Director of Residential Life and Housing

Job Details: Job Location: Philander Smith University

• LITTLE ROCK, AR, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: Graduate Degree, Salary Range: $55000.00 - $65000.00Salary/year, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Executive, Position Summary: The Director of Residential Life and Housing serves as a full-time,12-month live-in professional and reports to the Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Experience. The Director provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and administrative direction for the university's student housing and residential life program. The role is responsible for cultivating a safe, inclusive, and academically supportive residential community that enhances student retention, engagement, and success.The Director oversees residence hall operations, occupancy management, staff supervision, crisis response, and housing assignment processes, while ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Supervise, train, and evaluate Resident Assistants and student desk assistants. Develop and implement initiatives for a co-educational residential community that foster student learning, inclusivity, and well-being. Oversee housing operations, including room assignments, room changes, inspections, billing, and all move-in/move-out processes.

Advise and support student leadership groups, including the Residence Hall Association and the Panther Programming Council (Student Activities). Conduct informal or minor student conduct hearings and ensure compliance with institutional policies and procedures. Serve on institutional committees as appointed to represent the Division of Enrollment Management & Student Experience.

Collaborate closely with the Facilities Supervisor to address maintenance, safety, and security concerns within residential facilities. Respond promptly to residence hall and after-hours emergencies, serving in an on-call rotation as needed. Coordinate and assist with residence life programs and student engagement events, including evening, weekend, and holiday coverage.

Partner with the Vice President, Area Coordinator, and Facilities Supervisor to ensure operational effectiveness and student satisfaction.

Qualifications

Qualifications: Education: A Master’s degree in College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, Counseling, or a closely related field is required. Experience: Minimum of 3 - 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in residential life and housing administration. Demonstrated experience in living-learning communities or special interest housing initiatives that promote academic engagement.

Direct experience serving in an on-call rotation and handling crisis situations, conflict resolution, and student conduct. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Strong knowledge of student development theory and best practices in residential life administration. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills.

Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents. Experience developing and managing budgets, policies, and staff training programs. Ability to interact effectively with diverse populations, including students, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders. Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive residential environment.

Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively as part of a team.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans Short-term and Long-term Disability Coverage Flexible Spending Aaccounts and Health Savings Accounts Employee Assistance Program 403B Retirement Savings Plan Life Insurance Paid Time Off Tuition Reimbursement Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Philander Smith University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on protected characteristics, including race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or medical history, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.