The Residential Life Department at the College of Saint Benedict invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit eligible position of Director of Residential Life.

The Director of Residential Life oversees a comprehensive four-year residential program that fosters student growth, inclusivity, and a sense of community grounded in Benedictine values. Working collaboratively, the Director helps create a sophisticated, inclusive, and compelling four-year residential experience that develops women as leaders and agents of change. The Director plays a key role in shaping a meaningful residential experience, managing housing logistics, budget planning, and meeting occupancy goals. This position requires active engagement with students, attending events, addressing student concerns, and supporting retention and belonging on campus.

The Director is also responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising staff, including the Assistant Director, Residence Directors and student staff members (RAs and CAs).   This role demands adaptability and the ability to provide immediate, effective solutions in response to campus situations, ensuring alignment with CSB’s mission.

Institutional Inclusion Visioning Statement

The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.

CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information). For further information regarding our institutions, visit CSBSJU.

The posted wage represents CSB and SJU's good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon several factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skills, and may fall outside of the range indicated.

• Advance the mission of the College of Saint Benedict through leadership in Residential Life, fostering a community that promotes student growth, belonging, and stewardship.
• Develop and oversee the residential curriculum, initiatives, and policies to enhance the on campus living experience, working collaboratively with the St. John’s University (SJU) Residential Life staff to support co-curricular and academic integration.
• Manage all aspects of Residential Life including budgeting, occupancy planning, marketing, housing selection, appeals, and communications for multiple constituents and College publications.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Deans of Students and other colleagues to assess, define, and implement residential policies and housing procedures that promote community values, expectations, and responsibilities.
• Create and execute strategies to evaluate and enhance the residential student experience and residential curriculum. Gather insights on student learning and satisfaction through focus groups and engagement with student leadership organizations.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of Students on residential policies, code of conduct cases, and CARE concerns, addressing conflict and behavioral issues to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
• Train, supervise and mentor the Assistant Director of Residential Life and Residence Directors.
• Oversee the selection, training and supervision of resident assistants, community advisors and other paraprofessional positions within the department.
• Oversee capital improvements and strategic planning for student housing: collaborate with the Associate Provost for Student Success, Deans and Assistant Deans of Students, Residence Directors, and the Director of Physical Plant to develop, evaluate, and execute renovation or construction projects for student residences and associated facilities.
• Meet with faculty and academic partners to plan, implement and administer special interest/living learning community programs.
• Assist in developing and promoting the student orientation programs with Residential Life staff.
• Serve on the Admin On-Call duty rotation for after-hours crisis management and provide support to the on-duty professional staff in the event of emergencies.  
• Serve as a resource to students, faculty, staff and parents regarding residential life staffing, activities and programs as well as the student conduct process.
• Represent the college in matters related to housing and residential life in a variety of forums including work with admission, academic affairs, alumnae, parent groups, community organizations and college committees.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree in a related field or a bachelor’s degree with five years of relevant professional or graduate experience.
• Background in crisis response and intervention training.
• Experience working with women's development, leadership, and related issues.
• Commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments that promote a sense of belonging for all students.
• Proven ability to lead teams effectively and inspire others.
• Strong organizational, program management, public speaking, and staff training skills.
• Competence in budgeting and financial management.
• Demonstrated leadership skills including ability to effectively lead a team and motivate others.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant information platforms (e.g. Maxient, Simplicity, Slate, Starfish, Navigator); preferred experience with housing software (e.g., StarRez, Adirondack, Yardi).
• Ability to maintain professionalism, exercise sound judgment, and uphold confidentiality.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts, with the ability to attend events and respond to student concerns.
• Ability to interact as part of the CSB and SJU community and support the Benedictine and Catholic character and mission of SJU and CSB.
• Willingness and ability to live near the College of Saint Benedict campus.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a campus vehicle; includes the completion of college defensive driving program.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Requires working at a computer for extended periods, including typing, reading from a screen, and using various software programs essential for the role.
• Occasionally required to lift or move items up to 10-15 pounds.
• Ability to move between residence halls, offices, and various campus facilities, frequently walking, and standing for extended periods during events and activities.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasional local travel in support of duties and programming