Associate Director of Residential Experience

Job Details

Position Details

Classification Information

Position Classification Title: Student Housing Professional, Operations

FLSA: Exempt

Position Class: 89673

Position Overview

Position Summary

Join the Ramily! The Department of Housing and Residence Life at Winston-Salem State University is accepting applications for the Associate Director for Residential Experience.

The Associate Director for Residential Experience provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for the development, implementation, and assessment of a comprehensive residential education program that supports student learning, engagement, and success at Winston-Salem State University. This position plays a critical leadership role within Housing and Residence Life, fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive living-learning environment for students residing in university-managed housing.

The Associate Director works collaboratively with key stakeholders to promote student development, academic integration, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement through intentional programs and services. This role also oversees the recruitment, selection, training, supervision, and evaluation of professional and student staff, ensuring alignment with departmental and institutional goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Residential Education & Student Engagement:

• Design, implement, and assess a residential curriculum that supports student development, academic success, leadership, wellness, and excellence.
• Provide direction and oversight for community development, student conduct processes, and crisis response in the residential communities.
• Foster a culture of engagement by supporting living-learning communities, theme housing, and co-curricular partnerships with campus departments.

Staff Supervision & Development:

• Directly supervise full-time professional staff (e.g., Assistant Directors, Residence Education Coordinators) and indirectly supervise graduate assistants and student leaders (Resident Assistants, Peer Mentors).
• Coordinate comprehensive training, ongoing development, and performance evaluation processes for all residential education staff.
• Facilitate leadership development opportunities for student leaders within the residence halls.

Crisis Management & Student Support:

• Serve as a key member of the on-call crisis response team, providing leadership in addressing student concerns, behavioral issues, and emergencies.
• Collaborate with the Dean of Students, Counseling Services, University Police, and other campus departments to support student wellness and safety.

Assessment & Strategic Planning:

• Lead efforts to assess the impact and effectiveness of residential programs and student learning outcomes.
• Use data to inform continuous improvement and contribute to departmental strategic planning and accreditation efforts.
• Develop and manage the residential education budget in alignment with departmental goals.

Collaboration & Leadership:

• Serve as a senior leader within Housing and Residence Life, contributing to departmental leadership, policy development, and strategic initiatives.
• Partner with Academic Affairs, Student Activities, Career Services, and other units to integrate academic and co-curricular learning in residential settings.
• Represent Housing and Residence Life on campus committees and task forces as appropriate.

The desired and anticipated start date for this role is June 1, 2026.

Position Information

Position Number: 166006

Working Position Title: Associate Director of Residential Experience

Building and Room No.: Cleon F. Thompson, Jr. Student Services Center Suite 301

Appointment Type: Permanent Full-Time

If Time Limited: No

Appointment Length: 12

Requirements and Preferences

Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies: All - Emergency and Pandemic on site

Normal Work Schedule: 8:00am until 5:00pm. There will be some weekends and all major university sponsors events.

Department Required Skills

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in residence life, housing, or related student affairs work, including staff supervision and program management.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing residential curriculum or living-learning communities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of student development theory and crisis management.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Demonstrated success in building communities and addressing the needs of diverse student populations.
• Experience with student conduct, residential assessment tools, and campus-wide collaboration.
• Proficiency with housing management systems (e.g., StarRez) and educational technologies.

Required License or Certification: Valid US Driver’s License

Valid US Driver's License: Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required: No

Physical Required: No

Posting Details

Internal Posting Only: No

Time Limited Position: No

Appointment Length:

Salary: Commensurate with education and experience

Open Date: 01/28/2026

Close Date:

Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions Summary: Our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated, or Justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for Which they may be qualified.
Please Note:

• A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.
• If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and T&E requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
• Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
• Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.
• Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.
• Your application for the position will not be completed until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.
• If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at OHR@wssu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834.