"DIRECTOR OF RESIDENTIAL LIFE #00096338"

Hiring Department

The Division of Student Success at Missouri University of Science and Technology is dedicated to supporting the academic, personal, and professional development of all students. Comprised of 15 key areas, the division includes: athletics and recreation, academic support services, academic advising, retention initiatives, study abroad, student health services, student well-being, accessibility and testing services, community standards, residential life, student involvement, career opportunities and employer relations, family and friends, engagement and belonging, and the military and veteran services center. Together, these areas work collaboratively to foster a supportive and inclusive environment where every Miner can thrive.

Job Description

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) invites applications for the position of Director of Residential Life. The Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the university’s residential life program, serving approximately 2,000 students in residence halls, and an additional 1,200 students to reside in university approved housing.

This position is responsible for developing and sustaining a residential experience that supports academic success, personal development, and student retention. A key focus of the role is advancing and managing Living Learning Communities (LLCs) and residential engagement initiatives that directly contribute to institutional goals related to student persistence and graduation.

The Director oversees all aspects of residential life operations, including staffing, residential programming, housing assignments, confronting student conduct within housing, and crisis response. The role also requires strong financial acumen, with responsibility for managing the auxiliary housing budget, procurement, capital renewal, and residential facilities planning.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Provide leadership and direction for Residential Life operations and services, ensuring a safe, supportive, and developmentally rich residential environment
• Develop long-term and strategic plans that prioritize the residential student experience, integrate a comprehensive residential curriculum, enhance resident and facility safety, and support sustainable revenue generation
• Serve as a senior member of the Student Success Division, having a vital role in communicating the mission, goals, and objectives of the Division to internal and external groups
• Serve on relevant university committees and contribute to broader campus planning and student success efforts

Student Engagement & Academic Support

• Provide leadership in the planning, implementation, and assessment of Living Learning Communities (LLCs) and other residential engagement initiatives that promote student retention and academic success
• Develop and oversee academic support systems within residence halls for first-year students experiencing academic challenges, offering targeted guidance to students and student staff with a strong focus on learning, growth, and personal development
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Student Success, and other university partners to align residential life with institutional retention and persistence strategies

Housing Operations & Occupancy Management

• Consistently meet housing occupancy goals during both the fall and spring semesters—and strive to exceed them—to ensure financial stability and maintain accountability to the university
• Manage all aspects of the housing assignment process, occupancy planning, and housing policy enforcement
• Track occupancy details for 1st and 2nd year students living in university approved housing which includes fraternity and sorority houses, and the Christian Campus House

Staff Supervision & Development

• Supervise and develop professional and student staff, including Managers of Housing Operations, Coordinators, and Resident Assistants

Financial Oversight & Facility Management

• Oversee all budget and financial operations for Residential Life, including auxiliary revenue and expenditures, rate development, and long-term financial planning
• Manage Repair & Replacement (R&R) funds, residential building reserves, and collaborate on capital projects related to residential facilities
• Coordinate closely with Facility Planning and Operations, Finance and Operations, and Dining Services to ensure quality residential facilities and services

Crisis Management & Assessment

• Serve as a key campus partner in student crisis management and emergency response protocols within residential communities
• Monitor and assess departmental performance through data analysis. Continually implement initiatives to ensure consistent high marks of student satisfaction in all metric categories

Ensure Outstanding Customer Service

• Improve key metrics by monitoring and enhancing performance on institutional assessments related to the residential experience, using data to guide improvements
• Train and empower staff by providing ongoing customer service training to ensure staff can resolve student concerns directly, reducing unnecessary referrals
• Foster a student-centered approach by creating a welcoming, supportive environment where staff take ownership of student issues and prioritize personalized support
• Ensure accountability by using regular feedback, coaching, and student input to maintain high service standards and drive continuous improvement

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Business Administration, or a related field
• 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in residential life, student housing, or related areas in higher education
• Demonstrated leadership in developing residential programs, especially Living Learning Communities or themed housing initiatives
• Experience managing auxiliary budgets, including housing revenues, expenses, and long-term financial planning
• Knowledge and experience in managing R&R funds and residential capital planning
• Strong organizational, supervisory, and communication skills
• Experience in crisis response, student conduct, and campus collaboration
• Experience in a STEM-focused or technical institution
• Familiarity with housing software (e.g., StarRez)
• Understanding of campus housing laws and regulations (e.g., Clery, Title IX, FERPA)
• Background in facilities planning, building renovation, or capital project oversight

Anticipated Hiring Range

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $69,098-$100,000 annually.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: GGS 12
University Title: DIRECTOR I STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES