Director of Residence Life and Student Development

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Residence Life and Holistic Student Development provides strategic leadership for programs that promote students’ intellectual, social, emotional, ethical, and career growth within the residential experience. The Director oversees all aspects of the University’s residential program and housing operations.

This position plays a critical role in fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging living-learning environment that supports student retention, holistic development, and academic success - aligned with Huston-Tillotson’s Strategic Plan. The Director manages the University’s housing management system and ensures accurate, timely reporting.

Grounded in a comprehensive student development philosophy, the Director integrates academic and co-curricular learning to support student achievement, engagement, and transformation. As a key member of the Student Affairs leadership team, the Director collaborates with students, faculty, and staff and serves on University committees to champion student development and retention across the institution.

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administer the eRezLife Housing System to manage assignments, program registration, assessment, facility requests, and communications.
• Develop and implement innovative housing assignment and retention strategies that foster belonging and community, contributing to increased persistence and graduation rates (Strategic Plan Goal: Student Success).
• Utilize housing data and other sources to assess the impact of residential initiatives on student outcomes and support continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, and other departments to ensure smooth transitions into and through the residential experience.
• Develop and execute crisis response protocols; provide direct support to students navigating personal challenges in the residential setting.
• Lead the creation and delivery of a comprehensive residential curriculum that supports students’ holistic growth across intellectual, social, emotional, ethical, and career domains (Strategic Plan Goal: Holistic Development).
• Design and facilitate engaging residential programs that promote community, leadership, intercultural understanding, and academic success.
• Collaborate with Student Affairs departments (e.g., Counseling, Disability Services, Career Services) to embed support services into the residential experience.
• Plan and oversee student development programs that meet the needs of diverse populations, including international, non-traditional, and commuting students.
• Lead strategic planning for the maintenance, renovation, and future expansion of residential facilities (Strategic Plan Goal: Institutional Excellence).
• Oversee all residential facility operations, including room assignments, safety protocols, maintenance, and occupancy procedures.
• Partner with Facilities Management and campus departments to prioritize infrastructure needs and ensure project completion.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of residential learning communities.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate Residence Life staff, fostering a collaborative, student-centered team environment.
• Provide ongoing professional development for staff in areas such as student development theory, crisis response, and cultural competence.
• Promote a culture of collaboration within the department and across University support services.
• Represent Residence Life on University committees and advocate for resources that support residential student success.
• Manage the departmental budget, ensuring responsible allocation of funds to support programs, staffing, and facility needs.
• Ensure departmental compliance with University policies and local, state, and federal regulations.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of Residence Life, including reporting, regulatory compliance, and Move-In/Move-Out procedures in collaboration with Enrollment Management.
• Serve as co-advisor to the Greek Life program in accordance with National Pan-Hellenic Council and University standards.
• Coordinate residential student events, with emphasis on the Summer Bridge Program and New Student Orientation.
• Develop and publish a monthly Residence Life program calendar and collaborate with other student support units.
• Provide strategic planning related to residential building infrastructure.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field strongly preferred. A combination of education and relevant professional experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in Housing and Residence Life, including leadership and staff supervision.
• Experience in co-curricular student engagement areas (e.g., student activities, Greek Life, multicultural affairs, mentoring programs), with demonstrated effectiveness in advising or teaching college students.
• Proficiency with or experience administering a housing management system and overseeing residential operations.
• Applied knowledge of student development theory, with the ability to translate that knowledge into meaningful residential life programs and services.
• Proven track record of developing inclusive, high-impact programs that promote student success, belonging, and engagement.
• Experience working in collaboration with facilities management, campus safety, and other institutional partners to maintain safe and well-functioning residential spaces.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a highly diverse student population, including first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students.
• Sound judgment in managing crises, resolving conflicts, and supporting student well-being.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends to support student events and residence hall activities.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree (as noted above).
• 4+ years of experience in residence life or related functional areas.
• Experience working at or with historically Black colleges and universities or other minority-serving institutions.
• Familiarity with culturally responsive practices that support student retention and persistence.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Must possess a working knowledge of student development and residential life practices and strategies, with emphasis on those populations currently served by Huston-Tillotson University

SUPERVISION

• This position reports to the Vice President for Student Affairs.

SALARY RANGE

• $50,000 - $55,000 annually, plus benefits!

POSITION STATUS

• Full-time, in-person

SETTING

Founded in 1875, Huston-Tillotson University is Austin's first institution of higher education. The University is an independent, liberal arts, church-related, historically black institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown Austin, Texas. The University is affiliated with United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the United Negro College Fund. Undergraduate, four-year degrees in business, education, the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences are awarded. Huston-Tillotson University is multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith, and welcomes students of all ages, races, and religions. All faculty are engaged in a range of activities, their primary focus is teaching. The student-teacher ratio is 15 to one, which allows an environment of personalized attention to students.