About Us:

Located in Georgetown, Texas, Southwestern University is an independent, four-year undergraduate institution offers a top-ranked integrated arts and sciences curriculum that incorporates the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences.

At Southwestern University, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.

Position Overview:

Southwestern University has an immediate opening for a Director of Residence Life. This position will report to the Vice President for Student Life. The Director of Residence Life is responsible for the University’s residential program, including housing assignments, programming models, conflict resolution, on-call and crisis response, and training, development, and supervision of student and professional staff. This position is responsible for strategic planning, management, and operation, both day-to-day and long-term, of residential facilities. This is a full-time, exempt position eligible for our comprehensive benefits program.

Essential Duties:

• Oversee daily operations of the residential program (including occupancy, assignments, accommodations, staffing, programming, opening, closing, summer housing).
• Train and supervise live-in professional staff to serve in an on-call capacity, responding to after-hours crises and critical student needs. Serve as the first point of contact for professional staff needing to consult on crisis management.
• Articulate and operationalize a vision for on-campus housing, including existing and future housing needs, amenities and vendor relationships, and a program supporting student wellness, engagement, and belonging.
• Work with supervisors and other University staff to ensure proper administration of University policies and procedures.
• Maintain office hours for informal contact and maximum accessibility with residents and staff.
• Work collaboratively with campus partners, including:
  • Partner with Facilities Management on residential projects, issues, and timely communication to residents. Track and follow up on work orders and other maintenance-related issues.
  • Assist, participate in, and encourage students and staff in the implementation of educational and community development activities and programs.
  • Work cooperatively with campus partners on issues of occupancy, hall maintenance, safety and security matters, and damages.
  • With Southwestern University Police Department (SUPD), provide emergency and crisis training and communication to Residence Assistant (RA) staff.
  • With the Center for Academic Success, oversee housing accommodations processes to meet the needs of students.

Additional Duties:

• Ensure clear, timely, and professional communication with students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Represent Residence Life and Student Life in formal and informal capacities across campus.
• Prepare reports detailing the department’s services and programs and maintain data required for decision-making.
• Serve as a referral agent to other University related services.
• Demonstrate effective communication, planning, and organizational skills as they relate to job responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling, or related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in student affairs administration, including management-level experience.
• Ability to balance competing priorities and perform well in stressful situations.
• General knowledge regarding student development theory and practices.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ten (10) or more years of experience in Residence Life, in a university setting, with five (5) or more years of experience in a small residential college setting.
• Experience constructing and/or opening new residence halls.

Starting annual salary: $74,949. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed the starting salary.

Benefits:

Southwestern University offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and welfare insurance (medical, dental, and vision), life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability coverage, generous contributions to a 403(b) retirement account, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), various paid time-off options, undergraduate tuition assistance for you and your dependents, access to athletic facilities, free parking, and discounted meal rates, along with other benefits designed to support your well-being and work-life balance.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and the name and contact information of three (3) professional references through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/168278. Email and paper applications will not be accepted.

All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

In compliance with immigration laws, proof of work authorization in the United States will be required when employment begins. Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer.

Southwestern University is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@southwestern.edu.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report— Southwestern University Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.southwestern.edu/life-at-southwestern/safety-security/annual-security-reports/ containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 512-863-1435.