Community Director, Residence Life

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago Department of Housing & Residence Life invites applications for a Community Director responsible for fostering inclusive communities within assigned residence halls for 350–750 residents, directly supervising Resident Assistants, supporting Resident Heads and Resident Deans, and contributing to the overall mission of Housing & Residence Life.

The role collaborates with campus partners to provide programming, guidance during crises, and a safe, engaging living

Responsibilities

• Community Development and Engagement: Oversee inclusive and welcoming environments, supervise student staff, and support academic and departmental initiatives.

Job description

Department

CSL Housing and Residence Life: Community Directors Woodlawn

About the Department

The University of Chicago is one of the nation's leading institutions of higher education and research. Campus and Student Life (CSL) is a division comprised of 20 departments that serve the University's 17,000 college, graduate, and professional school students, as well as the campus community more broadly. CSL is importantly charged with the dual task of supporting all students in the University, graduate and undergraduate, and managing multiple campus departments and services that serve the entire campus community. CSL's programs and services focus on supporting student academic success, providing opportunities for personal growth and leadership development, developing community and engagement through the residential housing and dining program, and in areas such as artistic expression, community service, spiritual exploration, and athletic competition. The University of Chicago community includes approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 10,000 graduate, professional, and other students and there are over 300 recognized student organizations working together to create a vibrant and dynamic student life. At the University of Chicago, students in the College embody a spirit of relentless curiosity, characterized by an unwavering commitment to inquiry and a dedication to free expression. Our students are not mere consumers of knowledge; they are active participants in a vibrant academic community that values the exploration of complex issues, rigorous debate, and intellectual engagement.

The University of Chicago is located in the Hyde Park/South Kenwood neighborhood, a racially and economically diverse residential community of 43,000 people on the shores of Lake Michigan, about fifteen minutes south of downtown Chicago. The core mission of Housing & Residence Life is to help develop and support inclusive communities that engage residents in exceptional living experiences within secure and well-maintained environments that foster a sense of belonging and support the academic initiatives of the University. The primary strategy for the delivery of such an environment is through a residence life program that which aims to develop strong residential communities that are self-regulating, supportive of academic success; provide a strong sense of belonging, and rich opportunities for personal, cultural, social and intellectual development. The leadership of residential faculty and adult staff in fostering these experiences is key to the success of the mission.

Job Summary

The University of Chicago Department of Housing & Residence Life invites applications for one Community Director position. The Community Director will be responsible for fostering inclusive communities within their assigned residence hall for 350-750 residents, directly supervising Resident Assistants, supporting Resident Head and Resident Dean programming, and contributing to the overall mission of Housing & Residence Life.

Understanding The College at the University of Chicago:

At the University of Chicago, students in the College embody a spirit of relentless curiosity, characterized by an unwavering commitment to inquiry and a dedication to free expression. Our students are not merely consumers of knowledge; they are active participants in a vibrant academic community that values the exploration of complex issues, rigorous debate, and intellectual engagement.

Responsibilities

• Community Development and Engagement:
  Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment by overseeing academic, community, and departmental initiatives.
  Serve as a role model to student staff, engaging in intentional and educational conversations.
  Organize and support a variety of cultural, intellectual, and recreational activities that contribute to the overall development and engagement of residents.


• Advising and Student Success:
  Provide regular interaction to challenge and support students in their individual growth and development.
  Support Resident Heads in their role as primary advisors to House Councils within the assigned community.
  Serve as a referral agent to campus resources, providing non-clinical counseling and crisis management interventions with students.
  Advocate for student success, considering all aspects of identity that may impact students' experiences at the university.


• Crisis Management and Emergency Response:
  Serve as a primary Housing & Residence Life responder to crises and emergencies within their assigned residential community.
  Participate in an on-call rotation with other HRL professional staff through the calendar year.
  Ensure emergency preparedness by being knowledgeable about departmental and university protocols and resources.
  Collaborate with UCPD, UChicago HELP, College DOS, and other campus partners during after-hours incidents, ensuring coordinated response and follow-up.
  Ensure appropriate documentation and follow-up are completed following incidents