Residential Life - Residence Hall Director

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University's nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent's College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change-in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges-2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools-2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

Position Summary

As the primary live-in staff member for a residence hall of up to 450 students, the Residence Hall Director (RHD) is charged with the responsibility to develop a supportive educational environment that fosters learning outside of the classroom, develops students holistically, and supports the academic success and retention of residential students by maintaining a regular presence to their residents and supervising para-professional staff and their efforts. The RHD is an integral member of the Residential Life team; the RHD understands and upholds not only the department's mission, but the University's mission as well and respects its Catholic values and identity.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

Engagement in and management of resident student retention efforts

• Directly interact with students and assist with success planning and support

• Maintain visibility and promote individual contact via student-centered office hours

• Utilization of the retention software and cohort retention approaches

Selection, Training, Supervision, and Evaluation of student Resident Assistant Staff

• Supervise & evaluate up to 15 Resident Success Assistants (RSA) and a Senior RSA

• Build staff cohesion via regular supervisory meetings & on-going training

• Oversee Residential Curriculum initiatives aiding in community development

Serve as a local conduct officer and crisis/emergency responder

• Perform conduct hearings for residents in assigned area

• Participation in campus on-duty coverage rotation

• Respond to crisis and emergency incidents in residential facilities

Residence Hall and Departmental Administration

• Prepare and facilitate the opening and closing of residential facilities

• Monitor and track facility and operational needs within residential facility

Additional Position & Departmental Responsibilities:

• Weekly office hours will include at least two days of an 8 hour flexed shift, to include evening hours, as prescribed by supervisor

• Maintain permanent, full-time on-campus residency in the assigned area.

• Must have a valid driver's license and access to a motor vehicle.

• Other related responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Other Attributes

• Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, Counseling, or related field is required

• One to three years graduate or professional experience in student life. Live-in residence life experience strongly preferred

• Experience with Student Retention software

• Direct experience with retention related efforts and initiatives

• Experience in student development and leadership

• Must have valid driver's license and vehicle for on-duty coverage

Unusual Working Conditions

Will require nights, weekends, and some holiday work hours.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.

Other details

• Job Family Staff

• Job Function Student Support

• Pay Type Salary

• Required Education Master's Degree

• Job Start Date Monday, July 1, 2024

Apply Now

• 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield, CT 06825, USA