Residential Life

Residential Life - Residence Hall Director 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield, CT 06825, USA
Job Description Posted Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 4:00 AM
As the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computer Science & Engineering; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition , and Best Business Schools: 2024 Edition . Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

To apply
Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.
Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.
Position Summary
As the primary live-in staff member for a residence hall of up to 450 students, the Residence Hall Director (RHD) is charged with the responsibility to develop a supportive educational environment that fosters learning outside of the classroom, develops students holistically, and supports the academic success and retention of residential students by maintaining a regular presence to their residents and supervising para-professional staff and their efforts. The RHD is an integral member of the Residential Life team; the RHD understands and upholds not only the department's mission, but the University's mission as well and respects its Catholic values and identity.
Engagement in and management of resident student retention efforts
Directly interact with students and assist with success planning and support
Maintain visibility and promote individual contact via student-centered office hours
Utilization of the retention software and cohort retention approaches
Selection, Training, Supervision, and Evaluation of student Resident Assistant Staff
Supervise & evaluate up to 15 Resident Success Assistants (RSA) and a Senior RSA
Build staff cohesion via regular supervisory meetings & on-going training
Oversee Residential Curriculum initiatives aiding in community development
Serve as a local conduct officer and crisis/emergency responder
Perform conduct hearings for residents in assigned area
Participation in campus on-duty coverage rotation
Respond to crisis and emergency incidents in residential facilities
Residence Hall and Departmental Administration
Prepare and facilitate the opening and closing of residential facilities
Monitor and track facility and operational needs within residential facility
Additional Position & Departmental Responsibilities:
Weekly office hours will include at least two days of an 8 hour flexed shift, to include evening hours, as prescribed by supervisor
Maintain permanent, full-time on-campus residency in the assigned area.
Must have a valid driver's license and access to a motor vehicle.
Other related responsibilities as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Other Attributes
Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, Counseling, or related field is required
One to three years graduate or professional experience in student life. Live-in residence life experience strongly preferred
Experience with Student Retention software
Direct experience with retention related efforts and initiatives
Experience in student development and leadership
Must have valid driver's license and vehicle for on-duty coverage
Unusual Working Conditions
Will require nights, weekends, and some holiday work hours.
This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.

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