Director of Residence

Shenandoah University’s Office of Student Affairs is accepting applications for a Director of Residence Life. This is a full-time benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, Virginia.

The Director of Residence Life (DRL) is a full-time professional position within the Division of Student Affairs, providing central, strategic leadership for Shenandoah University's residential experience.

The DRL will provide essential leadership and assessment to develop a campus culture that is welcoming, safe, respectful, and inclusive. The role is charged with creating living environments designed to foster personal growth, student responsibility, and transformative learning. This is a unique opportunity to deepen the university's existing culture of inclusivity through intentional training and educational opportunities.

The DRL serves as a senior leader in the division, focusing on operational excellence, staff development, and strategic university partnerships.

• Staff Leadership & Mentorship:
  • Provide senior-level training, supervision, and career development for 3 Area Coordinators, 4 Graduate Assistants, and 40+ undergraduate Resident Assistants.
  • Guide the residence life team in supporting student retention and persistence to graduation.
  • Serve as a mentor to professional staff and both undergraduate and graduate students, focusing on their growth and professional development.
• Operations, Facilities, & Fiscal Management:
  • Oversee management of housing assignments, contracts, and occupancy for all residential facilities.
  • Manage the departmental budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and cost-effective operations.
  • Provide senior-level leadership for housing facilities renovation and new construction projects.
  • Ensure efficient office management, departmental assessment, and operational effectiveness.
• Program Development & Assessment:
  • Lead the development and assessment of Residence Life programming aligned with defined student learning outcomes.
  • Deepen the university's culture of inclusivity through the training and educational opportunities offered in campus communities.
  • Provide leadership to facilitate restorative justice initiatives in the residential community.
• Strategic Partnerships & Crisis Management:
  • Work collaboratively with senior campus partners, including Physical Plant, Hornet Central, Public Safety, Auxiliary Services, International Programs, and Admissions.
  • Contribute to administrative decision‑making, creative problem‑solving, and serve on campus‑wide committees.
  • Crisis Management:
    Serve in a leadership capacity responding to campus crisis situations, and support the on‑call staff members in residence life with managing after‑hours incidents.
• Requirements & Benefits:
  • Professional Development:
    The DRL is encouraged to take advantage of on‑the‑job training as well as professional development opportunities.
  • On‑Call Requirement: DRL responds to and supports the on‑call staff members in residence life with managing after hours incidents.
  • Benefits:
    This is a live‑on optional position with housing based on need and availability at the time of hire. A meal plan is also available with this position.

The successful applicant must possess the knowledge, experience, and motivation required to lead a comprehensive residential program.

• 5‑7 years of professional higher education experience, with a focus on student life.
• Should possess a deep understanding of housing operations and occupancy, fiscal management skills, and facilities management.
• An understanding of and an appreciation for university policies, procedures, and skills to serve as a conduct officer.
• Supervision and personnel management skills.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to multitask, and meet deadlines for reporting.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to foster connections and work in collaboration with university partners.
• Technology competence with proficiency in Datatel, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work with a diverse student population and a desire to be a role model.
• A motivated, high‑energy, and creative problem solver.

• A Master's degree in…