Director of Residence Life

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DIRECTOR OF RESIDENCE LIFE

SALARY, EXEMPT – live-on, full-time, 12-month position

As an exempt employee, the employee may occasionally work beyond standard business hours (40 hours), including evenings and weekends, to fulfil the responsibilities of the role.

Reports to:Dean of Student Affairs

Positions Managed:Resident Directors and Student Resident Assistants

Rooted in our Lutheran heritage and the transformative power of the liberal arts, Bethany prepares students to lead lives of purpose, leadership, creativity, and service in a complex and changing world. Located in Lindsborg, Kansas—affectionately known as "Little Sweden" and celebrated for its vibrant arts community—Bethany offers a close-knit environment where faculty and staff know students by name and mentor them in a highly personalized setting.

Education at Bethany is rooted in intellectual discovery and a deep sense of belonging, equipping students to think critically, lead ethically, and serve with purpose. As a small, private, rural college, Bethany plays an essential role in renewing civic life, expanding opportunity, and fostering community revitalization. We believe in the value of personalized liberal arts education, the power of community, and the promise of rural America.

At Bethany, you'll have the opportunity to inspire the next generation while contributing to the cultural and academic life of our campus and region as we prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the world.

Founded in 1881, Bethany College is a dynamic liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas—known as “Little Sweden U.S.A.” Bethany provides a transformative educational experience grounded in faith, learning, and community. The College is dedicated to cultivating leaders who serve and inspire through integrity, creativity, and purpose.

The Director of Residential Life is responsible for supporting Bethany College’s mission statement in compliance with college regulations, policies, and procedures. This is a live-on, full-time, 12-month position that leads the residence life and residential education programs, fostering a positive, engaging, and educational environment that promotes student growth.

Residential Life Leadership & Staff Supervision

• Lead Bethany College’s residence life and residential education programs.
• Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate Resident Directors and Resident Assistants.
• Oversee the recruitment, selection, onboarding, and development of residential life staff.
• Conduct staff and individual meetings to provide guidance, feedback, and professional support.
• Establish performance expectations and standards for residential life staff.

Housing Operations and Administration

• Oversee housing assignments, room changes, contracts, check-in/check-out, keys, and related records.
• Maintain accurate residential and off-campus student housing information in College systems (J1, Slate, etc.).
• Manage employee housing, including agreements, keys, and HR notifications.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for housing-related questions for students and families.

Residential Education & Community Development

• Develop and assess residential education and community-building programs aligned with the College mission.
• Coordinate hall programming that promotes belonging, leadership, wellness, and student success.
• Support students experiencing personal, mental health, transition, or retention concerns, connecting them with campus resources.

Conduct, Safety & Emergency Response

• Implement the Student Code of Conduct and Community Standards; serve as a hearing officer as assigned.
• Coordinate fire drills, safety procedures, and monthly health and safety inspections.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and respond to emergencies, crises, and significant student incidents.
• Function as an active member of the Division of Student Affairs, representing the department on college-wide committees.
• Collaborate with campus partners including…