About SMU:

Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study, and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through eight schools.

About the Position:

The Residential Community Director (RCD) at SMU provides leadership in developing and sustaining positive, academically-focused, residential communities. A successful RCD also accomplishes administrative functions required in managing a university residential community. The position is live-in, serves in an on-call rotation, and reports to an Associate Director for Residential Life.

Essential Functions:

• Train, supervise, and evaluate the job performance of student staff. Conduct regularly scheduled individual and group staff meetings. Provide development and accountability for student leaders.
• Develop a personal knowledge of individual residents to better provide assistance and related support. Assist with retention efforts. Serve as a case manager through the Caring Community Connections program. Provide conflict mediation and parent interaction to resolve student issues.
• Assess needs of residents. Provide and facilitate programming (including at least one large-scale signature event program yearly) in support of the Residential Commons tradition to promote a positive living and learning environment that fosters a sense of belonging. Advise commons council and student leaders.
• Lead and/or serve on one or more RLSH (and potentially Student Affairs) committees. Meet regularly with supervisor and other RLSH staff.
• Develop a relationship with FIR and support their connection to the leadership team and programmatic efforts.
• Serve as Conduct Officer for student conduct cases occurring in residential areas.
• Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet RLSH and University goals.
• Coordinate building operations. Assist with occupancy management, including but not limited to managing room and hall changes, check-in and check-out activity, etc. Monitor physical condition of assigned areas and report work requests and desired facility improvements per established procedures.
• Manage budget & financial paperwork including purchasing and expense reports.
• Assist in major annual processes, e.g., staff selection, assessments, and serve on the on-call rotation to manage student and facilities emergencies, etc.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree obtained by the start of the position is strongly preferred. Field of study in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, Counseling in Higher Education, or a related field is preferred.
• Previous Residence Life experience (full-time or graduate) is strongly preferred.
• Work experience in related areas of Student Affairs is required.
• Experience working in a Residential College setting or experience working with academic and faculty partners is preferred.
• Experience supervising student staff is preferred.

About Southern Methodist University

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. The University’s entrepreneurial spirit lives in people from every academic discipline who see opportunities to create something new in the world – and work hard to bring their innovations to life. 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 our students, faculty and alumni to make a global impact. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities – from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

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