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Inside Higher Ed · 1 month ago

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF RESIDENCE LIFE, STAFF DEVELOPMENT, Division of Student Life, Residence Life

Boston, MA

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$69K/yr - $80K/yr

8+ years exp

Inside Higher Ed is looking for an Associate Director of Residence Life for Staff Development. This role is a key operational leader responsible for shaping a modern, inclusive, and high-performing residential experience through strategic recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance development initiatives for the professional staff team.

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Responsibilities

Supervise and support Assistant Directors, providing clear expectations, regular feedback, structured accountability, operational insight, and individualized professional development plans

Cultivate a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes morale, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to student success

Foster a results-oriented departmental culture centered on high standards, effective communication, and continuous process improvement through professional development organizations, and Boston University offerings

Recognize and celebrate staff contributions through formal and informal appreciation efforts

With other Associate Directors, lead the department when the Director is away from campus

Represent the department at key university events and initiatives and emergency response efforts

Lead comprehensive recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes for Residence Hall/Area Directors and Assistant Directors that ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency

Design, develop, and implement robust and comprehensive onboarding and training programs that reflect data and performance trends, operational effectiveness, responsiveness, role clarity, and best practices in student affairs and higher education

Plan and facilitate ongoing professional development for Residence Life staff, with a focus on leadership, communication, skill building, and student engagement

Promote professional development opportunities for professional staff members

Champion a continuous learning environment that supports staff growth, retention, and advancement

Ensure staff are trained and prepared to respond to student needs, uphold community standards, and manage crisis situations effectively

Contribute to long-range planning and the development of departmental goals aligned with the university's mission and strategic priorities

Lead special projects and initiatives that modernize and elevate the Residence Life experience and strengthen the overall Residence Life operation

Establish tracking systems to monitor training participation, staff attendance, and overall performance

Identify and implement technology solutions to streamline operations, improve internal processes, and enhance staff effectiveness and productivity

Promote data-informed decision-making and assessment practices across the department to guide decision-making and address gaps

Collaborate with campus partners (e.g., BUPD, Public Safety, Student Health, Behavioral Medicine, Dean of Students) to manage and respond to student crises and community concerns and ensure coordinated support

Provide leadership in managing complex student issues and emergency situations

Participate in the on-call rotation and ensure staff are trained in emergency response protocols

Foster a welcoming and respectful environment for all professional staff through equitable hiring practices, thoughtful training programs, and inclusive operational approaches

Promote a residential and workplace culture where all individuals feel valued, supported, and are able to thrive across lines of identity, experience, and perspective

Qualification

Master's degreeTeam developmentStaff training initiativesCrisis response protocolsData systems proficiencyDiversityInclusionCultural competenceEthical conductCommunication skillsOrganizational skillsInterpersonal skillsProblem-solving

Required

Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field

8-10 years of progressive experience in residence life or student affairs

Demonstrated success in leading team development and supervising and motivating professional staff

Strong written, verbal, organizational communication, and public speaking skills

Demonstrated success in designing, executing, and evaluating staff development and training initiatives

Experience with onboarding, training, and performance management

Deep understanding of student support needs, residential operations, and crisis response protocols

Proficiency with data systems, assessment tools, and emerging technologies and the ability to apply technology solutions to increase efficiency, support staff operations, and inform operational strategy

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education

Solutions-oriented leader with experience developing and implementing innovative strategic plans in a high-volume, fast-paced work environment

Preferred

Experience with change management and organizational development

Knowledge of current trends in residential education and student engagement

Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional teams

Experience with learning management systems or training platforms

Benefits

Professional Development: The Associate Director of Residence Life for Staff Development will be expected to engage in ongoing professional development and maintain active membership in relevant professional associations.