Assistant Director, Campus Living Operations

PACIFIC UNIVERSITY • Forest Grove, OR

1d • $48,000 - $55,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Operations is a full-time, year-round leadership role in the Campus Living department, driving the strategic management of housing operations to support over 900 students annually. There are two Assistant Directors who serve as the department’s authority on housing management systems and operational workflows, ensuring efficient and student-focused processes. They are responsible for designing, implementing, and refining key functions such as housing assignments, billing, and accommodations to enhance the student experience. Acting as a key resource, the Assistant Director provides high-level expertise and guidance to students, families, and campus partners, supporting informed decision-making and seamless operations. This position reports to the Director of Campus Living and Dining. The Assistant Directors of Campus Living Operations share responsibility for the full scope of residential life operations. Duties encompass all aspects of housing management, guest and emergency housing, dining coordination, summer and special programs, budgeting, and peak-period logistics. Responsibilities may be allocated or coordinated between the two positions to ensure efficient and effective operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree plus and four years of experience or related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Excellent customer service and successful written and verbal communication with a broad and diverse audience in a culturally responsive manner.
• Ability to maintain confidential, detailed records.
• Proficient in the use of common office software, spreadsheets, email, databases, and electronic platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with people in a wide range of roles.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision-making.
• Ability to build and sustain rich collaborative relationships with university staff, students, and university partners of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple projects, track data, meet timelines, respond to others in a timely manner, and work both independently and as a collaborative member of the University with a high standard of integrity and ethics, in support of the University’s strategic vision and the division’s annual goals.
• Able to make independent decisions and recommendations that align with policies, rules, and procedures; ability to ask questions and seek assistance when needed.
• Able to handle a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment, working independently and/or as part of a team.
• Strong documentation and editing skills, with the ability to create clear, accessible materials.
• Demonstrated ability to implement complex processes and develop innovative solutions.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and continue to work without employer visa sponsorship, now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, business administration, or related field preferred.
• Experience supervising staff
• Experience in higher education and/or student housing
• Experience with housing management systems or related data platforms
• Spanish language skills/abilities

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and refine housing assignment workflows, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with student needs.
• Serve as the university liaison to the dining contractor, ensuring operational and contractual requirements are met.
• Oversee early arrival, late stay, and holiday break housing programs in collaboration with campus partners.
• Manage summer housing programs, including low-residency MFA students, special residential events (e.g., Music in May), and summer student housing.
• Manage guest and emergency housing, including reservations, check-ins, and billing.
• Coordinate all budgets related to residence halls and dining, including processing payments and tracking expenses.
• Oversee room inspections, safety checks, and facility operations to maintain a safe, welcoming residential environment.
• Serve as the department’s subject matter expert on the housing management system, including advanced configuration, troubleshooting, and cross-departmental training; conduct regular audits to ensure data accuracy.
• Provide case management and consultation on housing and dining accommodations in partnership with the Office of Accessibility and Accommodation Services.
• Lead occupancy management efforts, including forecasting, strategic planning, and reporting in collaboration with the Director.
• Design and lead training for staff and student employees on housing systems, processes, and customer service best practices.
• Develop and manage housing-related communications, including web content, department emails, and process documentation, ensuring clarity and consistency.
• Plan and execute move-in and move-out operations, ensuring efficiency and clear communication with residence life staff and students.
• Oversee departmental inventories, including keys and supplies, optimizing tracking and distribution processes.
• Support departmental priorities, including residential education efforts, community-building programs, and student success initiatives.
• Prepare strategic reports and presentations for senior leadership, using data analysis to inform recommendations and drive improvements; identify and implement innovative process improvements.
• Develop working knowledge of the other Assistant Director’s assigned areas to maintain seamless operations and service continuity.
• Participate in after-hours on-call rotation as scheduled.
• Listen for, respond empathetically to, and appropriately refer students experiencing distress, ensuring documentation and follow-up as needed.
• Actively seek innovative ways to improve student experience, student success, and organizational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications staff to develop storytelling and branding initiatives for Campus Living.
• Respond empathetically to student concerns and provide referrals to appropriate campus resources.
• Participate in divisional or university committees, task forces, and hiring panels as appropriate.
• Recruit, train, and supervise student employees.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)
• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
• Comprehensive dental and vision plans
• Generous retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
• Free mental health appointments
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
• On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
• Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level