Director of Residential Life and Housing

Harris-Stowe State University is a historically Black institution (HBCU) located in the heart of vibrant mid-town St. Louis, Missouri. Harris-Stowe’s beautiful campus is minutes from the renown Gateway Arch, St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art and History Museums, Forest Park and other cultural and educational institutions. Harris-Stowe’s diverse faculty and staff provide a wide range of academic programs to one of the most culturally diverse student bodies in the St. Louis region.

Job Summary

The Director serves as an integral member of the Student Affairs leadership team and is responsible for a housing and residence life 450 bed operation. As the senior housing officer, the Director is essential to the core student focused mission staff development, community programming, hall councils, housing operations, facilities management, rental assistance and special projects. This leader-educator will use student programming, trainings, community standards, marketing, budget, and administrative partnerships to support the out of classroom experience. The supervisory work oversees the recruitment, development, and retention of two coordinators and para-professional staff. The director must be a visionary, detail-oriented and highly collaborative leader to ensure high quality services.

Excellent state benefits and position is eligible for leave benefits. Requires some evening and weekend commitments.

Essential Functions

Supervision

• Foster an engaged and empowered culture within the strategic direction to Residential Life department
• Maintain an appropriate balance between support and accountability for 2-3 full time Residence Directors
• Indirect supervisor of a roster of para-professionals.
• Facilitate the training and development program for Residence Life and Housing Staff; including trainings and in-service efforts.
• Coordinate staff recruitment, selection, training, supervision, leadership development and evaluation
• Advise Residence Hall Association and oversee Hall Council budgets.

Facility Management

• Plan and coordinate and communicate opening and closing processes for all residence halls
• Oversee daily aspects of housing assignments and processes associated with room changes
• Manage furniture inventory for all residence halls, in each student room, and furniture items in storage.
• Oversees and ensure fiscal ensures that billings are completed and revenue is collected for room/board for Residential Life
• Track the work order submissions to ensure timely completion of work orders and repairs
• Coordinate room damage billing and appeals process

Restorative Practices and Emergency Support

• Maintain primary responsibility for disciplinary procedures in the residence halls and for all necessary internal and external reporting relating to those procedures
• Make referrals and recommendations as appropriate
• Implement the conduct code and disciplinary procedures of the University and maintain detailed, accurate, written records of all such proceedings and disciplinary actions
• Provide one-on-one counsel to students in regards to disciplinary actions, residence hall behavior, and other student related issues and needs
• Support security and safety measures by participating in the 24/7 emergency preparedness, crisis response and risk management on call duty rotation

Camps/Conferences and Off Campus Living

• Serves as a campus liaison to third-party partner housing providers
• Coordinate and supervise the summer residence hall operations including student housing, camps and conferences.

Administrative Duties

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and perform a variety of work activities as a productive team member as well as independently following direction given by supervisor.
• Assist with the composition of informational communication materials.
• Manages service agreements with outside vendors when needed.
• Provide referrals and recommendations as appropriate.
• Manage correspondence with students, parents, and other offices in a timely and consistent manner
• Maintain effective partnerships with key departments to develop policies and procedures
• Assist in the construction of budget, annual reports, and other required documents
• Present at events to provide information about Accessibility Services to new and prospective students and their families

Professionalism

• Ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with people who are angry or distressed.
• Strong working knowledge and understanding of established professional codes of ethics and best practices for Student Affairs professionals
• Strive to uphold the professional standards, ethical behaviors and competencies as articulated in Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) and Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Educators.
• Participate in appropriate staff development opportunities; serve on campus, community, and professional association committees
• Participation in division-wide projects, committee, and university efforts as requested, assigned or elected
• Perform other duties assigned
• An ability to occasionally work at weekends or evenings

Minimum Education and Experience

• Master's degree in higher education administration, arts administration, public administration, counseling, or related field required.
• Minimum 5 years of successful progressive professional experience, and previous experience in college student housing and/or residence life.
• Strong working knowledge and understanding of established professional codes of ethics and best practices for Student Affairs professionals.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting inclusiveness and cultural competence; experience working with underrepresented students.
• Experience and understanding of current issues and developments in judicial affairs, services for students with disabilities, college student retention, and college student housing.
• Awareness of restorative practices and principles
• Exemplary and proven organizational, leadership and supervisory skills.
• Outstanding verbal, writing and presentation skills. Must be able to communicate and interact effectively with students, faculty, staff and all external constituencies.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and perform a variety of work activities as a productive team member as well as independently following directions given by supervisor.
• Ability to execute tactically while understanding strategic impacts and to prioritize work load.
• Effective supervision and mentorship.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in computer skills including MS Word, Excel, databases, electronic communication, the Internet, and web-based applications.
• Must be a self-starter who works well in a fast-paced, dynamic, team-oriented, environment
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational ability and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Must be perceptive and patient, with strong people skills and a willingness to assist others.
• Ability to demonstrate ownership, accountability and teamwork.
• Ability to focus on results and commit to excellence.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Physical Requirements

• May be susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand/wrist problems due to long periods working on a computer.
• Occasional stress may occur from volume and deadlines.
• Demands normal manual dexterity and visual and auditory acuity.
• May be some walking, standing, bending, or carrying of light items.
• Occasional evening and weekend work during peak season.

"Please No Phone Calls"

Due to the large number of applications submitted and the high volume of applicant inquiries we receive regarding the status of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or walk-in inquiries regarding applicant status. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

EOE Statement

Harris-Stowe State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and assigned for this position. This is not an exhaustive list, nor is it limited to all duties and responsibilities associated with the position. HSSU management reserves the right to amend and change the responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.