Director, Residence Life

Engineering a world of possibilities

The Director of Residence Life provides strategic leadership, vision, and oversight for all aspects of the residence life and student housing programs at Colorado School of Mines. This senior leadership role plays a critical part in enhancing student success and engagement by fostering inclusive, safe, and welcoming residential communities that support academic achievement, personal growth, and community development. The director is responsible for the development, assessment, and continuous improvement of departmental operations, staffing, residential education, housing operations, protocol development, crisis management, and facilities management & planning, which includes the stewardship of over $30 million in annual revenue. While remote work is occasionally possible, this position is in-person, on campus daily.

Primary Responsibilities:

Strategic leadership & program development

• Establish and implement departmental goals, policies, and procedures aligned with institutional priorities.
• Develop and assess residential programs and learning outcomes; collaborate with university departments to ensure holistic student development.
• Provide leadership and support for institutional initiatives including Title IX, Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), Campus Emergency Response Team, strategic institutional initiatives, and strategic planning efforts.
• Oversee the development, maintenance and assessment of departmental protocols, policies, and processes
• Oversee the development and management of a complex budget exceeding $30 million, including forecasting, labor, rate setting, restoration and renewal of inventory, operational, and capital planning to ensure effective resource allocation and compliance with fiscal policies
• Oversee the Housing and Dining scholarship program in collaboration with Auxiliary Services, leading a committee of reviewers and decision makers.
• Communicate information to division leadership as well as campus colleagues to gain support and collaboration across campus

Organizational management & supervision

• Design, establish, and maintain a comprehensive organizational structure for residence life and housing.
• Supervise a team of staff, including a combination of exempt administrative staff and state classified employees.
• Cultivate a positive staff culture focused on belonging, accountability, and student-centered service.

Facilities, occupancy & operations oversight

• Oversee the daily operations and long-term planning for student housing facilities, including maintenance, renovation, renewal, and capital improvements.
• Oversee the occupancy of all residential facilities to ensure financial security of the department
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with campus and community colleagues as well as corporate partners integral to the facilities and operations management of over 30 buildings.
• Lead the opening of new capital projects and ensure alignment with strategic housing master plans.
• Oversee all essential annual operations such as housing assignments, transition periods, health and safety operations, and inspections

Student Well-being, Conduct, and Crisis Management

• Serve on-call along with leaders within the Residence Life team.
• Serve as appeal or case resolution manager as needed conduct, accommodations, or behavioral issues and more.
• Ensure that applicable laws and regulations are carried out and adhered to ie: Fair Housing Act, ADA, etc...
• Ensure active participation in the BIT team, Clery oversight, and emergency response teams that address student wellness, behavioral concerns, and crisis situations.
• Contribute to campus safety initiatives and emergency protocols.

Campus collaboration & student life leadership

• Serve as a leader within the division of student life.
• Foster collaborative relationships with colleagues in various departments including but not limited to Disability Support Services, Title IX, Facilities Management, and Public Safety.
• Serve on committees, lead initiatives, and advise student life leadership

Minimum Qualifications                                                     

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, public administration, or a related field
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in residence life, student housing, or student affairs, with at least 3 years in a leadership/supervisory capacity
• Demonstrated experience managing complex budgets, staff supervision, and large-scale operations
• Knowledge of and experience with student development theory