The Placement Exchange Job Board

Job Description:

• Supervises and administers all hall-wide programming efforts. Encourages the development of innovative programs in all areas of Housing & Residence Life. Provides direction to signature programs and House community development. Provides guidance and support to the Assistant Directors of Residence Life in developing strong, intentional programs for students, staff, and faculty.
• Supervises and leads staff by developing programs and initiatives that meet staff professional and technical training needs, provides coaching and guidance, conducts or oversees the annual performance review process, and proactively addresses performance issues as required.
• Works with the Executive Director of Housing & Residence Life and Senior Assistant Director of Residence Life to provide support for the Resident Deans.
• Serves in an on-call capacity to support senior staff emergency response during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Adheres to Campus & Student Life core values, including, but not limited to student development, customer service, collaboration, efficiency and effectiveness, credibility, responsiveness, quality, accountability, professional development, and mutual respect.
• Responsible for the creation and maintenance of competency-based professional development of the full-time Assistant Director of Residence Life staff, including the management of committee(s) to assist in those processes. Ensures professional and paraprofessional staff display a positive and professional image and that the department responds appropriately to the many publics served (students, parents/families, administrators, etc.). Plans regular (summer and fall) and on-going in-services/trainings; connects staff with associations, conferences, and other external opportunities; and evaluates staff's progress in terms of their professional goals. Provides oversight of Assistant Directors of Residence Life who plan training for Resident Heads and Resident Assistants, including quarterly trainings and in-service opportunities.
• Oversees the hiring process for all resident staff, including Assistant Directors, Resident Head staff, and Resident Assistant staff, including Senior Resident Assistants. Reviews resumes; selects and oversees staff on the selection committees; prepares evaluation materials; and compiles interview notes and conducts reference checks for Human Resources' reporting purposes.
• Contributes to the on-going assessment of department's policies and procedures, such as crisis management and disciplinary action. Participates in the overall planning and management of the residence hall system and provides input in the development of policies and procedures. Participates on task forces, and group goal planning and objective setting.
• Cultivates, coordinates, and assists in the development of student leadership and responsibility through programming and direct involvement with students. Sponsors or assists in sponsorship of programs in residence halls. Advises the Inter House Council (IHC) and represents the department on external and university committees.
• As designated by the Executive Director, serves as the chief student conduct officer for the department. Organizes a neutral and fair appeals process. Addresses student and parent issues arising from student discipline, counseling and crisis related concerns.
• Manages the budget process including budget forecasting, development, and reporting. Participates in departmental, budget, and strategic planning meetings as a member of the senior leadership team.
• Manages the selection, training, and management of the Residential Life team. Participates in the selection of faculty Resident Masters.
• Develops and monitors the undergraduate housing annual budget.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in student affairs or a related field.

Experience:

• Five to seven years of live-in student housing experience, as well as experience working closely with a college student population.
• A minimum of 7 years or relevant work experience in University or other residence life program.
• Experience in handling crises, supervision of staff, and program development.

Certifications:

• Valid Illinois driverâ™s license upon offer of employment and pass the Universityâ™s motor vehicle records process.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency in standard office software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, email, etc.); knowledge and experience with a housing information system (e.g. StarRez) and a conduct system (e.g. Maxient).

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated strategic leadership skills in a University setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of the developmental and educational objectives of a University residential environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural competence.
• Supervisory skills, demonstrated ability to supervise, train and evaluate the work of others.
• Highly organized person with well-developed interpersonal and problem-solving skills and work effectively with assertive and/or distressed clientele.
• Attend house and resident staff programs or meetings during evenings and weekends.
• Knowledge of the University of Chicago, Hyde Park community, or the higher education field.
• Work with a diverse range of students, staff and faculty, and managers across the campus.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, and listening skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Work both independently with a high degree of initiative and collaboratively as a member of a team.
• Thoughtful and innovative problem-solving skills.
• Budget management skills.
• Remain attentive to details, organized and productive while handling multiple concurrent tasks, and during high demand periods.
• Remain calm, professional, and productive while interacting with individuals displaying intense emotions.
• Respond promptly, directly, and effectively to internal and external inquiries and requests for service while managing competing demands.
• Significant knowledge of the higher education profession and climate.

Working Conditions

• Work evenings and weekends, as needed.
• The standard work week is Monday through Friday with expectations for evening and weekend work typical of a senior student affairs leader responsible for the residence life program.
• Available for consultation after-hours, weekends, and holidays; and immediately available on-campus for emergency response, as needed.
• Work is largely sedentary; sit in front of computer for extended periods; regular attendance, including on evenings and weekends.
• Travel to various on-campus locations.
• Use computers and standard office equipment.
• Assume on-call responsibility for campus residence halls.
• May be asked to provide and use own vehicle insured in accordance with University requirements.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References Contact Information (3)(required)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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