Kenyon College is conducting a search for a qualified candidate to fill the position of Assistant Director of Residential Life. The Assistant Director of Residential Life coordinates the overall operation of several residential areas with a total of approximately 500 - 600 students. Duties of the position include training and supervising Community Advisors (CAs), assisting with the student staff selection and recruitment process, performing administrative tasks, serving in an on-call rotation and assisting with emergency response efforts, and providing general oversight and support to their designated residential area. This role will work primarily with first year students. The Assistant Director position is an 11-month appointment with full year benefits. This position includes some evening and weekend responsibilities.
Administrative
- Exhibit computer proficiency, including ability to work with the following: web-based programs, Banner, Symplicity, Microsoft-based programs, Google Calendar, Google Documents, and Google Mail.
- Lead hall and apartment opening/closing procedures.
- Attend and facilitate meetings, including but not limited to: campus-wide committees, weekly professional staff meeting, CA one-on-ones, CA staff meeting, student mediations, etc.
- Manage various projects for departmental programs based on interests, strengths and/or skills.
- Maintain administrative and informational records.
- On-call/on-duty responsibilities as required—approximately 5-7 weeks per semester.
- Maintain fiscal responsibility for hall operational and programming accounts.
- Complete other reports and duties as assigned.
Staff Supervision
- Interview, select, train, supervise, and evaluate 16-17 Community Advisors.
- Supervise CA team with regard to the daily and long-term operation of residential areas.
- Provide input, guidance, and implementation of College policies and procedures.
- Utilize departmental resources for team development and training.
Community Building
- Maintain visibility and availability within the Office of Residential Life for students, parents, and faculty/staff, and initiate informal contact with students by being visible in residential areas.
- Work with CAs and residents to develop communities conducive to holistic development.
- Educate staff and students on policies and empower them to maintain community standards.
- Assist student staff members in assessing student needs, developing, implementing, and evaluating programs.
- Support underrepresented students through thoughtful programming and other campus initiatives.
Student Development
- Serve as a partner in the holistic development of students by working closely with the following offices: Academic Advising, Health and Counseling Center, Student Engagement, First-Year Experience, and Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
- Understand legal implications and practices as they apply to higher education (FERPA, ADA,etc.).
- Educate staff and students to identify, respect, and appreciate individual rights and differences in people and ideas.
- Facilitate leadership opportunities and support all students in leadership development.
- Utilize the conduct process to serve as a supportive educational tool.
- Encourage/perform conflict resolution through mediation facilitation.
- Participate in administrative conduct review and conduct hearings as deemed necessary.
- Follow up on all major conduct issues in a timely manner with appropriate documentation.
- Support students in need of assistance (personal, academic, etc.).
- Refer all health and counseling concerns to appropriate resources and maintain thorough documentation.
Safety and Facilities
- Conduct weekly walk-throughs of area buildings to ensure maintenance upkeep and safety.
- Understand and support (if necessary) emergency procedures (e.g., fire drills).
- Inform residents of emergency procedures.
- Maintain appropriate communication with the Office of Campus Safety.
- Communicate with Maintenance and the Associate Director of Housing Operations regarding building needs and maintenance prevention strategies.
- Initiate/generate service requisitions for facility needs via work orders website.
- Maintain a positive working relationship with custodians and other Maintenance personnel.
Other Functions
- Assist various departments with campus-wide events and/or efforts.
- Respond to general inquiries by phone and email from alumni, parents, students, and other institutions about Office of Residential Life topics and/or issues.
- Perform other duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Success Factors
Ability to work with diverse groups; flexibility, creativity, and commitment to being a part of a strong student affairs team. Must be able to accommodate a schedule that involves evening and weekend work responsibilities. Must have a valid driver’s license. Preference will be given to those individuals with experience in a small, private, liberal arts setting. This position also requires a commitment to the educational potential of students, appreciation for residential life, and demonstrated skills in the following areas: communication, student support, organization, planning, administration, diversity, and student development. The Assistant Director functions as a communicator, advisor, educator, and a strong presence on campus.
Working Conditions
All Assistant Directors are expected to live in staff apartments located in residence halls or apartment settings on campus. Work is generally performed in an office environment. Assistant Directors in the Office of Residential Life will be exposed to emergency response situations during on-call duty.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred. Student Affairs experience as a full-time professional at the graduate level is preferred. Experience with a small residential campus, residence hall management, student development, programming, supervision, advising, and training strongly preferred.
Kenyon College is a nationally prominent, private liberal arts college where academic excellence goes hand in hand with a strong sense of community and close relationships among students and professors.
Compensation and Benefits
Salaries at Kenyon are competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to an attractive salary, Kenyon offers benefits for employees and their family members. Children of employees are eligible for 100% tuition waivers at Kenyon, and through the Great Lakes Colleges Association, children of employees are eligible for 90% tuition waivers at nineteen other of the nation's finest liberal arts colleges.
We also offer health, dental and vision insurance, TIAA retirement, and many other benefits, including provisions for a spouse, families, and domestic partners. Details about benefits as well as conditions of employment are described more fully in our Staff Handbook.
Kenyon is a unique place to live and work. To discover why it should be your next home, click here.
Kenyon College is an equal opportunity employer and applications from members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged. It is the College's policy to evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical and/or mental disability, age, religion, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. Kenyon College has a strong commitment to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. Please visit our Diversity at Kenyon website.