Radford University is a comprehensive, mid-size public university that is known for student-focused academic programs, a strong emphasis on service to others, and a picturesque 204-acre campus. As an institution with an enrollment of approximately 9,400, the University provides its students a winning combination of broad opportunities associated with a large university and highly personalized relationships considered the hallmark of a smaller college. Well-known for its strong student/faculty bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment, and vibrant student life on a beautiful campus, Radford University offers many opportunities for success in and out of the classroom. Radford University faculty members are focused on teaching and deeply invested in the success of their students. Approximately 35 miles southwest of Roanoke, the surrounding community of Radford and its immediate neighbors, Christiansburg and Blacksburg, form a continuous metropolitan region nestled in the New River Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering an outstanding quality of life rich with natural resources and outdoor recreational options, a diverse economy, and numerous cultural and intellectual opportunities.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, the Director of Housing and Residential Life (Director) provides vision and leadership for all services and programmatic direction meeting the needs of approximately 3,600 undergraduate and graduate students living in a range of university operated housing facilities. The Director is responsible for managing all aspects of Radford University’s residential system, which encompasses 15 residence halls and a growing number of University owned/operated apartments. The Director is responsible for advancing a student-focused, learning-based, residential educational program/curriculum that emphasizes personal growth and development, as well as global citizenship, community engagement, and academic success. The Director also provides leadership for assignments and occupancy management, policy development, facilities management, residence life, educational programming, conference management, and assessment activities. In addition to daily operations, the Director is responsible for strategic planning, emergency planning, capital projects and construction, and the strategic allocation of reserve funding to address preventive and deferred maintenance. As a key member of the Student Affairs Management Team, the Director participates in on-call duties and will collaborate with many campus partners on student success and retention initiatives, including immediate colleagues in the division, as well as colleagues in leadership and staff positions across Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, Finance and Administration, and Facilities Management. Sustaining and supporting the division’s aspirations to impact and elevate student learning, while actively promoting the value of living on campus are also important responsibilities of the Director.

An advanced degree in higher education administration, or related field, and a track record of progressively responsible professional experience in residential life and/or student affairs experience are required. Evidence of strong and innovative leadership in building a residential experience that contributes to the university’s overall success, as well as exceptional skills demonstrated in decision-making, critical thinking, and crisis management are also required. A broad background and knowledge of housing and residential life operations, trends, and best practices is needed for success. Additional competencies and experience that will be important considerations in the selection of the next Director of Housing and Residential Life include: demonstrated ability to plan, direct and evaluate complex housing operations using staffing, time, funds and other resources for the accomplishment of long-term and short-term goals of the University; proven experience and foundation in student conduct administration; demonstrated experience in supervision, planning, and budget management; proficiency with computers and technology; excellent communication and relationship-building skills across many constituencies—students and family members, faculty, senior administration, and staff, local community, and other external stakeholders; and a record of and commitment to cultivating inclusive and socially-just communities.

Review of applications will begin February 4, 2019, and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Valerie B. Szymkowicz at vbs@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.

Visit the Radford University website at www.radford.edu

Radford University is an EO/AA employer committed to diversity. Women, minorities and veterans are encouraged to apply. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.