Director of University & Community Housing Services

University of California, Santa Barbara, a public research university in Santa Barbara, California invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for its director of University & Community Housing Services. This is an on-site leadership role.

The University of California, Santa Barbara, is a public land-grant research institution. Tracing its roots to 1890 as an independent teacher's college, UC Santa Barbara joined the prestigious University of California system in 1944 as its third-oldest undergraduate campus. As a leading research institution offering a comprehensive liberal arts education, UC Santa Barbara welcomes approximately 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year to its beautiful oceanside campus. The university is regarded as a “Public Ivy” institution and is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) seeks an innovative, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as its next director of University & Community Housing Services (UCHS). Reporting to the executive director of Residential & Community Living (RCL), the next director provides visionary leadership for a dynamic residential housing portfolio that generates more than $190 million in annual revenue and supports over 10,500 students, staff, and faculty across 17 residence halls and apartment communities. The director oversees a $2.3 million budget and 15 full-time employees.

The salary range for this position is $140,000-$165,000.

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree and five years of professional experience supervising staff are required. Experience in housing operations and assignments, along with a master's degree, are preferred.

In addition to the qualifications stated above, key stakeholders identified the following capabilities and attributes of a successful candidate:

• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing student and staff services and programs within a residential housing environment.
• Broad knowledge of financial analysis and reporting practices, as well as human resources and risk management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to lead, motivate, and influence others to foster high standards of service and care.
• Proven ability to address, manage, and resolve complex interpersonal, political, and organizational issues.
• Strong decision-making skills, sound judgment, and professional discernment.
• Exceptional leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities, manage deadlines, facilitate collaboration, and establish short- and long-term organizational goals.
• Ability to address issues proactively and creatively; translating ideas into actionable plans and successfully implementing changes that affect internal and external stakeholders.
• Technological proficiency, particularly in housing management software and integration systems.
• Experience leveraging data analytics to identify trends, inform strategic decisions, and respond proactively to evolving conditions.

Application and Nomination

The University of California, Santa Barbara has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin July 13, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/director-of-university-community-housing-services/