Lake Forest College
Associate Director of Residential Education
Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Illinois, United States, 60045
Associate Director of Residential Education
October 14, 2025
The Associate Director of Residential Education provides leadership for the educational and developmental aspects of the residential experience. This position directly supervises the Resident Directors (RDs) and supports their professional growth, programmatic leadership, and community development efforts.
The Associate Director of Residential Education supports student success through oversight of a residential curriculum that fosters student learning, well‑being, and engagement, while ensuring alignment with the mission and values of Residence Life and the broader institution.
This role serves as a key member of the Student Affairs team, collaborating with the Associate Director of Residence Life and the Associate Director of Housing Operations to create a holistic, student‑centered residential experience.
Key Responsibilities Staff Supervision & Leadership
Support recruitment of, directly supervise, mentor, and evaluate Resident Directors (RDs), supporting their professional development and leadership of student staff.
Provide ongoing training, coaching, and guidance to ensure consistent, high‑quality residential experiences across all communities.
Assist in the recruitment, selection, and onboarding of professional and student staff.
Assist with planning and execution of departmental events and processes.
Communicate effectively and professionally with students, families, and campus stakeholders, adapting tone and content for varied audiences.
Maintain a visible presence at student life events and campus programs, including evenings and weekends.
Serve as a support, backup and designee to the Director and or other Associate Directors as needed and by appointment.
Work closely with other Associate Directors to ensure seamless integration of housing operations, residential education, and community standards.
Contribute to departmental strategic planning and serve as a thought partner in shaping the direction of Residence Life.
Residential Education & Student Development
Support the implementation and assessment of the residential curriculum ensuring alignment with departmental goals and student development outcomes.
Collaborate with campus partners to integrate academic initiatives, wellness programs, prevention programming, restorative practices, and co‑curricular engagement into the residential environment.
Guide and support Resident Directors in fostering inclusive communities that promote belonging, personal growth, and civic responsibility.
Evaluate and assess residential student experiences to inform continuous improvement.
Direct a robust and vibrant organization of residents that brings voice to the student experience, encourages residential engagement, and acts as leaders within the Residence Halls.
Lead development and implementation of ongoing training and professional development for Resident Assistants and professional Residence Life staff that is data driven and measurable.
Support and coordinate opportunities for continuous learning and growth, such as workshops, conferences, and mentorship programs for student and professional staff development.
Direct and coordinate Resident Assistant comprehensive training and development that focuses on community engagement, program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Administer Vector online training modules, including assigning modules, tracking completion, analysis etc.
Support compliance with the “Drug Free Schools and Campus Act” and the “Anti‑Hazing Act.”
Support initiatives with Health and Wellness and the Title IX office to collaboratively lead sexual assault prevention programming and education.
Community Standards & Student Support
Support RDs in their administration of the student conduct process, ensuring educational, restorative, and developmental outcomes.
Serve as a resource for students experiencing personal or academic challenges, collaborating with campus support services as appropriate.
Participate in the on‑call crisis response rotation, providing leadership and guidance in emergency situations.
Serve as a hearing officer for student conduct cases and coordinate Conduct and Appeal Boards as needed.
Manage and lead Early Alert Student Support Team (EASST) and provide support to EASST Team members as needed.
Requirements
Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, College Student Personnel, or related field or equivalent experience required.
Five years of residence life experience is required.
Experience with or knowledge of student life at a small, residential liberal arts college strongly preferred.
The ability to work a changing and flexible schedule, including evening and weekend commitments.
Conflict resolution and mediation experience
An exhibited commitment to student development and higher education
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to manage crisis situations and student conduct issues
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Availability for on‑call responsibilities and flexible hours
Salary & Benefits Salary: $75-$80K
Benefits: www.lakeforest.edu/offices-and-departments/human-resources/employee-benefits
Application Process Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references via email to the Residence Director Search Committee at campuslife@lakeforest.edu.
