The Director of Residence Life is responsible for the total and overall operation of the auxiliary residence life program at Truman State University, comprised of seven residence halls and three apartment complexes that house approximately 3,000 residents.

The Director of Residence Life reports directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs. The Director directly supervises the two Coordinators for Residence Life, and is responsible for the overseeing of supervision for the Professional Residence Hall Directors and Paraprofessional Staff (Community Coordinators, Student Staff, and Student Workers). This position serves as a co-advisor of the Residence Hall Association and is also the direct liaison between Residence Life, other Student Affairs departments, and other campus departments.

In addition, the Director will demonstrate a commitment to the Mission of Truman State University, be a contributing part of the Student Affairs team, implement strategies and programs consistent with Student Affairs priorities, and demonstrate best practices in customer service for Residence Life in order to address the needs of various constituencies who utilize its programs and services.

Specific responsibilities by functional area are listed below.

Staff Development/Personnel Management:

•          Disseminate important Student Affairs and University information to supervisees and ensuring that staff understand, implement, and embrace the priorities of Student Affairs and Truman State University.

•          Oversee hiring processes and then ensure the training, development, supervision, and evaluation occurs for all personnel in the department.

•          Provide regular evaluation, training opportunities, goals, and objectives for all Residence Life programs and staff.

•          Conduct regular Professional Staff meetings.

•          Advise in the planning and implementation of training programs for the Residence Life Staff.

•          Advise professional hall staff on how to handle disturbed and disturbing behavior in the halls.

Student Involvement:

•          Ensure the development and implementation of a student development model.

•          Meet with student leaders, conduct open forums, and provide on-going dialogue with student leaders regarding Residence Life topics.

•          Mediate problems between parents, students, administrators, staff, etc., and respond to students or parents who are disputing a Residence Life issue.

•          Work with the Judicial Officer to address or resolve serious hall discipline issues that occur within the residence halls or with an on-campus resident, and maintain close communication regarding discipline policies and protocols.

•          Work with hall staff, the Department of Public Safety, the University Counseling Services, and other involved entities regarding emergencies, and make appropriate follow-up and referrals.

•          Serve as the Residence Life representative on the Students of Concern Committee including reporting and disseminating appropriate information.

•          Create process to ensure all hall probation appeals; housing contract breakage appeals; and other appeals by students are heard and resolved.

•          Work closely with the Director of the Center for Academic Excellence to develop the living-learning environment and opportunities for residents.

•          Provide an inclusive and accepting living learning community.

•          Co-advises the Residence Hall Association.

Fiscal and Facilities Improvement:

•          Set fiscal priorities in accordance with the University Mission and Student Affairs priorities and for managing, monitoring, and reconciling budgets to ensure that expenditures do not exceed budgetary allotments.

•          Work with Facilities Director(s) to continually create a safe and comfortable living environment for the residents, and meets regularly with the Facilities and Physical Plant Directors.

•          Work with Residential Hall Improvement Committee to identify, generate, and prioritize auxiliary improvements projects.

Professionalism and Professional Development:

•          Ethical, legal, and professional conduct and behavior in compliance with University and Student Affairs policy and procedures is expected at all times.

•          Keep abreast of nationwide housing trends and topics through attendance at regional and/or national professional conferences; reading professional journals; and become involved with professional organizations.

•          Model and implement appropriate knowledge and use of strengths-based approach to work during departmental interactions.

•          Represent Residence Life at hall programs, University visit days, and special weekends.

General Office:

•          Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures relevant to their areas in consultation with all appropriate constituencies and the approval of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

•          Negotiate and work with summer conferences’ and camps’ leaders/directors.

•          Serve as part of the Student Affairs team and be responsible for initiating and implementing strategies and policies that support the Mission of the University and address the priorities identified by Student Affairs.

•          Complete a thorough and complete evaluation of their areas including annual surveys to determine stakeholders’ satisfaction with services.

•          Complete monthly, annual, and any other special reports as assigned by the Vice President for Student Affairs.

•          Oversee the operation of the Residence Life office and all hall offices

•          Review and approve all written or web materials that will be published for Residence Life.

•          Designated as essential personnel in the case of campus closure or emergency.

•          Other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Master’s Degree required

• 7-10 years of experience in residence life

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

• Ability to develop a Vision for Residence Life

• Student information systems experience

• Data Analysis capabilities

• Strong supervision skills

• Ability to develop high-functioning teams

• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with campus partners

• Experience with Crisis Management and Emergency response

• Experience working with student mental health concerns

• Budget development and management skills

• Experience developing an inclusive environment

Preferred:

• Experience with managing facilities and capital projects

• Marketing experience

• Social media experience

• Summer camps and conferences

• Experience with development and implementation of residential curriculum

• Good technology skills

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, contact information for three professional references and academic transcripts. Applicants may apply online at employment.truman.edu or mail materials to:

Truman State University
Human Resources MC 101
100 E. Normal
Kirksville, MO 63501

Review of applications will begin Friday, November 16, and continue until position is filled.