Residence Director Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION: 
The Resident Director is responsible for the overall management of a residential facility, including student development, staff supervision, community building, programming, and administrative duties. The Resident Director serves as a live-in staff member and is responsible for the safety and well-being of the residential community. The Resident Director seeks to provide a welcoming, inclusive, safe and secure living, learning community that aligns with the university, division, and department mission. The Resident Director will supervise a group of Resident Advisors (RAs) and at least one Head Resident Advisor (HRA). This position promotes justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) initiatives; involves programming and resident education; responds to student conduct and facilitates conflict resolution; includes incident response and crisis management; requires facilities, operations, and building management; and includes administrative responsibilities and project management. In addition, some Resident Directors are assigned— up to five (5) hours per week—to a collateral assignment in another department with other general responsibilities.

The Resident Director is a 3-year, full-time 12-month, live-in/live-on professional staff member for the department of Residence Life in the subdivision of Student Life. This position is an opportunity for entry-level professionals to develop skills and gain experience in the field of Residence Life, Student Affairs, or Higher Education. Resident Directors serve in a duty rotation responding to and supporting Resident Advisors and other campus partners. This position has supervision of a staff of at least six (6) Resident Advisors.

Residence Directors are required to work some evenings and weekends over the course of the year. This position has some flexibility with hours to allow for peak student interaction. In addition to a 12-month salary, this position includes: a furnished apartment with utilities; access to free laundry facilities; a staff meal plan during the academic year; excellent benefits and time off; and professional development opportunities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Supervise a team of resident advisors and a head resident advisor ensuring they are fulfilling their job responsibilities and have the training and resources needed.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive residential life program that addresses the academic, social, and personal needs of students.
• Facilitate regular floor and building meetings to build a sense of community and address any concerns or issues.
• Respond to and manage emergencies and crisis situations within the residential facility.
• Coordinate the move-in and move-out process for students.
• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the residential facility.
• Provide one-on-one coaching/advising and support to students as needed.
• Enforce residential policies and procedures and meet with students who violate community standards.
• Maintain accurate records and submit regular reports to the Director of Residential Life.
• Participate in on-call duty rotation and respond to emergencies outside of regular business hours.
• Serve as a hearing officer for Student Conduct & Community Standards
• Advise hall council with the HRA.
• Track interactions, communications, and updates using The Housing Director (THD).
• Participate in ongoing recruitment, selection, training, development, and evaluation of Resident Advisors.
• Serve on-call, conduct rounds, work with Public Safety and the Center for Health and Well-Being, and write and review incident reports and weekly summaries.
• Facilitate essential communication between residents and the Office of Residence Life and Housing.
• Use university systems including, but not limited to THD, Guardian, Microsoft Office, Kodiak, etc.
• Track budgets for RAs and Hall Council.
• Serve on committees and working groups.
• Perform regular walkthroughs to ensure hall is clean, well-maintained, safe, and secure. Follows up with Physical Plant staff and Public Safety as needed.
• Verify vacancy/occupancy reports and room changes; oversee health and safety inspections; and submit work orders; and complete inventories.
• Attend meetings and professional development events as requested.
• Work collaboratively with campus partners (e.g., Title IX Coordinator and Deputies, Faculty Advisors, Admissions Counselors, etc.).

MARGINAL DUTIES: 

• Participates in official University events which include but are not limited to: Admissions Open Houses, Homecoming, Family and Friends Weekend, Senior Week, and Commencement.
• Performs other duties as assigned either by direct or functional supervisors in the department and/or division.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITIES: 

• Able to navigate a demanding, fast-paced work environment by balancing multiple tasks and priorities
• Understanding of student development and able to mentor students
• Ability to incorporate justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion into work 
• Able to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations 
• Flexible and adaptable with changes in day-to-day operations
• Mediation and conflict resolution experience
• Program and event planning, facilitation, and presentation skills
• Proficient in Microsoft office software (i.e. Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, etc)
• Able to learn and utilize new software
• Able to work autonomously and in a group
• Self-motivated, organized, and effective with time management
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to climb stairs and move throughout the residential facility.
• Ability to respond to emergencies and crisis situations quickly.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Experience in residential life, student affairs, or a related field.
• Experience with student programming, community building, and staff supervision.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Western New England University is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging by acknowledging and embracing diversity of thought, opinion, and approach with colleagues regardless of background, culture, and organizational level. WNE encourages diversity in our job applicants to ensure the best culture and work outcomes.