Assistant Director of Residence Life at Western New England University in Springfield, MA

Job description

PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION OF THIS POSITION: The Assistant Director of Residence Life is a full-time, live-in professional staff member responsible for providing leadership and oversight for residential education, student engagement, staff supervision, crisis response, and residential operations within a comprehensive residential campus environment. This position supports the mission of the university and the Division of Student Life by fostering inclusive, student-centered residential communities that promote belonging, personal growth, academic success, wellness, and student retention. The Assistant Director provides direct supervision and leadership to professional and student staff and assists with the overall administration of residential communities and departmental initiatives. This position is responsible for overseeing residential education efforts, student conduct processes, crisis management, staff development, occupancy and operational functions, and collaborative campus partnerships. The Assistant Director contributes to departmental strategic planning, assessment initiatives, policy development, and ongoing efforts to enhance the residential student experience. As a member of the Residence Life leadership team, the Assistant Director participates in an on-call rotation and responds to emergencies and critical incidents outside of standard business hours. Evening and weekend responsibilities are required throughout the academic year. In addition to salary and benefits, this position includes a furnished on-campus apartment with utilities, access to laundry facilities, a staff meal plan during the academic year, and professional development opportunities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Residential Education and Student Development Provide leadership for the development and implementation of a comprehensive residential education model focused on student engagement, belonging, academic success, wellness, and community responsibility. Foster inclusive living-learning environments that support justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives within residential communities. Oversee community development efforts, educational programming, and student leadership opportunities within assigned residential areas. Support student success and retention efforts through intentional student outreach, intervention, and referrals. Advise student groups, including Residence Hall Council and residential leadership initiatives. Staff Supervision and Development Provide direct supervision, mentorship, training, and evaluation for professional staff, graduate assistants, Head Resident Advisors, and Resident Advisors. Coordinate staff recruitment, selection, onboarding, training, scheduling, and ongoing professional development initiatives. Establish accountability measures and performance expectations for residential staff. Facilitate regular staff meetings, one-on-one supervision meetings, and developmental coaching conversations. Support the development of student leaders through mentoring, conflict resolution, and leadership education. Crisis Response and Student Support Serve in an on-call rotation and respond to emergencies, crises, behavioral concerns, and critical incidents impacting residential students and communities. Provide leadership and coordination in complex student situations involving mental health concerns, student safety, hospital transports, community disruptions, and behavioral interventions. Collaborate with Public Safety, Health and Well-Being, Student Conduct, Title IX, Counseling Services, and other campus partners to support students of concern. Maintain accurate documentation and follow-up related to incidents, student outreach, and crisis response efforts. Participate in university emergency response protocols and behavioral intervention processes as assigned. Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Serve as a hearing officer for Student Conduct & Community Standards cases. Adjudicate alleged violati