Director of Residence Life

Director of Residence Life

Charleston Southern University

Summary

The Director of Residence Life provides leadership vision and strategic direction for Charleston Southern Universitys residential community in alignment with the Universitys mission of integrating faith in learning leading and serving. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Student Engagement the Director oversees all aspects of the residential experiencefostering a Christ-centered safe and inclusive environment that supports student development community engagement and academic success.

Work Performed

Leadership & Administration

• Provide strategic oversight of all Residence Life operations including supervision of the professional and student staff team.
• Develop and implement policies programs and procedures that align with the mission and values of Charleston Southern University and support student success.
• Lead efforts to cultivate a vibrant Christ-centered residential community that promotes holistic student development.
• Manage departmental budget housing assignments and occupancy planning in collaboration with university partners.

Student Development & Engagement

• Foster an environment that supports personal spiritual and academic growth among residential students.
• Develop and assess initiatives that enhance student belonging community engagement and leadership development.
• Collaborate with campus partners (Student Engagement Campus Ministries Counseling Services Campus Security Facilities etc.) to provide comprehensive support for students.
• Serve as a resource and advocate for students responding to concerns and facilitating conflict resolution in a caring developmental manner.

Staff Supervision & Training

• Recruit train supervise and evaluate Residence Life Coordinators (RLCs) Graduate Assistants (GAs) and Resident Assistants (RAs).
• Provide ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance leadership and ministry effectiveness among Residence Life staff.
• Lead regular staff meetings and retreats focused on team development mission alignment and best practices in student affairs.

Crisis Management & Student Conduct

• Oversee residential crisis response ensuring effective on-call rotation communication and follow-up in collaboration with campus partners.
• Support the student conduct process by administering and interpreting community standards consistent with Christian principles and help serve along the Conduct Coordinator if needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation of incidents and interventions ensuring compliance with University and legal standards.

Assessment & Collaboration

• Use data-driven decision-making to assess student needs housing satisfaction and program outcomes.
• Collaborate with other campus departments to advance student retention wellness and engagement initiatives.
• Represent the Office of Residence Life on University committees and at institutional events.

Qualifications

Education:

• Masters degree in Higher Education Administration Student Affairs Counseling or a related field required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in residence life housing or student affairs within a university setting (faith-based experience preferred).
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff managing budgets and leading student development programs.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong commitment to the mission and values of Charleston Southern University and to integrating faith into all aspects of leadership and service.
• Excellent interpersonal organizational and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and foster collaboration across departments.
• Experience with housing management systems and residence life software preferred.
• Ability to model servant leadership and Christ-like character in interactions with students and staff.

This position requires evening and weekend availability as needed for student programming crisis response and staff support.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a CSU application cover letter resume and contact information for three professional the cover letter applicants should address their experience and how their personal faith aligns with the mission of Charleston Southern University.
Charleston Southern University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race color national origin sex disability or age. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community that reflects our values and mission.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position will remain open until filled.

Charleston Southern University is a Christian university and tobacco-free campus. We do not illegally discriminate on the basis of race age color national or ethnic origin disability sex pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions (including but not limited to lactation) religion genetic information veteran or military status or any other basis on which the university is prohibited from discrimination under local state or federal law in its employment or in the provision of its services including but not limited to its programs and activities admissions educational policies scholarship and loan programs and athletic and university-administered order to fulfill its purpose the university may legally discriminate on the basis of religion in employment. The university has been granted exemption from certain regulations promulgated under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 which conflict with the Universitys religious tenets and core values.

To apply please complete the online application below and attach a resume. Entering untrue or inaccurate information will result in disqualification for consideration of vacant positions or subsequent termination after hire. This position will remain open until filled. By completing this application you aregiving Charleston Southern University the authority to contact any person educational institution current or former employer or company to disclose in good faith any information they may have regarding your qualifications and fitness for employment including but not limited to those you have listed in your application materials. Prior to a final offer of employment the selected candidate will be required to submit to a background check including but not limited to employment verification educational and other credential verification criminal background check and reference check. Applicants who will drive for the University will be required to complete a background check on their driving record.