Associate Director of Residential Operations

Bates College•Lewiston, ME

2d•$54,359 - $65,400•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director of Residential Operations oversees student housing operations, including housing selection, first-year student assignments, housing database maintenance, and administrative functions for the Residence Life office. The position serves as the primary decision-maker on student housing issues and is a live-on role in college-provided housing. The role leads residential access and housing processes, establishes housing policies and procedures, manages related communications and projects, and oversees the effective use of systems such as StarRez and Banner. It builds partnerships across campus and with external housing vendors, supports residential operations and emergency response, and supervises the Coordinator for Residential Operations. The position also advises a cohort of students, supports students navigating personal and academic challenges, and contributes to broader Student Affairs planning, training, crisis response, and institutional events. The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of experience in residence life or another area of higher education. A master’s degree is preferred. The role requires strong judgment, interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to support a diverse student community, organizational skills, and advanced familiarity with relevant platforms such as StarRez and Banner or similar systems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 3 years of experience in residence life or another area of higher education, such as health education, student government, student activities, outdoor education, or other campus offices.
Experience working in collaborative, dynamic, and welcoming office environments.
Experience working in a complex office environment with frequently shifting tasks and priorities.
Experience supporting young adults and their families as they transition to a residential college environment.
Demonstrated success supporting students from underrepresented groups, including historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, first-generation-to-college students, and low-income students.
Commitment to equity and inclusion and to serving a culturally and educationally diverse community.
Excellent judgment and awareness of interpersonal dynamics.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain collegial relationships with students, families, staff, faculty, and coworkers.
Excellent written, verbal, listening, and presentation skills.
Ability to engage in mediation and restorative justice practices.
Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities and manage difficult situations.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills for documentation, planning, and execution.
Proficiency with basic data management systems and computer software, including Microsoft Word and Excel, PowerPoint, WordPress, Google Docs, email, and calendaring.
Advanced skills and knowledge of position-relevant platforms and systems such as StarRez and Banner, or similar platforms.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee residential access and student housing processes, including off-campus and summer housing and StarRez processes.
Supervise responses to housing inquiries and ensure sound judgment and timely follow-up by staff.
Handle sensitive and high-stakes conversations with students and parents, considering risk management, policy consistency, and student retention.
Partner with the Associate Director of Residence Life to develop and implement training on navigating difficult conversations with students and parents.
Manage campus partnerships related to Lewiston code enforcement, compliance, and housing projects.
Supervise efficiency practices through departmental software optimization, policy creation, and database management.
Oversee advertising and communication of housing information and policies through platforms such as the website and email.
Manage logistics and projects to ensure housing processes are completed accurately and on time.
Support students and families transitioning to residential college life by communicating information and referring them to appropriate resources.
Develop and determine housing policies and procedures.
Administer residential operations in alignment with institutional vision and strategic planning.
Develop relationships with campus stakeholders to address concerns and create solutions.
Manage partnerships between Residence Life and Dining, Conferences and Campus Events, Access Control, Information Library Services, Facility Services, and other campus units.
Manage long-term relationships with external student-housing vendors, including StarRez and Roomie.
Handle confidential and classified information with appropriate discretion and judgment.
Supervise maintenance of Title IX compliance for records and processes as required.
Partner with Bates Communications & Marketing to develop and maintain the Residence Life website and coordinate social media presence.
Support on-campus emergencies and operational issues, including providing on-site assistance to the Student Affairs team and campus partners as needed.
Supervise and direct the Coordinator for Residential Operations.
Serve as Student Support Advisor to a cohort of students throughout their academic careers.
Help students address personal challenges and connect with support resources for academic and personal success.
Provide supplemental academic advising as needed and assist students with academic policies and processes such as leaves and course deferrals.
Lead the Office of Residence Life in collaboration with the Associate Director of Residence Life and under the advisement of the Associate Dean of Students for Residence Life & First-Year Experience.
Work with the Associate Director of Residence Life to develop and implement professional staff training.
Participate in the Student Affairs on-call rotation, managing risk, responding promptly, and serving as a primary contact for student emergencies.
Exercise discretion and confidentiality in crisis management concerning student well-being and safety.
Participate in national and regional professional development opportunities to support best practices in student life.
Collaborate on initiatives that develop social justice literacy and action skills among professional and student staff.
Participate in team projects and institutional events, including the constructive dialogue initiative, New Student Orientation, Senior Week, and Commencement.
Live in a designated on-campus apartment and provide a visible community presence in support of community standards.
Participate in departmental policy enforcement initiatives.