Residence Hall Director

Working at Quinnipiac University; Hamden (CT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut invites applications for a Residential Hall Director to join our student-centered housing community. This full-time, live-in position emphasizes building an inclusive, engaging environment where students thrive academically and personally.

The role requires supervising paraprofessional staff, managing on-call rotations, and collaborating with campus partners to foster student wellness, crisis response, and program development across residence halls.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in a relevant field.
• Experience in residential life, housing, or student affairs preferred.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and on-call rotations.

Responsibilities

• Provide residential oversight and mentorship to residents.
• Supervise and develop paraprofessional staff.
• Develop and implement residential education programs.
• Lead on-call duties and crisis response for residents.
• Manage budgets and coordinate facilities with the Office of Housing.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Conflict resolution

Organizational skills

Education

Master's degree in College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, or related field

Job description

Overview

Quinnipiac University invites applications for a Residential Hall Director to join our vibrant, student-centered residential community and play a meaningful role in supporting student success, engagement, and belonging. Located on our beautiful Mount Carmel campus in Hamden, Connecticut, this full-time, year-round, live-in position offers an exciting opportunity to cultivate an inclusive and engaging living‑learning environment where students thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Residence Hall Directors serve as key student affairs professionals within the Division of Student Affairs and are responsible for fostering community development, supporting student wellness, responding to student concerns, and enhancing the residential student experience through leadership, mentorship, education, and crisis response. Through collaboration with campus partners, Residence Hall Directors contribute to a dynamic residential experience grounded in student development and holistic support.

Residence Hall Directors are required to reside exclusively in a designated campus apartment, participate in an on‑call duty rotation with in-person response responsibilities, and maintain a visible and engaged presence within their assigned residential communities during evenings and weekends.

Exercising considerable independent judgment and decision-making, Residence Hall Directors oversee a residential area and supervise between 7–17 paraprofessional staff members.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to student development, inclusive community building, crisis management, and collaborative problem‑solving within a fast‑paced residential environment.

Responsibilities

Residential Oversight and Mentorship

• Ensure a consistent adult presence in residential areas, serving as a positive role model for students.
• Foster meaningful relationships with residents, offering support and guidance to help them achieve their academic and personal objectives.

Staff Management and Development

• Oversee the hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of paraprofessional staff.
• Design and implement a robust training program for paraprofessional staff, ensuring alignment with office guidelines.
• Maintain clear communication of staff expectations and document any performance‑related concerns.
• Engage in office recruitment processes, including selection of paraprofessional staff, residence hall preparations, and room assignments.

Residential Programs and Curriculum

• Aid in crafting, implementing, and monitoring the residential educational curriculum.
• Collaborate on initiatives like Living‑Learning Communities and Faculty Affiliates, enhancing the integration of academic and residential life.
• Serve as a point of contact and mediator for Faculty Affiliates, ensuring a strong bond between faculty and residents.

Operational Responsibilities

• Regularly participate in the RHD on‑call duty rotation, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Uphold, clarify, and enforce University policies and guidelines to ensure a harmonious living environment.
• Act as a primary hearing officer for conduct meetings, addressing and mediating student concerns.
• Handle assigned CARE cases, providing follow‑up for students in need of support.
• Collaborate with the Office of Facilities, ensuring the optimal maintenance and upkeep of residence hall facilities.
• Efficiently manage designated residence hall budgets, ensuring all budgetary processes and guidelines are followed.
• Ensure all necessary documentation, including duty logs and reports, are submitted accurately and within stipulated deadlines.
• Work with the Office of Housing to manage room condition reports, room changes, damage reporting, work orders and follow up, room selection, opening and closing inspections, health and safety inspections, vacancy management, and other duties as assigned.

Community and Outreach

• Facilitate and support hall or area councils in partnership with the Residence Hall Association.
• Represent the department in office and divisional committees as necessary.
• Engage in continuous professional development, attending relevant seminars, workshops, and association events.

Additional Duties

• Take on other duties and responsibilities when required.

The Director of Housing has functional supervision over the Residential Life team in consultation with the Director of Residential Life.

Education Requirements

Master's degree in College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, or related field is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one to three years of professional or graduate‑level experience in residential life, housing, student affairs, or related student‑facing environments.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring, or training student staff or paraprofessional employees.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills.
• Experience with creating and executing programs.
• Ability to respond effectively to crisis situations and exercise sound judgment in a residential environment.
• Independent decision‑making abilities.
• Commitment to inclusive excellence.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and participate in an on‑call rotation and to reside in an assigned on‑campus apartment as a condition of employment.
• Advanced knowledge of student development and evidence of a strong commitment to the profession.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds.

Physical Demands

• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects.
• Required to travel from building to building and between multiple campuses.
• Will have 'on‑call' responsibilities which require walking up and down stairs, performing rounds in and outside of the buildings, and responding quickly and in person to emergencies.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Quinnipiac University is considering only those applicants who have valid authorization to work in the United States. Quinnipiac University does not sponsor employment‑based visas for this position.

Applications must be submitted electronically and include a résumé, a cover letter detailing how your experience aligns with the position requirements, demonstrated commitment to intentional leadership that values individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and contact information for three references.

This position requires a pre‑employment physical and drug screen in addition to a background check.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full‑time faculty and staff which includes tuition remission and a culture that is inclusive and driven by excellence.

Quinnipiac University is an equal‑opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful community.