Director of Residential - Residential

Director of Residential Life - Residential Life

Established in 1844 and designated a University Center of the State University of New York in 1962, the University at Albany's broad mission of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research, and public service engages a diverse student body of approximately 17,000 students in nine schools and colleges across three campuses.

Located in Albany, New York, New York State's capital, the University is convenient to Boston, New York City, and the Adirondacks.

The Director of Residential Life provides strategic and innovative leadership and oversight for a comprehensive residential program that supports student engagement, belonging, safety, and wellbeing. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment & Dean of Students, the Director serves as the primary decision‑maker for the Department of Residential Life, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and best practices in student housing.

The Director oversees residential operations, facilities, budgeting, and occupancy management while fostering inclusive, learning‑centered residential communities. This role collaborates extensively with campus partners to ensure safe, supportive, and well‑maintained living environments for students. The Director also plays a key role in crisis management and representing Residential Life in divisional and university‑wide initiatives.

• Strategic Leadership and Planning
  • Works with the Associate Vice President/Dean of Students to provide strategic direction and goal setting for the Dean of Students portfolio, including but not limited to its various functional areas.
  • Primary decision maker providing leadership and advocacy for the Department, responsible for ensuring that the overall mission of the department is successfully implemented and evaluated.
  • Works closely with divisional leadership, enrollment management and academic affairs on retention related initiatives.
  • Positively represents the Department on Divisional and University committees/meetings, as well as all Open Houses and New Student and Family Orientations.
  • Demonstrate commitment to providing leadership in enhancing an atmosphere of diversity and inclusion.
• Financial, Budgetary and Assessment
  • Work closely with the Division of Finance and Administration in the management of DIFR and Housing IFR. Manages the department's operational budgets, including oversight of all purchases.
  • Evaluates and assesses University housing occupancy and works closely with the Division of Finance and Administration, and Enrollment Management on projection trends based on enrollment targets.
• Residential Facilities, Operations & Student Services
  • Oversee the residential facilities to maintain a safe, secure, and healthy living environment, including working closely with Facility Management on all renovations and updating of residential facilities.
  • Works with members of the team to ensure that all room assignments and billings are completed and communicated to students in a timely fashion.
  • Works collaboratively with University Auxiliary Services, Aramark,  Services, and ITS to ensure the best possible services to students in residence.
• Residential Education, Engagement & Retention
  • Develops and oversees residential communities that utilize best practices in student housing, to create engaging, learning environments; actively support residential living and learning communities associated with first year students in partnership with the Office of Student Engagement and Belonging.
  • Ensure departmental participation in all new student orientation programs, open houses, and special campus visits of prospective students and their families.
• Risk Management, Safety & Personnel Administration
  • Responsible for ensuring compliance with university crisis and risk management policies.
  • Work collaboratively with the University Police Department, Community Standards, Counseling and Psychological Services, Enterprise Risk Management, and Student Health Services to ensure the security and safety of students.
  • Serves as a member of the University Incident Management Team.
  • Work with Human…