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Residence Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Residence Director information

See Iowa salary details

$36.6K

$68.8K

$114.6K

How much do residence director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for residence director in Iowa is $68,833.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $89,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a residence director?

Residence Directors are professional staff members who oversee student housing facilities, typically at colleges or universities. They are responsible for managing residence halls, supporting student well-being, supervising resident assistants, and fostering a safe and inclusive living environment. Residence Directors also handle administrative tasks, respond to emergencies, and coordinate educational and social programs for residents. Their role is vital in promoting student development and building a positive campus community.

What does a residence director do?

The responsibilities of a residence director include handling administrative and supervisory tasks for a college or university resident hall. In this career, you are in charge of other staff. You discipline students if necessary, help develop educational and social programs, promote the safety of each resident, and provide counseling to enhance residential life for students. You live on-site in the dorms or student housing and participate in student life committees. Your duties may also include helping with hall openings and closings and managing allocated funds for hall programs, student employees, and office supplies. You must prepare reports and maintain records on various subjects, including health concerns and unsatisfactory custodial or maintenance work. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and previous work experience in a related field.

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

To thrive as a Residence Director, you typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in higher education, student affairs, or a related field, along with experience in residential life or student services. Familiarity with housing management software, incident reporting systems, and crisis response protocols is important. Outstanding interpersonal skills, conflict resolution abilities, and a strong sense of leadership help create a supportive living environment and foster community engagement. These skills are crucial for ensuring student well-being, maintaining a safe residence hall, and promoting personal and academic growth among residents.

What are some common challenges residence directors face and how can they effectively manage them?

Residence Directors often encounter challenges such as addressing student conflicts, managing crisis situations, and balancing administrative duties with community engagement. Effective communication, active listening, and strong organizational skills are crucial for resolving disputes and fostering a positive residential environment. Additionally, building strong relationships with Resident Assistants and campus partners can provide valuable support and resources when handling complex situations. Ongoing professional development and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues can also help Residence Directors navigate these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Residence Director vs Resident Advisor?

AspectResidence DirectorResident Advisor
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree; some roles prefer or require a master's degreeUsually undergraduate students; minimal formal credentials needed
Work EnvironmentFull-time, administrative, supervisory role in college housingPart-time, peer-based role within residence halls
ResponsibilitiesOversees housing operations, manages staff, enforces policiesProvides peer support, fosters community, enforces residence hall rules

Residence Directors hold more administrative and supervisory responsibilities, often requiring higher education credentials, while Resident Advisors focus on peer support and community building. Both roles are essential in college housing but differ significantly in scope and responsibilities.

More about Residence Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Residence jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Residence jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Residence Director jobs in Iowa?

For Residence Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Residence Director jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Residence Director jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Residence Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Residence Director job openings:

Residence Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Residence Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,833 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Assistant Director of Residence Life

Coe College

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Assistant Director of Residence Life
Coe College seeks qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Director of Residence Life. The Assistant Director is a full-time, live-in professional staff member in Residence Life, primarily responsible for students living on campus and positively impacting their overall experience at the College. Provides programming to meet the unique needs and challenges of these residents that aligns with Residence Life goals. Assumes joint responsibility for the administration and quality of the Residence Life program with the other Assistant Director and Director of Residence Life, which includes RA selection/training/supervision, assessment, and facilities management. Serves as a front-line responder in campus emergencies that may require working non-traditional hours. This position supervises 15-20 RAs, with oversight of multiple residential living spaces.
Work Schedule: 12 months per year, live-on campus, on call every 4 weeks.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
  • Student Staff Supervision
    • Selection, supervision, development, and evaluation of 15-20 student staff members.
  • Advising and Counseling
    • Advise and mentor individual students and respond to crises.
  • Programming and Educational Development
    • Provide programming for returning residents that meets their needs and that contributes to their retention at the College.
  • Commitment to the Coe College Mission and Expectations of the Student Life Department
Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree preferred; Bachelor's degree required.
  • Education or experience in housing, residence life, or student life.
  • Proficiency in written and oral communication.
  • Strong computer skills, including spreadsheet/database and word processing.
  • Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States, as we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
  • Successful completion of a background and driver check in accordance with Coe College policy.
Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies:
Position Specific:
  • Candidates should display a commitment to community development and programming.
  • Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, multiculturalism, and social justice issues.
  • Demonstrated effective supervisory experience and strong organizational skills.
  • Sound judgment and decision making, with empathy, sensitivity, and flexibility in dealing with student problems and situations.
  • Willingness to work with a team and accept various levels of responsibility.
Coe Competencies:
  • Dedication to the educational mission of a private, residential liberal arts college.
  • Every Coe employee shares one mission: to recruit, retain and prepare students for a lifetime of personal and professional success.
  • Ability to maintain positive relationships in a collaborative and diverse team atmosphere.
  • Commitment to excellent customer and/or student service.
  • Demonstrated ethical and responsible decision-making.
  • Consistent attendance and accountability necessary to meet position objectives.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to navigate residential buildings on campus, including stairs.
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to occasionally drive students to off-campus sites.
  • Typical office setting – stationary for several hours at a time.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Coe is committed to fostering a multicultural environment and encourages applications from individuals who will help fulfill that goal. We value the input of multiple viewpoints and diverse perspectives and aim to create an academic community that is rich with cultural, social, and intellectual diversity. Coe College is an equal opportunity employer.

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