Director of Residence Life - (RES00000088)

Salary Range :

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools :   Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences ,  Cox School of Business ,  Lyle School of Engineering ,  Meadows School of the Arts ,  Simmons School of Education and Human Development ,  Dedman School of Law ,  Perkins School of Theology  and  Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies .

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities.  SMU’s relationship with Dallas  – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position :

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

Reporting to the dean of residence life and student housing (RLSH), the director of residence life provides leadership in developing and sustaining positive, academically focused residential communities and in successfully accomplishing administrative functions required in managing a university residence community within a residential commons (i.e. residential colleges) setting. The director leads a team of staff in creating and providing a foundational student experience that promotes belonging, learning, and connection. They directly supervise four full-time associate directors, indirectly supervise 13 full-time Residential Community Directors (RCDs), and over 100 student leaders.

All applicants must click  here to apply.

Essential Functions :

Utilizing the model provided by the Residential Commons, develop, implement and manage residential life programs that promote student learning, personal growth and student development, and which establishes a positive sense of community and intellectual environments in on-campus housing. Continuously assess the program, revising as necessary to meet the prevailing needs of students and the university.

Directly supervise -four associate directors. Indirectly supervise 13 full-time RCDs, three graduate assistants, and over 100 resident assistants. Assess the job performance of assigned staff. Develop training programs that reinforce the skills and knowledge needed to effectively meet established goals and objectives.

Establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with offices and programs that support and / or augment the goals and objectives of RLSH. Work collaboratively with faculty-in-residence. Work closely with facilities services to maintain the residential buildings.

Assist with all departmental processes and work collaboratively with other areas within RLSH to assure proper execution of related administrative procedures by residence life staff. Participate in RLSH long- and short-term planning efforts including development and management of $2.6 million budget.

Provide direction during crisis and emergencies, and effectively communicate to stakeholders throughout the process.

Provide customer service and interface with parents and students as needed to resolve disputes and concerns.

Support RLSH administrative requirements for student records and facilities operations.

Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet RLSH and university goals and objectives. Participate in select university and division committee work and liaison assignments.

Qualifications

Education and Experience :

A master’s degree and a minimum of seven years full-time residence life or academic engagement experience. Previous live-in experience required. Superior understanding of student development theory and relevant residence life applications. Ability to maintain excellent and collaborative working relationships with related campus programs and with residence life programs. Excellent organizational and planning skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Ability to manage crisis, and to analyze and address conflict. Ability to interpret student needs and develop effective programmatic responses within the context of university and departmental values, goals, objectives, and strategic plans.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Strategic and creative thinker
• Experience with residential commons and academic partnerships
• Experience serving on behavioral intervention and / or care teams
• Exceptional supervisory experience
• Advocate for student concerns
• Collaborative
• Visionary leadership

Deadline to Apply :

Applications will be reviewed beginning  October 1, 2025 , and continuing until the position is filled. To apply for this position, please click on the Apply button, complete the brief application process, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email  info@spelmanjohnson.com .  Click here to apply

EEO Statement :

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity / Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601,  accessequity@smu.edu .

Benefits :

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of  health and related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of  wellness programs  to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of  retirement programs  that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of  professional and personal development opportunities , including  tuition benefits .