Residence Hall Director

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 42,300 - 51,700; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University is seeking a Residence Hall Director (RHD) to provide leadership and support for a community of undergraduate students in various residence types. This 12-month, live-in role requires strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to student development.

The position provides an annual salary of $47,000 and involves oversight of resident advisors and student programs to enhance community life. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree and have at least 2 years of relevant work experience.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of relevant work experience in residential administration.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including verbal and written.
• Experience modeling values that support inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and support for a community of 60–600 undergraduate students.
• Manage student conduct and care cases.
• Serve on an on-call rotation for community support.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork

Management of priorities

Advocacy for diverse backgrounds

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Business/technical programs

Job description

Student & Campus Life (SCL) inspires transformation in all Cornell students on their journey of individual, academic and personal evolution.

Our division is comprised of leading student affairs experts who support our campus on pressing student life matters including public service, health, wellbeing, connection and belonging, residential living, food services, sports, recreation, career services, and student activities and organizations including sorority and fraternity life. We provide support and services to roughly 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on multiple campuses in the U.S. and abroad.

The Office of Housing and Residential Life (HRL) is committed to providing a residential experience of the highest quality for each of our residents. This includes providing a safe, comfortable and purposeful living and learning environment aligned with university values and learning goals. Through partnerships with university faculty and staff, we foster students’ personal growth, critical thinking, intellectual engagement, and social responsibility that is designed to educate, challenge, and develop our students.

Community Types and Links

First‑year/Upper‑level communities focus on transitioning students as they begin or continue through their Cornell and college journey. Communities have a variety of configurations and sizes, but all are co‑ed (all gender) except for one building which is open to female and non‑binary‑identified students only. Regardless of size, all residence halls are supportive communities for residents to learn, develop, and come together in a variety of ways.

• You can find details on all our residential communities by visiting: https://scl.cornell.edu/residential-life/housing/campus-housing
• You can find information specifically for first‑year communities by visiting: https://scl.cornell.edu/residential-life/housing/campus-housing/first-year-undergraduates-campus-housing
• You can find information specifically for upper‑level communities by visiting: https://scl.cornell.edu/residential-life/housing/campus-housing/upperlevel-undergraduate-campus-housing

Program Houses are themed‑living communities which focus on a variety of interests and identities. These close‑knit communities have a high level of involvement with regular events, programming, and outreach opportunities, often in collaboration with academic department organized student leaders and affiliated alumni.

• More information regarding our program houses can be found at this link: https://scl.cornell.edu/residential-life/housing/campus-housing/upper-level-undergraduates/program-houses

Role Description

The Residence Hall Director (RHD) is a 12‑month, live‑in position that provides leadership, student development and support, community and program development, administrative management, student conduct management, and oversight for a particular community ranging from 60–600 undergraduate students. Depending on the type and size of the residence community, the RHD will supervise, train, and utilize approximately 5–20 resident advisors (RA), or other student leaders. The RHD will work collaboratively with their teams and with facilities, public safety, a cohort of Faculty and Community Fellows, Faculty‑in‑Residence in some first‑year communities, and/or appropriate campus partners. The RHD is expected to support student involvement, development, and social responsibility by providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging living environment, assessing and addressing needs, managing care and conduct cases, advising hall council and providing support to SCL’s student learning outcomes. The RHD also serves on an on‑call rotation to support safety and security needs of residential communities.

We currently have a vacancy for first‑year, upper‑level, and program house communities. In your cover letter, please speak to your interest in your area(s) of interest.

The salary of this position is $47,000. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• At least 2 years of relevant work experience in residential administration, community development, student affairs program planning or implementation at the graduate, or professional level. Undergraduate level experience will be considered to a lesser degree than professional or graduate experience
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including verbal and written communication
• Demonstrated experience in being a team player, ability to manage priorities, and working in an evolving environment
• Required to live in the residence halls 12 months per year
• Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
• Ability to advocate for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in student personnel/higher education or closely related field
• Commitment to working with students in residence.
• Experience in using a variety of basic and advanced business/technical programs/applications to perform responsibilities involving data management and analysis

EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-05-29