Director of Residence

The Director of Residence Life provides visionary leadership and comprehensive operational oversight for the Office of Residence Life, cultivating residential communities that are engaging, safe, and conducive to student learning, development, and success. The position is essential to advancing the mission of the University of Nebraska at Kearney by supporting student success, retention, campus engagement, and a positive residential experience. Through a student-centered approach, the Director advances initiatives that promote academic achievement, personal responsibility, community engagement, interpersonal growth, and compliance with university policies and regulatory standards.

Housed within the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), the Director collaborates extensively with campus partners to enhance the overall student experience and support institutional priorities related to retention, engagement, and student success. The Director serves as a strategic liaison to university departments, external partners, and stakeholders to foster collaborative solutions and innovative residential experiences.

The Director oversees all facets of Residence Life operations for a 2,000-bed residential system, including leadership and supervision of professional staff responsible for housing administration, conference services, fiscal and business operations, assessment, marketing and communications, residence education, and fraternity and sorority housing. The position also works in close partnership with campus partners to ensure the effective operation, maintenance, safety, accessibility, and regulatory compliance of all residential facilities.

Reporting directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the Director plays an integral role in shaping UNK's residential learning environment and advancing a holistic student experience that supports the university's mission and strategic goals.

Earned Master’s degree in College Student Personnel, Higher Education, Counseling or related field with 5 years of progressive successful work experience at a professional level in collegiate housing or Student Affairs. Experience supervising full-time professional staff and student staff. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Extensive experience working with students, supporting student success, and fostering community development.

8 years of experience working in Residence Life or Student Housing. Experience with strategic planning, assessment, and fiscal management. Experience developing and assessing residential curriculum and co-curricular programming initiatives. Experience with crisis management and student conduct. Experience with marketing and campaign development.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, retirement, and wellness programs plus 13 paid holidays each year, generous leave options, and tuition remission.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.