Assistant Director of Residence Life for First Year Experience

UNC Overview

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, UNC Asheville is the designated public liberal arts campus in the University of North Carolina system. UNC Asheville is nationally known for the quality of our student-centered teaching, mentoring of undergraduates in research, interdisciplinary learning, and a welcoming campus community.

In addition to award-winning faculty, UNCA has also ranked high in Research.com, US News & World Report and the Princeton Review in 2025.

Research.com – #8 in Best Colleges, #11 Most Affordable Colleges in NC, #16 Best Value Colleges in NC

US News & World Report – #9 in Top Public Schools

Princeton Reviews – #7 in Top 50 Guide to Green Schools

Employees of UNCA are provided with a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employees may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are group exercise classes, and free access to the campus recreation center for full time employees, vaccine shots are also offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

Classification Title

Assistant Director of Residence Life

Department

Residence Life

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

Months per Year

12 Months

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Residence Life for First Year Experience position is a 12-month live-in position which serves as part of the leadership team for the Office of Housing & Residence Life. The primary responsibility of the Assistant Director position is developing, advocating for, and advancing the on-campus living experience of students who are part of a college community for the first time. As a vital part of the Division of Student Affairs, the Assistant Director oversees the day-to-day residential operations of multiple residence hall communities as well as manages the student staff. The three (3) primary areas this position oversees are Founders Hall, Mills Hall, and the Ridges.

Minimum Education/Experience/Skill

Master's Degree in College Student Development, Higher Education Administration or related field required; 3 years of experience as a live-in professional in a residence hall setting; effective supervision, administrative, organization, written and oral communication skills; experience in conflict resolution, mediation, application of student development theory in a residence hall setting; excellent decision-making skills. Experience working autonomously and ability to exercise excellent judgment in their areas of responsibility.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skill

Resident Director or comparable building manager experience preferred. Five (5) years of experience building a residential community and fostering a sense of belonging, application of student development theory. Experience supervising student staff, full-time staff, and/or graduate assistants

Supervision

Responsible for the direct supervision of two Resident Assistant teams and indirect supervision of one Resident Assistant team. Directly supervises one full-time Residence Life Coordinator. May also supervise temporary or graduate students at occasionally.