Director of Residence and Dining Services

Who We Are
Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is an academic institution intrinsically tied to the real world - a confluence of industry knowledge, work ethic and an enduring desire to know more. The university offers Bachelor's and Master's degrees in engineering, computer science, machine learning, user experience, construction management, actuarial science, business and nursing. With about 3,000 students, faculty and staff, MSOE is large enough for big opportunities and small enough for personal attention.

A Small University Dedicated to Achieving Big Things
MSOE is a supportive environment where everyone is valued. Our method of learning by doing is our distinction: it is how we teach, how we learn and how we serve. MSOE's top priority is serving our students. By joining our community, you are building the leaders of tomorrow.

Our Mission
MSOE is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. We are united by our six values - collaboration, excellence, inclusion, innovation, integrity and stewardship - which represent the core of our campus culture. MSOE has embarked on an ambitious strategic plan, Extraordinary Together, that propels the institution forward.

At MSOE, we are dedicated to promoting an academic environment marked by an unwavering respect for every individual.

Our Leadership
MSOE is under the leadership of Dr. Eric Baumgartner. He began his Presidency in January 2026 after having served as the Executive Vice President of Academics at MSOE since 2017.

Summary
MSOE invites applications for a full-time Director of Residence Life and Dining Services to join our Residence Life team. The Director of Residence Life and Dining Services provides vision, leadership, and oversight for the university's residential initiatives and housing operations. The Director manages the dining services partnership, working closely with the contracted vendor to ensure that food operations meet institutional priorities for student satisfaction, wellness, and community engagement.

In collaboration with campus partners, the Director fosters a vibrant, safe, and inclusive living and learning environment by leading professional and student staff and managing residential engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for Residence Life professional staff, including the Associate Director, Community Directors, and Administrative Assistant.
• Oversee departmental planning, budget development, policy implementation, and compliance with university and legal standards.
• Collaborate with division leaders and campus partners to support institutional initiatives.
• Serve as the university's liaison to the dining services vendor, monitoring contract performance, advocating for student needs, and aligning dining operations with institutional goals.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director to ensure housing operations, facilities management, and occupancy systems effectively support student engagement and residential learning outcomes.
• Lead the design, implementation, and assessment of residence life programming and departmental initiatives.
• Guide staff in fostering inclusive communities, co-curricular engagement, and leadership development.
• Serve as a key responder for student concerns and crises, and oversee a student-centered residence life conduct process that emphasizes education, restorative practices, and compliance with institutional policy.
• Provide training, professional development, and evaluation for residence life staff.
• Partner with faculty and campus stakeholders to integrate learning into the residential experience.
• Provide strategic guidance for off-campus housing partnerships and student support, working with the Associate Director on assignments, compliance, and community standards.
• Lead the department's on-call crisis response system and ensure effective emergency management.
• Utilize the NaBITA Risk Rubric and serve as an active member of the university's CARE Team to assess, manage, and respond to student concerns, crises, and behaviors of concern.

• Actively provide oversight for Office of Residence Life and Dining Services
• Be an active participant in university-wide committees and divisional initiatives
• Represent MSOE at internal and external events

• Master's degree required, preferably in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in residence life or related student affairs roles.
• Demonstrated success supervising professional staff and leading large student staff teams.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and assess residential engagement or educational programming.
• Commitment to fostering inclusive,…