Career Center

Location:

Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title:

Residence Director

Job Details and Requirement:

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life and Conference Services, the Residence Director (RD) is responsible for the overall operation of a residence complex serving and creating a sense of belonging and community for 200-400 students.  Individual responsibilities include: supervising a staff of 6-10 RAs, providing staff training and evaluation, coordinating the residential co-curriculum, assisting in the administration of the student conduct process, participating in the on-call duty schedule on a rotating basis, and responding to crises when appropriate. 

RDs have an opportunity to sit on committees for Student Affairs, Pitzer, and The Claremont Colleges and chair Residence Life initiatives, such as student staff selection, Residence Hall Council, and RA training.  The Associate Dean will help the RD explore their own areas of interest while balancing the needs of the college and their position.  

Successful RD candidates are expected to take an active role in the continued development of the Residence Life program. They should be a visible and approachable campus presence, available for individual and group mediation and follow-up on personal, academic, medical, and social issues. Committed to inclusive excellence and our core values, candidates must be student advocates, self-starters, open-minded, innovative, conscious of the environment, caring of student mental health, and committed to social justice. They should be interested in working on a student-driven campus that has a strong student voice in all levels of the college governance and campus-life. 

• Directly supervise six to ten Resident Assistant (RA) student employees in assigned residential complex.  This includes weekly staff meetings and one-on-one meetings, setting goals and expectations, advising staff on a day-to-day basis, planning training and team-building activities, and performing formal and informal evaluations.
• Develop and implement a vision for fostering sense of belonging and community within assigned residential community with a commitment to student development, inclusion, meaningful connections and dialogue, exploring purposeful pathways, engagement, and wellness. Liaise with campus offices, Faculty in Residence, and The Claremont Colleges Services to enhance the residential experience.
• Perform on-call duty coverage on a rotating basis with the ResLife On-Call duty rotation  and serve on the summer on-call duty rotation with other OSA staff. Respond to student crises when appropriate. May need to help coordinate transportation to and from the student health center, counseling center, and/or local off-campus sites. RDs may be asked to interact with students at the hospital depending on the needs of the situation. RDs serve as responsible employees for Title IX and Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) for the Clery Act.
• Implement the Residential Co-Curriculum through engagement with student staff and Student Affairs and campus partners. Engage in ongoing assessment of the Residential Co-Curriculum’s impact. Write and revise lesson plans as needed and stay up to date on best practices and research in the area of co-curricular programs.
• Serve on the campus Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) at the CARE Team level. Actively participates in discussions and provides weekly reports.
• Attend scheduled weekly RA and ResLife leadership staff meetings, all staff trainings and meetings, and staff functions. Will be responsible for facilitating meetings, preparing staff development exercises, and assisting in educational presentations.  RDs are expected to be an active member of a small residence life team that thrives on consistent communication.
• Perform timely and accurate administrative functions such as: completing a year-end report, coordinating and tracking residential co-curriculum initiatives, facilitating the roommate/suitemate agreement process, actively participating in short and long-range strategic planning, creating and completing assessments, hearing cases using the Maxient conduct system, and assisting in special projects, programs and services.
• Support the central Residence Life Office in carrying out the day-to-day operations of residence life, including but not limited to check-in and check-out procedures, room changes, the room draw process, and coordinating all hall openings and closings (for holidays, semester breaks, and year-end closing).
• Create and perform assessments of residence life.  Contribute to a culture of assessment in preparation for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation process.
• Provide individual and group meetings and mediation for residents regarding personal, academic, and residence concerns.  Serves as a resource and referral to students. 
• Serve as one of the primary conduct officers for campus using the Maxient Conduct Software system to track cases and student follow-up.  Enforce policies on-campus.
• Assist with Conference Services operations, including working with on-campus constituents, supporting graduate and student summer staff members, and working with clients.
• Provides annual leadership support for major divisional events, programs, and emerging needs as necessary (i.e. move-in, orientation, Pitzer Covid-19 support needs, Weeks of Welcome, Student Resource Fair, etc.) to further foster residential community belonging.

• Perform other essential duties and tasks specific to the position and other divisional or Collegewide initiatives or programs as needed.

Supervisory Responsibility: Supervise six to ten Resident Assistant (RA) student employees.

Work Hours: The Residence Director position is a full time, exempt position working 12 months per year. This position is subject to renewal on an annual basis depending on performance for up to four (4) academic years. The work schedule is variable with regular weeknight meetings and some additional night, weekend, and holiday work based on the needs of the office. This position participates in the on-call rotation. The works hours will vary due to needs of the College or department. Vacation time must follow the College’s academic calendar.

The individual must possess knowledge, skills and ability to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• A student-centered approach to the position with a strong understanding of student development theory, identity development, and intersectionality.
• Positive, energetic, team-oriented, with a proven record of collaboration.
• Demonstrated and proficient mediation and listening skills. Ability to refer students to appropriate resources.
• Firm commitment to diversity, social justice work and advocacy, and understanding the role of student affairs in support for and engaging student activists as catalysts for transformational change.
• Demonstrated commitment to community in a diverse environment, cultural competencies, and serving historically underrepresented students.
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and oral.  Comfortable speaking in front of groups.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities while satisfying commitments.
• Ability to deal effectively with crises and conflict, by exercising sound judgment and effective communication, including at any time of the day or night, as needed. 
• Proven ability to effectively and productively supervise and direct the work of others.
• Willingness to gain additional skills in technology in order to complete essential functions of the position.
• Ability to utilize technology, including latest versions of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel, various social media platforms, and internet.
• Strong understanding of the importance of co-curricular experiences in supporting the academic mission of the Office of Student Affairs and values of the College.
• Ability to live on-campus in residence hall apartment.
• Ability to drive students, as needed, in college-owned vehicles; must also be able to provide own transportation as needed.

Education: Must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.  A master’s degree in student affairs, educational leadership, or related field is preferred.

Experience:  At least one year of professional experience in Residence Life or Student Affairs is required.  Two years of part-time experience while enrolled in a graduate program will also qualify.

Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to the college’s automobile insurer.

Working Environment: Work is performed in an office setting with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Will occasionally work outdoors for events and activities.

Physical Requirements:  This position requires moderate activity level, including the ability to walk, stand, sit for prolonged periods of time, the ability to use a computer for prolonged periods of times, and operate general office equipment as needed.  Must have the stamina to participate in day-long events/activities on- and off-campus, be able to drive and transport students in motorized vehicles or electric utility carts as needed and assist with the set-up and clean-up of events.

Review of applications will commence immediately.

Instructions:  Only qualified applicants please.

Application Materials: Upload the following materials to complete your application:

• Cover Letter:  Indicate your reason for interest in this position, describe how your qualifications make you an ideal candidate, and explain which of Pitzer’s core values best relates to your own. 

• Resume: List relevant qualifications and dates of experience.

• Professional References: References will be contacted for select applicants and advance notice will be provided. Provide the names of at least three (3) individuals who can speak to your professional qualifications. Include their business titles, contact information and an indication of how you are acquainted with them (e.g., former supervisor, coworker, etc.).