Inside Higher Ed
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF RESIDENCE LIFE, STAFF DEVELOPMENT, Division of Student Lif
Inside Higher Ed, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
Associate Director of Residence Life, Staff Development, Division of Student Life, Residence Life
The Associate Director of Residence Life for Staff Development is a key operational leader responsible for shaping a modern, inclusive, and high‑performing residential experience. This role advances the effectiveness, consistency, and responsiveness of the professional staff team through strategic recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance development initiatives. The Associate Director fosters a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and accountability, ensuring that staff are equipped to support student success and uphold community standards. The position supervises Assistant Directors, collaborates closely with campus partners on DEI initiatives, and serves as a thought partner to the Director of Residence Life in advancing departmental goals and strategic planning.
Essential Responsibilities Leadership and Team Development
Supervise and support Assistant Directors, providing clear expectations, regular feedback, structured accountability, operational insight, and individualized professional development plans.
Cultivate a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes morale, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to student success.
Foster a results‑oriented departmental culture centered on high standards, effective communication, and continuous process improvement.
Recognize and celebrate staff contributions through formal and informal appreciation efforts.
With other Associate Directors, lead the department when the Director is away from campus.
Represent the department at key university events, initiatives, and emergency response efforts.
Staff Recruitment, Training, and Development
Lead comprehensive recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes for Residence Hall/Area Directors and Assistant Directors that ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency.
Design, develop, and implement robust onboarding and training programs that reflect data and performance trends, operational effectiveness, responsiveness, role clarity, and best practices in student affairs and higher education.
Plan and facilitate ongoing professional development for Residence Life staff, with a focus on leadership, communication, skill building, and student engagement.
Promote professional development opportunities for professional staff members.
Champion a continuous learning environment that supports staff growth, retention, and advancement.
Ensure staff are trained and prepared to respond to student needs, uphold community standards, and manage crisis situations effectively.
Strategic Planning and Innovation
Contribute to long‑range planning and the development of departmental goals aligned with the university's mission and strategic priorities.
Lead special projects and initiatives that modernize and elevate the Residence Life experience and strengthen the overall Residence Life operation.
Establish tracking systems to monitor training participation, staff attendance, and overall performance.
Identify and implement technology solutions to streamline operations, improve internal processes, and enhance staff effectiveness and productivity.
Promote data‑informed decision‑making and assessment practices across the department to guide decision‑making and address gaps.
Collaboration and Crisis Response
Collaborate with campus partners (e.g., BUPD, Public Safety, Student Health, Behavioral Medicine, Dean of Students) to manage and respond to student crises and community concerns and ensure coordinated support.
Provide leadership in managing complex student issues and emergency situations.
Participate in the on‑call rotation and ensure staff are trained in emergency response protocols.
Community and Belonging
Foster a welcoming and respectful environment for all professional staff through equitable hiring practices, thoughtful training programs, and inclusive operational approaches.
Promote a residential and workplace culture where all individuals feel valued, supported, and are able to thrive across lines of identity, experience, and perspective.
Required Skills
Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
8–10 years of progressive experience in residence life or student affairs.
Demonstrated success in leading team development and supervising and motivating professional staff.
Strong written, verbal, organizational communication, and public speaking skills.
Demonstrated success in designing, executing, and evaluating staff development and training initiatives.
Experience with onboarding, training, and performance management.
Deep understanding of student support needs, residential operations, and crisis response protocols.
Proficiency with data systems, assessment tools, and emerging technologies and the ability to apply technology solutions to increase efficiency, support staff operations, and inform operational strategy.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.
Solutions‑oriented leader with experience developing and implementing innovative strategic plans in a high‑volume, fast‑paced work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with change management and organizational development.
Knowledge of current trends in residential education and student engagement.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross‑functional teams.
Experience with learning management systems or training platforms.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Communication Skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate vision and mission through meetings, presentations, reports, and various communication channels (e.g., websites, social media).
Organizational Skills
Exemplary organizational, management, and leadership skills. Ability to conceptualize and prioritize objectives, manage complex projects, and work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
Interpersonal Skills
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders. Ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
Cultural Competence
Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills for engaging with individuals from a range of cultural backgrounds and identities. Demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive environment.
Problem‑Solving
Demonstrated problem identification and resolution skills. Ability to make informed decisions and take decisive action in complex and nuanced situations.
Ethical Conduct
Strong understanding of ethical professional conduct and best practices in student affairs. Ability to uphold and model high standards of professionalism and integrity.
