Residence Life Specialist (0081141)

Title: Residence Life Specialist
Position Number:
Hiring Unit: Student Affairs Student Housing
Location: UH at Hilo
Date Posted: October 6 2025
Closing Date: January 31 2026; first review date on or about October 21 2025
Band: A
Salary : salary schedules and placement information
Full Time/Part Time: Full-time
Month: 11-month
Temporary/Permanent: Permanent

Duties and Responsibilities (* denotes essential functions)

LEADERSHIP & STUDENT PROGRAMMING: 30%

1. Develops and implements community programs resources and services that support student engagement development and success in the residence halls.
2. Fosters a strong inclusive residential community by building relationships among student staff and residents and supporting their academic personal and social development.
3. Designs and evaluates educational programming through assessments to measure impact and effectiveness.
4. *Provides direct supervision support and leadership development for assigned student staff.
5. Collaborates with Student Engagement and other campus units to promote holistic student success.

ADMINISTRATIVE: 30%

1. *Manages daily operations of the residence hall including check-ins check-outs and housing processes in partnership with Housing Operations.
2. Maintains consistent office hours (day/evening) conducts regular walkthroughs and coordinates with maintenance and custodial teams to uphold safety and comfort standards.
3. Participates in the recruitment selection training supervision and evaluation of student staff.

ON CALL/CONDUCT/CRISIS: 30%

1. *** Shares on call duty by rotating evenings weekends and holidays that are set for each academic year with other live-in Residence Life Staff positions who are required to be on call. Living in the residence halls is a condition of employment and an essential factor in the Resident Managers ability to perform his or her duties within the residence communities and a collaborative programming partner across campus; the value of the room is not taxable income and is not subject to income tax withholding social security Medicare and FUTA taxes because the room is provided for convenience of University Housing and University.
2. Advises residents and staff on social behavioral and academic concerns & initiates appropriate referrals.
3. Responsible with the assistance of staff members for the security of the hall complex and the handling of emergencies (fire accidents security etc.).
4. Ensures that rule interpretation and enforcement by resident staff is within basic guidelines set by the Housing Office. Assist in the adjudication of policy violations.
5. Informs and explains behavioral expectations to staff and students and influences the development of responsible behavior. Addresses behavioral issues with students and identifies necessary changes.
6. Provides support and referral to students in crisis. Maintains collaborative relationships with offices outside housing that serve to meet student needs (Counselors Care Team Title IX Medical Services etc.).

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED 10%

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in psychology social work counseling and guidance education human resource management business management or related field and 1 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for management of student residence halls or comparable group; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education knowledge skills and abilities as indicated.
• Functional knowledge of principles practices and techniques in the area ofresidence hall operationsdemonstrated by knowledge understanding and ability to apply concepts terminology.
• Functional knowledge and understanding of principles theories federal and state laws rules regulations and systems associated withhousing and residence halls.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize problems identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area ofhousing and residence halls operations.
• Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation write reports and procedures and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations groups team members and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer apply word processing software.

Supplemental Minimum Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of student activities programs.
2. Ability to cooperatively work with diverse cultures and backgrounds including various segments of the university community organizations and residents.
3. Knowledge of group living needs current student value systems and student personnel practices.
4. Able to work independently able to organize set priorities and make decisions under pressure.

Desirable Qualifications:

1. Possession of masters degree in psychology social work counseling and guidance education human resource management business administration or related field and full-time or graduate residence life experience.
2. Considerable knowledge of post-secondary educational institutions including student housing/residential life policies procedures and theories.
3. Considerable knowledge of the University of Hawaii and/or University of Hawaii System programs policies and goals.
4. Considerable knowledge of native Hawaiian customs and culture.
5. Experience with StarRez Salto Access Microsoft Windows or Apple applications.

To Apply: Click on the Apply button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach each required document. A complete application must include:

1. Cover letter explaining how each minimum and desirable qualification is met
2. Resume
3. Names and addresses email addresses and telephone numbers of three 3 current professional references
4. Transcript(s) showing degrees and course work appropriate to the position (copies are acceptable; however original official transcripts will be required prior to employment)

Inquiries: Donnette (Lei) Kapono

The University of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information visit: is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawaii may be viewed at: or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawaii complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information please refer to the following link: