Ursinus College
The Director of Residence Life serves as a transformative leader who shapes the residential experience at Ursinus College, where the majority of our students live on campus throughout their four-year journey.
This pivotal role reports directly to the Vice Provost for Campus Life/Chief Student Affairs Officer/Dean of Students and holds significant influence in creating vibrant, inclusive living‑learning communities that embody the College's commitment to applied experiential learning. The Director orchestrates a comprehensive residential program that seamlessly integrates with our innovative APEX (Applied Professional Experiential) learning ecosystem, ensuring students develop essential life skills while building meaningful connections in their campus home. As a senior member of the Campus Life Leadership Team and crisis response team, the Director helps architect policies and practices that define the Ursinus residential experience.
Primary responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
Cultivate a dynamic, student-centered residential life team by recruiting, mentoring, and empowering three Assistant Directors, an operations coordinator, and senior student leaders
Design and implement transformative professional development opportunities for over 60 student staff members, including Resident Advisors, Key Room Manager & Assistants, and Room Inventory Crew
Foster a culture of innovation, positivity, accountability, and excellence within the Residence Life department
Strategic Residential Experience Design
Develop and implement a residential curriculum that serves as a cornerstone of the APEX learning ecosystem, creating seamless connections between classroom learning and residential experiences
Champion inclusive community-building initiatives that prepare students for local and global engagement
Collaborate with academic partners to develop signature residential learning experiences that distinguish Ursinus's approach to holistic student development
Operational Excellence
Oversee comprehensive housing operations for approximately 1,400 resident students across 5 traditional halls and the residential village (40 houses)
Direct mission-critical processes including housing selection, room assignments, move-in/move-out logistics, and residential facility management
Partner with Information Technology and Residence Life operations coordinator to administer the StarRez housing software, leveraging technology to enhance residential operations and student experience
Develop and implement innovative solutions to residential challenges while managing complex budgets and resources
Student Support & Crisis Response
Lead crisis response efforts as part of the senior staff duty rotation, demonstrating sound judgment and compassionate leadership during emergencies
Provide case management for students of concern, coordinating resources and interventions for students facing emotional and behavioral challenges
Design proactive wellness initiatives that support student thriving and resilience in the residential context
Institutional Leadership
Serve as a key strategic partner in advancing institutional priorities through the residential experience
Collaborate with campus partners to integrate the APEX learning ecosystem throughout residential programming
Contribute to the development of forward-thinking student affairs policies and practices
Represent Residence Life in campus-wide initiatives and committees
Impact & Influence
This position significantly shapes the Ursinus student experience, directly influencing student satisfaction, retention, and success through the creation of dynamic living‑learning environments. The Director plays a central role in translating the College's APEX learning ecosystem into meaningful residential experiences that prepare students for life beyond graduation.
Other Duties
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Job responsibilities and activities may be modified or changed at any time with or without notice. Job descriptions will be audited periodically by the Ursinus Human Resources department to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect the essential responsibilities and duties of the job.
Education & Experience
Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or related field
7-10 years of progressive professional experience in residence life or student affairs with demonstrated leadership impact
Previous success implementing a residential curriculum or learning-centered approach
Experience at a residential liberal arts institution strongly preferred
Knowledge & Skills
Demonstrated expertise in student development theory and practice
Proven ability to design and assess learning-centered residential programs
Comprehensive understanding of current trends and best practices in residence life
Experience responding to and managing complex student incidents and crises
Exceptional administrative acumen, including budget management and strategic planning
Proficiency with housing management software and student information systems
Leadership Qualities
Cultivation of a healthy, collaborative, and positive work environment
Visionary approach to creating transformative residential communities
Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships with students, staff, faculty, families, and administration
Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities
Creative problem‑solving orientation with a student-centered mindset
Ability to lead with both compassion and accountability
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This pivotal role reports directly to the Vice Provost for Campus Life/Chief Student Affairs Officer/Dean of Students and holds significant influence in creating vibrant, inclusive living‑learning communities that embody the College's commitment to applied experiential learning. The Director orchestrates a comprehensive residential program that seamlessly integrates with our innovative APEX (Applied Professional Experiential) learning ecosystem, ensuring students develop essential life skills while building meaningful connections in their campus home. As a senior member of the Campus Life Leadership Team and crisis response team, the Director helps architect policies and practices that define the Ursinus residential experience.
Primary responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
Cultivate a dynamic, student-centered residential life team by recruiting, mentoring, and empowering three Assistant Directors, an operations coordinator, and senior student leaders
Design and implement transformative professional development opportunities for over 60 student staff members, including Resident Advisors, Key Room Manager & Assistants, and Room Inventory Crew
Foster a culture of innovation, positivity, accountability, and excellence within the Residence Life department
Strategic Residential Experience Design
Develop and implement a residential curriculum that serves as a cornerstone of the APEX learning ecosystem, creating seamless connections between classroom learning and residential experiences
Champion inclusive community-building initiatives that prepare students for local and global engagement
Collaborate with academic partners to develop signature residential learning experiences that distinguish Ursinus's approach to holistic student development
Operational Excellence
Oversee comprehensive housing operations for approximately 1,400 resident students across 5 traditional halls and the residential village (40 houses)
Direct mission-critical processes including housing selection, room assignments, move-in/move-out logistics, and residential facility management
Partner with Information Technology and Residence Life operations coordinator to administer the StarRez housing software, leveraging technology to enhance residential operations and student experience
Develop and implement innovative solutions to residential challenges while managing complex budgets and resources
Student Support & Crisis Response
Lead crisis response efforts as part of the senior staff duty rotation, demonstrating sound judgment and compassionate leadership during emergencies
Provide case management for students of concern, coordinating resources and interventions for students facing emotional and behavioral challenges
Design proactive wellness initiatives that support student thriving and resilience in the residential context
Institutional Leadership
Serve as a key strategic partner in advancing institutional priorities through the residential experience
Collaborate with campus partners to integrate the APEX learning ecosystem throughout residential programming
Contribute to the development of forward-thinking student affairs policies and practices
Represent Residence Life in campus-wide initiatives and committees
Impact & Influence
This position significantly shapes the Ursinus student experience, directly influencing student satisfaction, retention, and success through the creation of dynamic living‑learning environments. The Director plays a central role in translating the College's APEX learning ecosystem into meaningful residential experiences that prepare students for life beyond graduation.
Other Duties
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Job responsibilities and activities may be modified or changed at any time with or without notice. Job descriptions will be audited periodically by the Ursinus Human Resources department to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect the essential responsibilities and duties of the job.
Education & Experience
Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or related field
7-10 years of progressive professional experience in residence life or student affairs with demonstrated leadership impact
Previous success implementing a residential curriculum or learning-centered approach
Experience at a residential liberal arts institution strongly preferred
Knowledge & Skills
Demonstrated expertise in student development theory and practice
Proven ability to design and assess learning-centered residential programs
Comprehensive understanding of current trends and best practices in residence life
Experience responding to and managing complex student incidents and crises
Exceptional administrative acumen, including budget management and strategic planning
Proficiency with housing management software and student information systems
Leadership Qualities
Cultivation of a healthy, collaborative, and positive work environment
Visionary approach to creating transformative residential communities
Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships with students, staff, faculty, families, and administration
Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities
Creative problem‑solving orientation with a student-centered mindset
Ability to lead with both compassion and accountability
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