Director of Residential Education

Nebraska Wesleyan University•Lincoln, NE

About The Position

Nebraska Wesleyan University invites applications for the Director of Residential Education, a key leadership role dedicated to fostering student success and cultivating a vibrant, inclusive residential community. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Life, the Director provides vision and strategic direction for a comprehensive residential education program that promotes students' personal, social, and academic development. This leader will mentor and supervise a talented team-including three Residential Education Coordinators (RECs) and the Assistant Director of Residential Operations-while implementing evidence‑based practices that strengthen belonging, engagement, and well-being in the residence halls. The Director collaborates closely with the Vice President for Student Life to design, advance, and assess initiatives that support student retention, holistic learning, and the overall residential experience. This position is a full-time, exempt position. NWU offers a competitive wage and comprehensive benefits plan including Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Disability benefits, Retirement, a significant vacation and holiday package and 100% tuition discount for dependents after one year of service among other benefits.

Requirements

Master's degree required; 5+ years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified, including supervisory experience.
A successful candidate will also possess the following skills:
Vision, creativity and leadership in Residential Education and Student Life with progressive administrative experience and employee development experience.
Understanding of student development theory, experience designing and assessing education within student life.
Proven success fostering inclusive, positive working relationships with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
Understanding of current issues in higher education, and relevant laws, regulations, and standards related to higher education.
Strong record of collaboration and consensus building across constituencies.
Experience in establishing, directing and enforcing policies and regulations.
Demonstrated skills in written, verbal, and interpersonal communication; strong organizational skills; experience with budgeting.
Commitment to the liberal arts.
Confidentiality, including but not limited to FERPA compliance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with eRezLife or other housing management software is preferred.

Responsibilities

Direct the day-to-day management and administration of the University's various campus residential facilities.
Hire and supervise professional and student staff members.
Develop and maintain policies and procedures to promote a safe, healthy and welcoming environment for all residents.
Serve as a member of the CARE Team; leading outreach for residential students in partnership with Residential Education Coordinators.
Oversee programs to support the wellbeing of residential students.
Promote student success and retention by working to align academic support, early intervention programs, campus involvement and vocational exploration within residential education.
Work with Residential Education Coordinators and Peer Assistants to develop and monitor educational, developmental, and social programs and services within Residential Education
Serve as the director-level back-up to REC on-call process
Teach the STLF 2100: Residential Peer Assistant experiential learning course.
Oversee and assess student learning within residential education.
Collaborate with campus safety and security and other stakeholders in the event of campus crisis or threat, and assist with coordination, communication, and implementation of emergency response plans.
Serve on committees to monitor and promote campus safety (e.g. Threat Assessment Team, Coordinated Community Response Team).
Represent Residential Education to various departments including admissions, campus security, and the business office, as well as to students, parents, and the general public.
Performs additional duties as assigned.