Assistant Director: Residence Life

Lehigh University; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Lehigh University is seeking an Assistant Director, Residence Life for dynamic management of student affairs. This live-in role is vital for enhancing the campus residential experience through mentoring student leaders and implementing educational strategies.

With a focus on creating inclusive communities, the Assistant Director will supervise student staff and manage residential area operations. A Master’s degree and relevant experience are essential. The position requires a commitment to fostering inclusivity and sound judgement in crisis situations.

Qualifications

• One to three years of related work experience.
• Flexibility for evening and weekend responsibilities.
• Willingness to live on campus.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision to a team of Gryphon student staff members.
• Oversee the implementation of educational and community development strategies.
• Serve as an administrative hearing officer in support of Student Conduct.

Skills

Strong supervision and leadership skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities

Sound judgement in crisis response

Education

Master's Degree in Higher Education/Student Affairs

Job description

Assistant Director, Residence Life - Live In Position. Position Number: S86150

Join Lehigh University's dynamic Student Affairs team as an Assistant Director of Residence Life. As an Assistant Director you'll be a foundational component of the campus residential experience, directly managing a residential area and leading a passionate team of our student staff members. This live‑in position offers a unique opportunity to mentor student leaders, implement an innovative residential curriculum, and create inclusive and supportive communities where students can thrive.

About the Opportunity

As one of six Assistant Directors in our Office of Residence Life, you'll oversee residential area operations and create environments where students thrive academically and personally. This role combines leadership, community programming, and student development in a supportive university setting.

This position is a Grade: 7 – 40 with an approximate salary range of $42,000‑46,000 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and development to a team of Gryphon student staff members, including facilitating regular supervisory meetings and monitoring performance to provide continuous feedback and development
• Oversee the implementation and refinement of a variety of educational and community development strategies to foster residents’ continued engagement with bLUeprint, Lehigh's student life curriculum
• Assess learning goals and outcomes of the curriculum strategies in tandem with bLUeprint's five foundations for student success, and identify, support, and refer students who exhibit personal, social, academic and/or behavioral concerns in partnership with appropriate campus offices
• Serve as an administrative hearing officer in support of Student Conduct and Community Expectations processes, meet with students to resolve roommate conflicts and community living concerns through a restorative practices approach and respond as needed with community interventions
• Execute financial stewardship over assigned area budget, and serve on the Assistant Director duty rotation with other Assistant Directors, responding to crises and engaging appropriate campus services as needed
• Assist with implementation of recruitment, selection, training, and development programs for Gryphons; evaluate condition of residential areas of oversight and work with campus partners to address facilities concerns in a timely manner; assist with other Residence Life and Student Affairs programs and services as needed in support of larger divisional commitments

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Higher Education/Student Affairs or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• One to three years of related work experience
• Strong supervision and leadership skills, specifically demonstrated experience supervising undergraduate or graduate student staff in a residential setting
• Sound judgement in crisis response and on‑call situations
• Commitment to fostering inclusive residential communities consistent with Lehigh's values
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• A collaborative approach to working within a structured, team‑based department
• Flexibility for evening and weekend responsibilities
• Willingness to live on campus

Special Considerations

• This is a live‑in position and will work 48 out of 52 weeks per year, with four consecutive weeks off during the summer.
• The duties of this position do not allow for a remote work option – an active campus presence will be required, including evening and weekend hours when needed. The employee in this position will be required to live and work on‑campus where they can be appropriately accessible to the Lehigh community.

Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university's mission.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Advertised: May 27, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time