Director of Residence Life and Housing

Carlow University is a comprehensive Catholic university in a culturally rich section of Pittsburgh. Founded in 1929 by the Sisters of Mercy, it is one of the 17 member institutions of the Conference for Mercy Higher Education. Carlow is recognized for educating traditional students and adult learners for a lifetime of ethical leadership and service.

The Director of Residence Life and Housing is a live-on optional position, or the ability to reside within a 15-minute commute radius to campus. The Director will be directly responsible for all elements of the Resident Assistant (RA) program, residential education and programming, and university housing operations. The Director will have previous experience in housing operations and residential life administration, along with skills and knowledge in student development theory and student conduct administration.

Listed below are the essential functions of the position, as well as the minimum professional standards expected of all residence life employees. These responsibilities encompass student and community development initiatives, both proactive and reactive, that directly influence the success of our residential students. They also detail administrative responsibilities foundational to this success. Finally, they delineate behaviors that connote professionalism and a commitment to the values of Residence Life and Student Affairs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinate the hiring process for all residence life staff and serve as first-line contact and resource for resident assistants (RAs).
• Supervise 1-2 Graduate Hall Directors (GRD) responsible for the oversight of residential programming, RA staff supervision, and crisis response.
• Oversee opening and closing of residence hall area during university recesses and supervises check-in and check-out procedures.
• Work with the Residence Life staff to mediate student disputes and resolve interpersonal problems in the residence halls.
• Work closely with Facilities and the Campus Police to ensure timely inspections, repairs, and long-range planning and create a safe and welcoming environment.
• Oversee all administrative functions for housing, including letters, contracts, keys, housing assignments, work orders, etc.
• Maintain and provide accurate and useful data on occupancy, incidents, conduct cases, and other student- and facilities-related matters; Respond and process alleged policy violations as reported by staff, students, University Police, or community members utilizing Advocate software package.
• Train, instruct, and oversee graduate assistants in their role as hearing officers during the student conduct process.
• Maintain due process and a learning-centered philosophy when sanctioning and engaging in the conduct process.
• Works closely with Admissions, Student Accounts, and other University offices to ensure a smooth and effective process for students seeking housing.
• Work with the Assistant Dean of Students and the broader Student Affairs team to support campus life and other programs as needed.
• Demonstrate and reflect understanding of and commitment to the mission and core values of the University and the Sisters of Mercy.
• Manage the Residence Life department budget.
• Establish and facilitate a robust and inclusive residence hall programming and leadership model that matches the University values and addresses campus life issues.

MINIMUM EDUCATION:

• Master’s degree in student affairs administration, education administration, or similar degree.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

• At least two (3) years of professional experience in student affairs or higher education is required.
• Experience in residence life at a professional or student level is preferred.
• Must have experience and abilities in staff oversight, management and planning, record keeping, programming, and mediation.

REQUIRED SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR LICENSURE:

• Strong communication, computer, and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Must be able and willing to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends. Hours may include being on call and/or reporting to campus on short notice (e.g., in the event of an emergency).
• Demonstrates a commitment to working collaboratively with a diverse population to enhance and further the mission of the University.