Associate Director, Residential Care and Community

Please read the following job description thoroughly to ensure you are the right fit for this role before applying.

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.

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.

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.
• Establishes community expectations by leading the development and communication of community standards and expectations for residential students.
• 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.
• Provides case management services and support for students experiencing mental health and related concerns within the residential community.
• Coordinates referrals and resources. Serves as a central point of contact for students in need of mental health resources and support.
• Manages student concerns. Serves as a resource for students who have concerns related to community living and expectations.
• Crisis response and intervention. On-call for after-hours emergencies on a rotating basis for residential crisis response.
• Collaborates with residential staff. Supervises and provides guidance to residential staff members, including resident assistants and community assistants.
• Collects and analyzes data related to residential care, community expectations, and student mental health concerns.
• Stays abreast of current events and trends related to residential student success.
• Supervises and evaluates the housing / dining system's professional and support staff.
• Participates in the selection, training, and management of the Residential Life team.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education :

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Work Experience :

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education :

• Master's degree in higher education, administration, counseling, social work, or a related field.
• Specialization in mental health counseling or related discipline is highly desirable.

Experience :

Minimum of five years of experience in residential life, student affairs, or a related area, with specific experience in case management and supporting students' mental health needs.

Certifications :

• Valid Illinois driver’s license upon offer of employment and pass the University’s motor vehicle records process.
• May be required to provide and use own vehicle; insured in accordance with University requirements.

Technical Skills or Knowledge :

• Proficiency in standard office software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, email, etc.).
• Knowledge and experience with a housing information system (e.g., StarRez) and a conduct system (e.g., Maxient).
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to student conduct, mental health, and residential life.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong knowledge of student development theories, restorative justice practices, and best practices in residential care.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and work effectively with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis management, conflict resolution, and student conduct administration.
• Lead and supervise a team of professionals and student staff members.
• Strong organizational skills and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with case management software and data management systems is a plus.

Working Conditions

• Function in a 24-hour on-call environment and maintain productivity.
• Work evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Work is largely sedentary; sit in front of computer for extended periods; regular attendance, including on evenings and weekends.
• Assume on-call responsibility for campus residence halls.
• Travel to various on-campus locations.
• Use computers and standard office equipment.
• The standard work week is Monday through Friday with expectations for evening and weekend work typical of a senior student affairs leader responsible for the residence life program.

Application Documents

• Resume / CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• 3 References Contact Information (required)

Job Family

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact

People Manager

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Drug Test Required

Health Screen Required

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity / Disabled / Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

Staff job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information.

J-18808-Ljbffr