Director of Residential Life

Job Details

Job no:
R-0000003298

Position Title:
Director of Residential Life

Faculty or Staff:
Staff

Full Time or Part Time:
Full time

In-Person, Hybrid, or Remote:
In-Person

Minimum Starting Rate of Pay:
$81,260.00
Rate of pay commensurate with experience

Start Date:
07/01/2026

Job Description:
The Director of Residential Life provides strategic, innovative leadership and oversight for a comprehensive residential program supporting student engagement, community development, and overall wellbeing. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement, the Director is the primary decision-maker for the Office of Residential Life, overseeing programmatic and operational functions for 18 residence halls and over 2,150 beds.
This role requires a high-energy leader with a meticulous eye for detail who can balance complex housing operations with a student-centered developmental philosophy. The Director supervises four professional Area Coordinators and indirectly oversees 83 paraprofessional staff. As a 12-month, live-on position, the Director participates in the Tier 2 On-Call rotation and serves as a visible, positive leader within the campus community. Will work some nights and weekends.
The Director of Residential Life serves as a strategic and operational leader responsible for the comprehensive management of the college’s housing ecosystem. This role oversees the technical and logistical backbone of the department, from managing the departmental budget and housing software (Simplicity) to directing the housing lottery and room assignment processes. By partnering closely with Facilities Management, the incumbent ensures residential spaces are safe, occupancy-ready, and well-maintained, while simultaneously driving data-informed improvements through rigorous assessment and high-stakes communication strategies.
Beyond logistics, this position is a vital architect of student culture and staff development. You will lead a diverse team of professional and student staff, navigating labor relations and union compliance with a focus on mentorship and equity. By spearheading a residential curriculum and expanding Living Learning Communities, you will foster a holistic environment that prioritizes student well-being and community growth. Additionally, as a critical member of the Tier 2 emergency response rotation, you will provide expert crisis intervention, serving as a primary liaison between the department and key campus partners to safeguard the student experience.

1. Required Skills/Knowledge/Certifications:

• Education: Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Personnel, or a related field.
• Experience: at least 4-years of progressive experience in Residence Life at the collegiate level, including at least 2-years of direct professional staff supervision.
• Leadership Style: A positive, "can-do" attitude with the ability to inspire staff and students alike.
• Administrative Skill: Exceptional attention to detail and proven experience managing complex budgets and housing operations.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive topics with diplomacy and clarity.
• Inclusion: Demonstrated intercultural competency and a deep commitment to supporting a diverse, gender-diverse, and international student population.
• Crisis Management: Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and remain calm under pressure during emergency situations.

2. Preferred

• Experience: 6-years of progressive experience in Residence Life at the collegiate level, including at least 4-years of direct professional staff supervision.
• Experience working with collective bargaining agreements and unionized student staff.
• Advanced proficiency with housing management software (e.g., Simplicity Residence) and assessment tools.
• A strong understanding of student development theory applied within a residential liberal arts context.

Hiring Range $81,260 - $92,978

Background Checks:
Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants:
Apply online; application materials must include:

• A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications
• A complete resume or curriculum vitae
• For faculty positions, statements on mentoring, teaching, and research will also be required.