DIRECTOR OF RESIDENTIAL LIFE #00096338

The Division of Student Success at Missouri University of Science and Technology is dedicated to supporting the academic, personal, and professional development of all students. Comprised of 15 key areas, the division includes: athletics and recreation, academic support services, academic advising, retention initiatives, study abroad, student health services, student well-being, accessibility and testing services, community standards, residential life, student involvement, career opportunities and employer relations, family and friends, engagement and belonging, and the military and veteran services center. Together, these areas work collaboratively to foster a supportive and inclusive environment where every Miner can thrive.

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) invites applications for the position of Director of Residential Life. The Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the university's residential life program, serving approximately 2,000 students in residence halls, and an additional 1,200 students to reside in university approved housing.

This position is responsible for developing and sustaining a residential experience that supports academic success, personal development, and student retention. A key focus of the role is advancing and managing Living Learning Communities (LLCs) and residential engagement initiatives that directly contribute to institutional goals related to student persistence and graduation.

The Director oversees all aspects of residential life operations, including staffing, residential programming, housing assignments, confronting student conduct within housing, and crisis response. The role also requires strong financial acumen, with responsibility for managing the auxiliary housing budget, procurement, capital renewal, and residential facilities planning.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Provide leadership and direction for Residential Life operations and services, ensuring a safe, supportive, and developmentally rich residential environment
• Develop long-term and strategic plans that prioritize the residential student experience, integrate a comprehensive residential curriculum, enhance resident and facility safety, and support sustainable revenue generation
• Serve as a senior member of the Student Success Division, having a vital role in communicating the mission, goals, and objectives of the Division to internal and external groups
• Serve on relevant university committees and contribute to broader campus planning and student success efforts

Student Engagement & Academic Support

• Provide leadership in the planning, implementation, and assessment of Living Learning Communities (LLCs) and other residential engagement initiatives that promote student retention and academic success
• Develop and oversee academic support systems within residence halls for first-year students experiencing academic challenges, offering targeted guidance to students and student staff with a strong focus on learning, growth, and personal development
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Student Success, and other university partners to align residential life with institutional retention and persistence strategies

Housing Operations & Occupancy Management

• Consistently meet housing occupancy goals during both the fall and spring semesters-and strive to exceed them-to ensure financial stability and maintain accountability to the university
• Manage all aspects of the housing assignment process, occupancy planning, and housing policy enforcement
• Track occupancy details for 1st and 2nd year students living in university approved housing which includes fraternity and sorority houses, and the Christian Campus House

Staff Supervision & Development

• Supervise and develop professional and student staff, including Managers of Housing Operations, Coordinators, and Resident Assistants

Financial Oversight & Facility Management

• Oversee all budget and financial operations for Residential Life, including auxiliary revenue and expenditures, rate development, and long-term financial planning
• Manage Repair & Replacement (R&R) funds, residential building reserves, and collaborate on capital projects related to residential facilities
• Coordinate closely with Facility Planning and Operations, Finance and Operations, and Dining Services to ensure quality residential facilities and services

Crisis Management & Assessment

• Serve as a key campus partner in student crisis management and emergency response protocols within residential communities
• Monitor and assess departmental performance through data analysis. Continually implement initiatives to ensure consistent high marks of student satisfaction in all metric categories

Ensure Outstanding Customer Service

• Improve key metrics by monitoring and enhancing performance on institutional assessments related to the residential experience, using data to guide improvements
• Train and empower staff by providing ongoing customer service training to ensure staff can resolve student concerns directly, reducing unnecessary referrals
• Foster a student-centered approach by creating a welcoming, supportive environment where staff take ownership of student issues and prioritize personalized support
• Ensure accountability by using regular feedback, coaching, and student input to maintain high service standards and drive continuous improvement

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Business Administration, or a related field
• 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in residential life, student housing, or related areas in higher education
• Demonstrated leadership in developing residential programs, especially Living Learning Communities or themed housing initiatives
• Experience managing auxiliary budgets, including housing revenues, expenses, and long-term financial planning
• Knowledge and experience in managing R&R funds and residential capital planning
• Strong organizational, supervisory, and communication skills
• Experience in crisis response, student conduct, and campus collaboration
• Experience in a STEM-focused or technical institution
• Familiarity with housing software (e.g., StarRez)
• Understanding of campus housing laws and regulations (e.g., Clery, Title IX, FERPA)
• Background in facilities planning, building renovation, or capital project oversight

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $69,098-$100,000 annually.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: GGS 12
University Title: DIRECTOR I STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Applications will be accepted until this position is filled.

University Information
Missouri S&T is one of the nation's leading research universities with over 100-degree programs in 39 disciplines. It was founded in 1870 as one of the first technological institutions west of the Mississippi River. Located about 100 miles west of St. Louis in the vibrant community of Rolla, Missouri S&T is an accessible, safe, and friendly campus surrounded by Ozarks' scenery. Missouri S&T offers undergraduate degrees in engineering, the sciences, liberal arts, humanities, and business, with M.S. and Ph.D. programs available in many of the science and engineering programs. With over 7,000 students and 300 faculty, Missouri S&T is big enough to accommodate a broad population, yet small enough for individuals to build high visibility and impactful careers.

About Rolla
Rolla, Missouri offers several great advantages that help individuals enjoy a high quality of life. Rolla is an ideal place for families, with its low cost of living, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a range of recreational activities suitable for all ages. The Ozark Scenic Riverways and beautiful landscapes offers abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of every lifestyle. With its vibrant community, Rolla hosts multiple events, concerts, art exhibitions, and theater performances throughout the year. The university's Leach Theatre showcases nationally renowned performers for campus and community alike. Overall, living in Rolla offers a high quality of life with a supportive community, affordable living, beautiful natural surroundings, and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 573-341-7734.