campus engagement, and a positive residential experience. Through a student-centered approach, the Director advances initiatives that promote academic achievement, personal responsibility, community engagement, interpersonal growth, and compliance with university policies and regulatory standards.
Housed within the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), the Director collaborates extensively with campus partners to enhance the overall student experience and support institutional priorities related to retention, engagement, and student success. The Director serves as a strategic liaison to university departments, external partners, and stakeholders to foster collaborative solutions and innovative residential experiences.
The Director oversees all facets of Residence Life operations for a 2,000-bed residential system, including leadership and supervision of professional staff responsible for housing administration, conference services, fiscal and business operations, assessment, marketing and communications, residence education, and fraternity and sorority housing. The position also works in close partnership with campus partners to ensure the effective operation, maintenance, safety, accessibility, and regulatory compliance of all residential facilities.
Reporting directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the Director plays an integral role in shaping UNK's residential learning environment and advancing a holistic student experience that supports the university's mission and strategic goals.
Additional Info
Required Qualifications:
Earned Master's degree in College Student Personnel, Higher Education, Counseling or related field with 5 years of progressive successful work experience at a professional level in collegiate housing or Student Affairs. Experience supervising full-time professional staff and student staff. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Extensive experience working with students, supporting student success, and fostering community development.
Preferred Qualifications:
8 years of experience working in Residence Life or Student Housing. Experience with strategic planning, assessment, and fiscal management. Experience developing and assessing residential curriculum and co-curricular programming initiatives. Experience with crisis management and student conduct. Experience with marketing and campaign development.
About Us:
The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) is a public university committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. As part of the University of Nebraska system, UNK offers a supportive, student-focused environment with the resources of a larger institution. Located in central Nebraska, UNK serves around 6,000 students and is known for its strong academics, welcoming campus culture, and dedication to student success. Join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and the power of education to transform lives.
As a University of Nebraska employee, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, retirement, and wellness programs plus 13 paid holidays each year, generous leave options, and tuition remission.
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About University of Nebraska

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The University of Nebraska (UN), located in Lincoln, NE, US, is a leading public research university in the education sector. With its official website at nebraska.edu, the institution was established in 1869 as the first public university in Nebraska. Over the years, it has gained esteemed recognition for contributing to multiple fields, encompassing agriculture, arts, engineering, and more. It serves a wide range of students through its various programs and services, including undergraduate, graduate, online, and professional degree programs. The university's mission underpins the core values of learning, innovation, and engagement, aiming at enabling students to pursue knowledge and develop a skillset that facilitates lifelong success. Notably, the University of Nebraska holds a remarkable legacy of being ranked in the top third of all national universities, both public and private.

Industry

Education

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lincoln, NE, US

Year founded

1892

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