Category:
Administrators
Department:
Student Activities
Locations:
Worcester, MA
Posted:
May 13, 2024
Closes:
Open Until Filled
Type:
Full-time
Position ID:
175668
About Assumption University:
Assumption University is a comprehensive, private Catholic liberal arts institution with 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students, sponsored by the Augustinians of the Assumption. We awaken in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Our curricular and co-curricular programs provide students with an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. We are a diverse community that welcomes different points of view and embraces all who share our mission. Enlivened by the Catholic affirmation of the harmony of faith and reason and by the pursuit of the truth in the company of friends, an Assumption education transforms the minds and hearts of students.
An Equal Opportunity Employer. Assumption favors diversity, ecumenically welcomes all who share its goals, and strongly encourages people of color and others from underrepresented groups to apply.
The University is in Worcester, Massachusetts, New England's second largest city that "combines the warmth of a small town with the convenience of a thriving city."
Job Description:
BASIC PURPOSE: In support of the mission of the University, the Director of Residential Life is responsible for overall management, planning, administration, and evaluation of the department. The Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the housing operations, staff development and training, and preparation of statistics and projection of short and long-term housing needs. Duties also include developing a comprehensive series of student/faculty programs that advance the educational mission of the University. The Director plays an active role in promoting cross-cultural understanding within a residential environment and initiates programs and services to highlight the University's commitment to diversity.
Representing Residential Life, the Director serves on various committees acting as a primary resource when determining student services. In collaboration with the VPSA/DOS, the Director is responsible for making decisions and handling crises. After hours and weekend interruptions may occur and must be handled accordingly. Attendance at and participation in campus programs, athletic events, and hall/area programs foster community relations, and therefore is expected.
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Supervision:
- Direct and supervise the work of departmental employees including, though not limited to, supervising, training, scheduling and evaluating employees;
- Oversee and evaluate the professional staff and Head/Resident Assistant Staff;
- Serve as a resource and source of professional development for the entire department;
- Co-Chair the Housing Accommodations Committee and finalize placement of all students with medical needs.
Operations:
- Coordinate monthly damage assessment and semester billing process along with the Assistant Director of Residential Life, Building and Grounds, and Information Technology departments;
- Oversee the housing selection processes;
- Prepare and maintain occupancy reports and statistics and disseminate information to other offices as appropriate;
- Maintain department budget;
- Update residence hall policies, manuals, and office forms annually;
- Coordinate the search for professional staff;
- Coordinate and serve as member of the Administrator On Call rotation.
Staff Development:
- Develop fall and spring training, as well as in-service training, for the Head/Resident Assistants and professional staff;
- Assist staff with damage reductions/prevention plans, community building strategies, institution of hall governance/councils and programming opportunities;
- Assist the Office of Community Standards with conduct hearings and training of hearing officers, and
- Keep abreast of national trends, particularly those in Catholic higher education, policy changes and department structure models to challenge and motivate staff to progress in the community development model.
Programming initiatives:
- Plan and develop programs that include the presence of the Assumptionists, Ministers in Residence, administrators and faculty in residence;
- Work closely with the Directors of the ALANA/First Generation Student Success and Campus Ministry in developing and implementing programs for the residential population;
- Develop programming criteria for Resident Assistants and work with the Assistant Director to implement these programs;
- Work with Assistant Dean of Campus Life/ on the First Year Orientation Program;
- Serve as a Campus Security Authority for Clery reporting purposes and a Responsible Employee for Title IX reporting purposes;
- Other related duties.
Requirements:
- Must be willing to contribute actively to the mission of the University as well as show respect for the Catholic and Assumptionist identity of Assumption University;
- A Master's degree in Student Personnel or a related field is required;
- Experience in residential administration and development is highly desired;
- At least five years full-time experience in a higher education. Institution with a strong central office system is highly desirable;
- Experience with a variety of computer programs and systems;
- Prior direct supervisory experience required;
- Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality;
- Strong computer skills required;
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills required; and
- Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with local and national campus life professionals and organizations.
Additional Information:
SCOPE:
The Director interacts regularly with students, parents/guardians and University employees and campus life professionals. The Director usually finds that this position imposes certain limitations upon them. Because they must be available to students for informal counseling as well as emergency situations, the Residence Staff member finds that they must adopt an open door policy and expect frequent interruptions of their own activities. The nature of the job requires them to plan personal and social activities around their job commitments. Given that the Director of Residential Life is highly regarded as a role model, they are expected to maintain exemplary standards of personal conduct and discretion in their behavior. The Director is expected to schedule their time effectively in order to discharge their responsibilities. Some arbitrary time obligations are outlined below:
ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEE:
This position is designated as an Essential Employee. Essential Employees are those who are expected to be on duty to operate the University and provide for the safety and well-being of our students when normal operations are suspended e.g., when classes are cancelled or delayed and when non-essential employees are released from work. Staffing of essential support services may be at reduced levels, determined by the Administrator, dependent on the needs of our students. No compensatory time, additional wages or premium wages will be paid under these circumstances since the suspended hours are scheduled hours and part of each employee's regular duties.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Sitting, standing, walking, and bending are required of this position. Use of a computer keyboard and computer screen for periods of time with close vision and the ability to adjust visual focus plus manual dexterity are required. Some lifting is required.
MENTAL DEMANDS:
The mental demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Examples of mental demands include reading (documents), detailed work, confidentiality, language, math, reasoning, oral communications, written communications, customer contact, multiple concurrent tasks, constant interruptions, and performing calculations when necessary.
Application Instructions:
Please be sure to submit your cover letter addressing qualifications for this position along with your resume.
Thank you