Director of Residence Life

The Director of Residence Life is a dynamic individual who exhibits a vibrant personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, displaying Christ-centered servant leadership and a commitment to student success. This individual seeks opportunities to integrate the mission, vision, and core values of Concordia University Chicago into his/her daily work with students, faculty, and fellow staff members.

The Director of Residence Life reports directly to the Vice President for Student Success/Dean of Students and serves in an important leadership role within the Division of Student Success. The Director of Residence Life has primary oversight of Residence Life and Student Conduct.

Note: This is a live-on position.

Program Management

Manages and supervises the Residence Life staff (both full-time and student staff).
Oversees the housing application process. Works to promote on-campus living in order to meet annual housing goals. Communicates the 3 year live-on requirement effectively and tracks compliance.
Supports student success and retention in various ways, such as: academic outreach, wellness checks, providing educational resources and support to students, faculty, and staff, etc. Within this context, the Director of Residence Life serves on the following committees: Student of Concern Committee (Care Team), Academic Early Warning Huddle Committee, Gold Folder Committee, Academic Standing Grade Review Committee, etc.
Assists in the development of manuals (Student Handbook, etc.), website/portal content, guides and other material necessary for efficient and effective administration.
Administers the policies and regulations of the university as they pertain to students, including internal university judicial and disciplinary procedures by serving as the chief judicial affairs administrator and coordinates informal and formal hearings in accordance with the university student disciplinary process.
Provides leadership in and is responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of policies and regulations pertaining to student life, especially those related to alcohol and drug usage, the Student Code of Conduct, and the Residence Hall policy manual.
Assists with on-campus recruitment events (Visit Days) and orientation days (Jump Start). In addition, the Director of Residence Life works closely with the Admission and Financial Aid Offices – distributing weekly housing reports and assisting new students with a smooth transition to campus housing.
Creates a community that is responsive to student needs and fosters intellectual, spiritual, and social growth.
Administrative Duties

Develops strategic plans, goals, and recommendations for the Department of Residence Life in consultation with the Dean of Students.
Schedules work hours, conducts performance reviews, provides advice and counsel to staff on issues of policy and procedure, and assists staff in the resolution of conflicts.
Develops and monitors the budget for the Department of Residence Life.

Skill Sets:

Minimum 4 years of experience in higher education management, student life
Enthusiastic supporter of Lutheran higher education and the mission, vision, and core values of Concordia University Chicago.
Substantial experience in college administration, student life, counseling, and/or college teaching.
Ability to work on multiple projects and cases simultaneously set priorities and meet deadlines required.
Ability to communicate a vision of the role of residential education and related student services in the overall educational experience of students and the ability to advance this vision in a resource-constrained environment.
A sophisticated understanding of how to gather, analyze, and use data to develop and assess programs.
Knowledge of student disciplinary systems in a university environment required.
Knowledge of relevant laws in a higher education setting (e.g., Title IX,
VAWA/Campus SaVE, FERPA, Clery) required.
Ability to coordinate the work of others required.
Ability to effectively communicate and work consultatively with faculty and administrators at all levels within the University required.
Excellent oral and written communication skills required.
Excellent organizational skills required.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality required.
Ability to resolve complex problems required.
Ability to use independent judgment required.
Knowledge of standard software packages and programs (e.g., Microsoft Office).
Working knowledge of Title IX law and investigation procedures preferred.
Knowledge of student conduct/behavior management software preferred.
Knowledge of student housing software preferred.

Minimum Experience Required: Minimum of 4 years of experience in higher education/student affairs

Education Requirements: Master’s Degree preferred.

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting range is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia health, disability and retirement plan enrollment is available to full-time employees and their eligible dependents. Tuition benefits may also be available for employees and their qualified dependents.

Application Information:

Interested individuals should apply through our website at www.cuchicago.edu/employment. Please include a cover letter, resume and references.

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago: Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Graduate Studies, and College of Innovative and Professional Programs, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and in 2013 was named to the U.S. President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the fifth time. For the sixth consecutive year, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded more than 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more at CUChicago.edu.

As a distinctive, comprehensive university of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, centered in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and based in the liberal arts, Concordia University Chicago equips men and women to serve and lead with integrity, creativity, competence and compassion in a diverse, interconnected and increasingly urbanized church and world.