Director of Residential Life

Mount Holyoke College

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Residential Life provides strategic, innovative leadership and oversight for a comprehensive residential program supporting student engagement, community development, and overall wellbeing. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement, the Director is the primary decision-maker for the Office of Residential Life, overseeing programmatic and operational functions for 18 residence halls and over 2,150 beds. This role requires a high-energy leader with a meticulous eye for detail who can balance complex housing operations with a student-centered developmental philosophy. The Director supervises four professional Area Coordinators and indirectly oversees 83 paraprofessional staff. As a 12-month, live-on position, the Director participates in the Tier 2 On-Call rotation and serves as a visible, positive leader within the campus community. Will work some nights and weekends. The Director of Residential Life serves as a strategic and operational leader responsible for the comprehensive management of the college’s housing ecosystem. This role oversees the technical and logistical backbone of the department, from managing the departmental budget and housing software (Simplicity) to directing the housing lottery and room assignment processes. By partnering closely with Facilities Management, the incumbent ensures residential spaces are safe, occupancy-ready, and well-maintained, while simultaneously driving data-informed improvements through rigorous assessment and high-stakes communication strategies. Beyond logistics, this position is a vital architect of student culture and staff development. You will lead a diverse team of professional and student staff, navigating labor relations and union compliance with a focus on mentorship and equity. By spearheading a residential curriculum and expanding Living Learning Communities, you will foster a holistic environment that prioritizes student well-being and community growth. Additionally, as a critical member of the Tier 2 emergency response rotation, you will provide expert crisis intervention, serving as a primary liaison between the department and key campus partners to safeguard the student experience.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Personnel, or a related field.
At least 4-years of progressive experience in Residence Life at the collegiate level.
At least 2-years of direct professional staff supervision.
A positive, "can-do" attitude with the ability to inspire staff and students alike.
Exceptional attention to detail and proven experience managing complex budgets and housing operations.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive topics with diplomacy and clarity.
Demonstrated intercultural competency and a deep commitment to supporting a diverse, gender-diverse, and international student population.
Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and remain calm under pressure during emergency situations.

Nice To Haves

6-years of progressive experience in Residence Life at the collegiate level.
At least 4-years of direct professional staff supervision.
Experience working with collective bargaining agreements and unionized student staff.
Advanced proficiency with housing management software (e.g., Simplicity Residence) and assessment tools.
A strong understanding of student development theory applied within a residential liberal arts context.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic, innovative leadership and oversight for a comprehensive residential program supporting student engagement, community development, and overall wellbeing.
Serves as the primary decision-maker for the Office of Residential Life, overseeing programmatic and operational functions for 18 residence halls and over 2,150 beds.
Supervises four professional Area Coordinators and indirectly oversees 83 paraprofessional staff.
Participates in the Tier 2 On-Call rotation and serves as a visible, positive leader within the campus community.
Manages the departmental budget and housing software (Simplicity).
Directs the housing lottery and room assignment processes.
Partners closely with Facilities Management to ensure residential spaces are safe, occupancy-ready, and well-maintained.
Drives data-informed improvements through rigorous assessment and high-stakes communication strategies.
Leads a diverse team of professional and student staff, navigating labor relations and union compliance with a focus on mentorship and equity.
Spearheads a residential curriculum and expands Living Learning Communities.
Provides expert crisis intervention as a critical member of the Tier 2 emergency response rotation.
Serves as a primary liaison between the department and key campus partners to safeguard the student experience.