Associate Director, Residential Life
9 Days Old
Overview Associate Director for Residence Life is a live-on position that manages all aspects of a coeducational residence life operation housing approximately 4,400 students. The role directly supervises 3-5 full-time professional staff members and indirectly supervises 3 Assistant Directors, assisting the Director for Residence Life with leadership and development of a high-impact Residence Life operation.
Job Description The Associate Director will consult with staff, students, and parents to resolve residential challenges, concerns, or needs and coordinate area-wide activities and events. They will oversee program administration for the functional living-learning initiatives in assigned residential areas and participate as a member of the Residence Life Leadership team. They may chair 1-2 departmental committees, represent the department at university functions, and act as a point of contact for campus constituents and stakeholders. In the absence of the Director, the Associate Director leads, directs, and has decision-making authority for Residence Life.
Essential Functions Professional Staff Supervision, Selection, and Training
Hire, train, supervise and develop direct reports; indirect supervision of 3 Assistant Directors; hold staff accountable to departmental requirements; assist in developing professional staff training programs.
Program Development and Management
Provide leadership for high-impact programs and initiatives; develop programs responsive to residential population needs; support the development of a cohesive Residential Curriculum model focused on academic and co-curricular programming and holistic wellness.
Assessment and Evaluation
Develop and apply rubrics to evaluate Residential Curriculum and engagement initiatives; oversee student and staff assessments, performance reviews, and data-driven improvements; partner with institutional research for assessment instruments.
Case Management and Administration
Ensure fair policy enforcement, review staff reports, manage on-call workflows, and supervise case follow-up.
On-Call Emergency Response/After Hours
Provide after-hours coverage, coordinate responses, and assist with housing operations as needed; serve on the Division of Student Affairs Response Team.
Residential Community Management and Support
Investigate concerns, coordinate housing operations (opening/closing, break housing, commencement housing), and contribute to special projects.
Care/Case Management
Assist with Care Network cases, provide staff support for weekly Care Team meetings, and coordinate with relevant campus leaders; support resource development and referrals.
Other Duties as Assigned
Supervisory Responsibility This position supervises 3-5 professional staff members.
Competencies Championing Customer Needs
Evaluating and Implementing Ideas
Developing Plans
Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions
Building and Supporting Teams
Managing Talent
Leading and Inspiring People
Collaborative Leadership
Position Type/Expected Hours Of Work Full-Time
Non-traditional hours; extreme flexibility required
Attendance at campus functions and after-hours emergencies; on-campus living and weekend availability required
Salary Range $66,000 - $68,000 annually
Housing and cell phone allowance provided
Required Education and Experience Master’s degree or equivalent in Student Personnel Administration or related field
4-6 years of relevant experience
Minimum of 4 years post-master’s residence hall experience, including crisis management and on-call experience
Preferred Education and Experience Master’s degree
5-8 years of relevant experience
Previous supervision of graduate or full-time staff
Experience with residential curricula, leadership development, and collaboration with administrators and faculty in out-of-classroom settings
Other Duties Note: duties may change at any time with or without notice
Benefits AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, leadership development certificates, and recognition by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. See American University benefit options.
Other Details Background check required for offers
Staff must deliver services from DC/MD/VA or on-site
AU is an E-Verify employer
Current American University Employees Current employees must apply through their Workday account.
Contact Us For more information, email theworkline@american.edu.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that complies with applicable laws and regulations. It does not discriminate on protected bases in its programs and activities.
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- Location:
- Washington, DC, United States
- Job Type:
- FullTime
- Category:
- Management & Operations