Additional Information: Work Schedule – This live‑in position requires evening and weekend responsibilities, including participation in an on‑call rotation. Professional Development – The Associate Director of Residence Life for Staff Development will be expected to engage in ongoing professional development and maintain active membership in relevant professional associations.
Location: BOSTON, MA
|
Position Type: Full‑Time/Regular
|
Salary Grade: $68,775–$80,000.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To apply, visit https://jobs.silkroad.com/BU/External/jobs/316170
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Essential Responsibilities Leadership and Team Development
Supervise and support Assistant Directors, providing clear expectations, regular feedback, structured accountability, operational insight, and individualized professional development plans.
Cultivate a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes morale, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to student success.
Foster a results‑oriented departmental culture centered on high standards, effective communication, and continuous process improvement.
Recognize and celebrate staff contributions through formal and informal appreciation efforts.
With other Associate Directors, lead the department when the Director is away from campus.
Represent the department at key university events, initiatives, and emergency response efforts.
Staff Recruitment, Training, and Development
Lead comprehensive recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes for Residence Hall/Area Directors and Assistant Directors that ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency.
Design, develop, and implement robust onboarding and training programs that reflect data and performance trends, operational effectiveness, responsiveness, role clarity, and best practices in student affairs and higher education.
Plan and facilitate ongoing professional development for Residence Life staff, with a focus on leadership, communication, skill building, and student engagement.
Promote professional development opportunities for professional staff members.
Champion a continuous learning environment that supports staff growth, retention, and advancement.
Ensure staff are trained and prepared to respond to student needs, uphold community standards, and manage crisis situations effectively.
Strategic Planning and Innovation
Contribute to long‑range planning and the development of departmental goals aligned with the university's mission and strategic priorities.
Lead special projects and initiatives that modernize and elevate the Residence Life experience and strengthen the overall Residence Life operation.
Establish tracking systems to monitor training participation, staff attendance, and overall performance.
Identify and implement technology solutions to streamline operations, improve internal processes, and enhance staff effectiveness and productivity.
Promote data‑informed decision‑making and assessment practices across the department to guide decision‑making and address gaps.
Collaboration and Crisis Response
Collaborate with campus partners (e.g., BUPD, Public Safety, Student Health, Behavioral Medicine, Dean of Students) to manage and respond to student crises and community concerns and ensure coordinated support.
Provide leadership in managing complex student issues and emergency situations.
Participate in the on‑call rotation and ensure staff are trained in emergency response protocols.
Community and Belonging
Foster a welcoming and respectful environment for all professional staff through equitable hiring practices, thoughtful training programs, and inclusive operational approaches.
Promote a residential and workplace culture where all individuals feel valued, supported, and are able to thrive across lines of identity, experience, and perspective.
Required Skills
Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
8–10 years of progressive experience in residence life or student affairs.
Demonstrated success in leading team development and supervising and motivating professional staff.
Strong written, verbal, organizational communication, and public speaking skills.
Demonstrated success in designing, executing, and evaluating staff development and training initiatives.
Experience with onboarding, training, and performance management.
Deep understanding of student support needs, residential operations, and crisis response protocols.
Proficiency with data systems, assessment tools, and emerging technologies and the ability to apply technology solutions to increase efficiency, support staff operations, and inform operational strategy.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.
Solutions‑oriented leader with experience developing and implementing innovative strategic plans in a high‑volume, fast‑paced work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with change management and organizational development.
Knowledge of current trends in residential education and student engagement.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross‑functional teams.
Experience with learning management systems or training platforms.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Communication Skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate vision and mission through meetings, presentations, reports, and various communication channels (e.g., websites, social media).
Organizational Skills
Exemplary organizational, management, and leadership skills. Ability to conceptualize and prioritize objectives, manage complex projects, and work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
Interpersonal Skills
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders. Ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
Cultural Competence
Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills for engaging with individuals from a range of cultural backgrounds and identities. Demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive environment.
Problem‑Solving
Demonstrated problem identification and resolution skills. Ability to make informed decisions and take decisive action in complex and nuanced situations.
Ethical Conduct
Strong understanding of ethical professional conduct and best practices in student affairs. Ability to uphold and model high standards of professionalism and integrity.
Additional Information: Work Schedule – This live‑in position requires evening and weekend responsibilities, including participation in an on‑call rotation. Professional Development – The Associate Director of Residence Life for Staff Development will be expected to engage in ongoing professional development and maintain active membership in relevant professional associations.
Location: BOSTON, MA
|
Position Type: Full‑Time/Regular
|
Salary Grade: $68,775–$80,000.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To apply, visit https://jobs.silkroad.com/BU/External/jobs/316170
#J-18808-Ljbffr