Associate Director, Residential Care and Community

Department
 

CSL Housing and Residence Life

About the Department
 

The University of Chicago is one of the nation's leading institutions of higher education and research. Campus and Student Life (CSL) carries the core mission of the University to all aspects of life outside the classroom. It enriches the lives of its students, staff, and faculty and academic staff members and contributes to a vibrant, collaborative, and diverse campus community that inspires excellence and sustains the University’s culture of inquiry, innovation, and continuous learning. The unit also works to support the overall well-being of students, including their health and safety. This happens in the context of a campus located in a dynamic, thriving city, in which opportunities abound for students to learn from, contribute to, and engage with their urban environment. CSL is importantly charged with the dual task of promoting the interests of students in the University, and managing multiple campus departments and services that serve the entire campus community, including Athletics & Recreation; the Office of the Bursar; Center for Identity + Inclusion; Center for Leadership and Involvement; Disciplinary Affairs; Housing and Residence Life; International House; Office of International Affairs; Office of the University Registrar; Rockefeller Memorial Chapel; Spiritual Life; Student Centers; Student Disability Services; Student Wellness; UChicago Dining; and UChicago HELP. The University of Chicago community includes approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 10,500 graduate, professional, and other students and there are over 400 recognized student organizations working together to create a vibrant and dynamic student life.

The University of Chicago is located in the Hyde Park/South Kenwood neighborhood, a racially and economically diverse residential community of 43,000 people on the shores of Lake Michigan, about fifteen minutes south of downtown Chicago.

The core mission of Housing and Residence Life is to help develop and support inclusive communities that engage residents in exceptional living experiences within secure and well-maintained environments that foster a sense of belonging and support the academic initiatives of the University. The primary strategy for the delivery of such an environment is through a residence life program which aims to develop strong residential communities that are self-regulating, supportive of academic success; provide a strong sense of belonging, and rich opportunities for personal, cultural, social and intellectual development. The leadership of residential faculty and adult staff in fostering these experiences is key to the success of the mission.

Job Summary
 

The University of Chicago is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to fill the position of Associate Director, Residential Care and Community. This position is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of programs and initiatives that promote a supportive and inclusive residential community for students. The Associate Director will play a critical role in fostering a positive living and learning environment by setting community standards, addressing student concerns, providing guidance on behavioral expectations, and ensuring that students experiencing mental health and related concerns receive the services and support they need. This is a leadership role that requires strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and a commitment to student success and well-being.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements residential care programs. Collaborates with the Director of Residential Services and other key stakeholders to design and execute programs that support the well-being and personal growth of residential students. This includes initiatives related to mental health, wellness, diversity and inclusion, conflict resolution, and community-building.

• Establishes community expectations by leading the development and communication of community standards and expectations for residential students. Ensures these expectations align with the University's mission, values, and policies. Fosters a sense of shared responsibility and accountability within the residential community.

• Conducts training and education. Designs and delivers training programs to educate residential staff and students on topics such as community standards, conflict resolution, bystander intervention, mental health support, and case management. Collaborates with campus partners to provide comprehensive training that addresses the needs of a diverse student population.

• Provides case management services and support for students experiencing mental health and related concerns within the residential community. Collaborates with the University's Student Counseling Services and o