Residence Hall Director

Job Description

Georgia State University, founded in 1913, has a mission of excellence in teaching, research and service. Located
in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia State University is the Southeast's leading urban research institution
and, following a recent consolidation with Georgia Perimeter College, has an enrollment of 50,000
undergraduate and graduate students in six colleges. Georgia State is the largest university in the state,
with students coming from every county in Georgia, every state in the nation and from over 150 countries. It is
on the list of the top 100 public universities for doctoral degrees awarded. GSU offers 250 degree programs in
more than 100 fields of study – at the bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral levels. Georgia State is also
ranked 14th among the most diverse universities in the nation and is ranked 4th in the “most innovative”
institutions in the US.

The Division of Students Affairs provides a network of support and encouragement for students through
counseling, advocacy, advisement, recreation, health, leadership training, and opportunities for personal
growth. Further, the Division seeks to provide an enriching environment that allows for and encourages cross-
cultural interaction, an appreciation of diversity, and ethical decision-making.

The mission of University Housing is to provide quality on campus housing to enhance the personal growth and
development of students. This is accomplished by offering modern, safe and secure facilities and opportunities
for intellectual and social engagement and promoting purposeful interactions between residents and staff. Our
residential communities include nine residence halls and nine Greek townhomes. We also have 12 living learning
communities, a signature student leadership program, Panther LEAP, a cultural competency seminar, PAC3, and
FYRE, a residential first year experience initiative. We engage our 5,200 residential students through practical
competence, cultural competence, self-awareness and community engagement to cultivate global citizens.

Position Overview:
The Residence Hall Director is responsible for the overall development and administration of a supportive learning
environment within an assigned residential community ranging in size from 350 to 750 residents. The Residence
Hall Director plays an integral role in shaping the experience of residential students at Georgia State University by
developing a premier residential experience that supports the academic mission of Georgia State, and the co-
curricular learning goals and student engagement activities of the Division of Student Affairs. University Housing
is committed to utilizing Atlanta as an urban classroom to foster a supportive and challenging multicultural
learning environment for resident students.

Position Responsibilities:
Community Development, Advising, and Residential Student Engagement
 Responsible for the overall development and management of assigned residential community
 Foster a supportive, inclusive environment through community programming and contact with students
and staff
 Responsible for implementing the residential curriculum and academic initiatives and services for
residential students
 Assist Assistant Residence Hall Director(s) and Resident Assistants to develop intentional plans to further
the academic, social, and personal development of residents
 Support the Community Councils by attending planned officer retreats, meetings and programming
events
 Counsel, advise and make referrals to residential students as appropriate and follow up to ensure
satisfactory resolution
  Oversee community policy education and enforcement initiatives

Staff Supervision, Recruitment, Training and Development

 Recruit, select, train, supervise and evaluate student staff (Resident Assistants) and a full-time Assistant
Residence Hall Director(s)
 Develop, implement and support training efforts for student staff within the community and
department
 Participate in the recruitment, selection, and training of professional, graduate and undergraduate staff
 Participate in departmental/divisional training and development activities
 Communicate regularly with Assistant Residence Hall Director and Resident Assistants, via weekly staff
meetings, one-on-ones, email, and daily personal contact

Administrative
 Respond through personal contact with students, parents, faculty, administrators and other
stakeholders to resolve issues, answer questions and clarify policy
 Serve on departmental and University committees, task forces and participate in other professional
development activities (Residence Life Leadership Team, etc.)
 Participate in a rotation of 24 hour on-call coverage during academic year, including university break
periods for housing, summer school, and/or conferences
 Establish and maintain communication with supervisors, Dean of Student’s Office and Counseling Center
concerning students of concern who live in your residence halls
 Prioritize and monitor program and administrative budgets
 Contribute to the department’s continuous quality improvement efforts and customer service training
 Perform other duties consistent with the purpose of the position as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:
 Bachelor’s degree
 3-5 years of housing experience in a University setting
 Experience supervising para-professional staff
 Experience working closely with students from diverse backgrounds in a higher education setting
 Experience dealing with sensitive and confidential issues
 The successful candidate must also be able to:
o Apply student development theories and approaches
o Establish and maintain effective and appropriate staff and student relationships
o Effectively supervise, lead, coach, evaluate, advise, and assist others
o Understand and apply conflict management and crisis intervention strategies
o Manage budgets and other resources
o Organize, prioritize, and problem-solve
o Effectively write and communicate

Desired Qualifications:
 Master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration, Higher Education, or closely related field
 1-2 years of professional experience, post masters
 Experience supervising graduate and/or professional staff
 Experience implementing student learning and program outcomes assessment

University Housing is committed to maintaining a living and working community where all will feel
welcome and productive. Georgia State University is an equal opportunity educational
institution/affirmative action employer.