Associate Director of Residential Operations

Btes • Lewiston, ME

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director of Residential Operations oversees student housing operations, including housing selection, first-year student assignments, maintenance of the housing database, and essential administrative functions for the Residence Life office. The role is the primary decision-maker for student housing-related issues and is a live-on position in college-provided housing.

The position leads residential access and housing processes, manages housing inquiries and related communications, develops housing policies and procedures, and oversees efficient use of systems such as StarRez and Banner. It manages campus and vendor relationships, supports residential operations and housing projects, maintains relevant records and communications, and provides on-site support for campus emergencies and operational issues. The role supervises the Coordinator for Residential Operations.

The Associate Director also serves as a Student Support Advisor to a cohort of students, helping them connect with resources, navigate personal or academic challenges, and understand academic policies and processes. In collaboration with Residence Life leadership, the role contributes to staff training, divisional planning, professional development, social justice initiatives, crisis response, and campus events. The position lives in a designated on-campus apartment and provides a visible community presence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least 3 years of experience in residence life or another area of higher education, including areas 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 through the transition to residential college life.
• 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 serving a culturally and educationally diverse community.
• Excellent judgment and awareness of interpersonal dynamics.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop 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 engage effectively with diverse personalities and manage difficult situations.
• Ability to work independently and handle 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, Excel, PowerPoint, WordPress, Google Docs, email, and calendaring.
• Advanced skills and knowledge of platforms and systems relevant to the role, 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, summer, and StarRez housing processes.
• Supervise responses to housing inquiries and ensure appropriate, timely follow-up by staff.
• Navigate sensitive or high-stakes conversations with students and parents, considering risk management, policy consistency, and retention.
• Partner with the Associate Director of Residence Life to develop and implement training for navigating difficult conversations with students and parents.
• Manage campus-partner relationships concerning Lewiston code enforcement, compliance, and housing projects.
• Supervise efficiency practices and the use of departmental software, including policy creation and database management for StarRez and Banner.
• Oversee advertising and communication of housing information and policies through platforms such as the website and email.
• Manage logistics and project work to ensure housing processes are completed accurately and on time.
• Support students and families transitioning to residential college life by communicating information and making referrals to resources.
• Develop and determine housing policies and procedures.
• Administer residential operations in alignment with institutional vision and strategic planning.
• Develop campus-stakeholder relationships to address concerns and find solutions.
• Manage strategic partnerships with 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 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 Student Affairs 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.
• Advise students facing personal challenges and connect them with support resources for academic and personal success.
• Provide supplemental academic advising and help students navigate academic policies and processes, including 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.
• Collaborate on high-level planning, strategy, and holistic support for the residential program.
• Work with the Associate Director of Residence Life to develop and implement professional staff training.
• Serve on 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 involving student well-being and safety.
• Participate in national and regional professional development to support implementation and assessment of student-life best practices.
• Collaborate on initiatives to build 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 supporting strong community standards.
• Participate in departmental policy enforcement initiatives.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Health benefits.
• Dental benefits.
• 9% retirement contribution with potential for an additional 3% match.
• Sick leave.
• 24 days of vacation.
• 2 personal days.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Dependent care subsidy.
• Free parking.
• Access to library and athletic facilities.
• Supportive, collegial environment.

What This Job Offers

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