If you are interested in learning more about employment at Lake Forest College, please visit Working at Lake Forest | Lake Forest College.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Associate Director of Residential Education provides leadership for the educational and developmental aspects of the residential experience. This position directly supervises the Resident Directors (RDs) and supports their professional growth, programmatic leadership, and community development efforts.
The Associate Director of Residential Education supports student success through oversight of a residential curriculum that fosters student learning, well‑being, and engagement, while ensuring alignment with the mission and values of Residence Life and the broader institution.
This role serves as a key member of the Student Affairs team, collaborating with the Associate Director of Residence Life and the Associate Director of Housing Operations to create a holistic, student‑centered residential experience.
Key Responsibilities Staff Supervision & Leadership
Support recruitment of, directly supervise, mentor, and evaluate Resident Directors (RDs), supporting their professional development and leadership of student staff.
Provide ongoing training, coaching, and guidance to ensure consistent, high‑quality residential experiences across all communities.
Assist in the recruitment, selection, and onboarding of professional and student staff.
Assist with planning and execution of departmental events and processes.
Communicate effectively and professionally with students, families, and campus stakeholders, adapting tone and content for varied audiences.
Maintain a visible presence at student life events and campus programs, including evenings and weekends.
Serve as a support, backup and designee to the Director and or other Associate Directors as needed and by appointment.
Work closely with other Associate Directors to ensure seamless integration of housing operations, residential education, and community standards.
Contribute to departmental strategic planning and serve as a thought partner in shaping the direction of Residence Life.
Residential Education & Student Development
Support the implementation and assessment of the residential curriculum ensuring alignment with departmental goals and student development outcomes.
Collaborate with campus partners to integrate academic initiatives, wellness programs, prevention programming, restorative practices, and co‑curricular engagement into the residential environment.
Guide and support Resident Directors in fostering inclusive communities that promote belonging, personal growth, and civic responsibility.
Evaluate and assess residential student experiences to inform continuous improvement.
Direct a robust and vibrant organization of residents that brings voice to the student experience, encourages residential engagement, and acts as leaders within the Residence Halls.
Lead development and implementation of ongoing training and professional development for Resident Assistants and professional Residence Life staff that is data driven and measurable.
Support and coordinate opportunities for continuous learning and growth, such as workshops, conferences, and mentorship programs for student and professional staff development.
Direct and coordinate Resident Assistant comprehensive training and development that focuses on community engagement, program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Administer Vector online training modules, including assigning modules, tracking completion, analysis etc.
Support compliance with the “Drug Free Schools and Campus Act” and the “Anti‑Hazing Act.”
Support initiatives with Health and Wellness and the Title IX office to collaboratively lead sexual assault prevention programming and education.
Community Standards & Student Support
Support RDs in their administration of the student conduct process, ensuring educational, restorative, and developmental outcomes.
Serve as a resource for students experiencing personal or academic challenges, collaborating with campus support services as appropriate.
Participate in the on‑call crisis response rotation, providing leadership and guidance in emergency situations.
Serve as a hearing officer for student conduct cases and coordinate Conduct and Appeal Boards as needed.
Manage and lead Early Alert Student Support Team (EASST) and provide support to EASST Team members as needed.
Requirements
Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, College Student Personnel, or related field or equivalent experience required.
Five years of residence life experience is required.
Experience with or knowledge of student life at a small, residential liberal arts college strongly preferred.
The ability to work a changing and flexible schedule, including evening and weekend commitments.
Conflict resolution and mediation experience
An exhibited commitment to student development and higher education
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to manage crisis situations and student conduct issues
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Availability for on‑call responsibilities and flexible hours
Salary & Benefits Salary: $75-$80K
Benefits: www.lakeforest.edu/offices-and-departments/human-resources/employee-benefits
Application Process Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references via email to the Residence Director Search Committee at campuslife@lakeforest.edu.
If you are interested in learning more about employment at Lake Forest College, please visit Working at Lake Forest | Lake Forest College.
#J-18808-Ljbffr