Residence Life Business & Operations Manager

Oberlin College Development

Oberlin (OH)

On-site

USD 65,000 - 90,000

Full time

8 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

35 days PTO

Job summary

Oberlin College invites applications for the Residence Life Business & Operations Manager. This is a full-time, 12-month Administrative and Professional Staff role reporting to the Assistant VP/Dean of Residence Life and Auxiliary Services.

The position supports a vibrant residential community by managing business operations, administrative systems, and assessment practices, ensuring equity, efficiency, and student-centered services across Residence Life and Auxiliary Services.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education/experience in a relevant field.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills for support of people and project management.
Superior written and oral communication skills.
Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence in a complex office environment.

Responsibilities

Oversee business and financial operations including budgets, purchasing, payroll, and reporting.
Manage daily office operations, staff supervision, and project timelines with travel as needed.
Lead process-improvement initiatives focusing on equity and efficiency.
Coordinate communications with internal and external stakeholders and maintain campus relationships.
Support data collection, analysis, and reporting to inform program decisions and planning.

Skills

Budget management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Equity & inclusion

Office management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

High school diploma + substantial related experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Database management

Job description

Residence Life Business & Operations Manager

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

A completed application will consist of a cover letter, resume, list of references, and a diversity statement.
Oberlin College is committed to creating and sustaining a vibrant, welcoming community where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, and where every member has an equal opportunity to learn, work, and contribute based on their talents, skills, and merit. We value a campus environment that draws on a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and ideas to enrich education, scholarship, and daily interactions. The College adheres strictly to all applicable federal and state civil rights laws, including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Equal Protection Clause, and related regulations. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic in employment, admissions, or educational programs. Hiring and advancement decisions are made based on qualifications, experience, and job-related criteria. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence, free inquiry, respectful dialogue, and equal opportunity under the law to apply. The Office for Institutional Equity plays a key role in supporting a fair, compliant, and inclusive workplace and learning environment for the entire Oberlin community.

Announcement Information

Job Summary

The Office of Residence Life invites applications for the position of Residence Life Business & Operations Manager. This is a full-time, 12-month continuing, Administrative and Professional Staff position.

Oberlin College is unique among independent colleges in its commitment to offering students a wide variety of on-campus housing options, such as special interest theme housing, cooperative housing, apartment and suite-style housing, and traditional housing. Residential living and dining are integral to the educational experience of Oberlin students; more than 90% of Oberlin’s students live and dine on campus during their entire 4 to 5 years as undergraduates.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President/Dean of Residence Life and Auxiliary Services, this role serves as a strategic and operational partner responsible for business operations, administrative systems, and assessment practices that support a vibrant and inclusive residential community. Specific responsibilities include managing information and workflow responsibilities for the Residence Life and Auxiliary Services Office; supporting department leaders with budget and operational responsibilities; and providing oversight of office staff management and administrative functions.

This position advances the mission, vision, and values of Residence Life by ensuring efficient, equitable, and student-centered operations while fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and inclusive excellence. The incumbent will work with all divisional administrative support personnel including Operational Managers with the Division of Student Affairs to ensure accuracy and prioritization of work throughout the institution.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities for this role include:

Business & Financial Operations

Oversee Residence Life and Auxiliary budgets, including purchasing, reconciliation, payroll, and financial reporting.
Manage procurement processes and vendor relationships.
Align financial planning with departmental priorities identifying resources needed to be successful and financially responsible for office operations.
Monitor and analyze financial trends to inform decisions.

Office & Administrative Management

Manage daily office operations, workflow, and communications.
Manage projects that require completion in a timely manner, with ability to travel where projects are situated, at the direction of the Assistant Vice President and other office leaders.
Oversee scheduling, meetings, and events with Office personnel.
Supervise administrative staff and student employees as directed.
Support development of a comprehensive assessment strategy.
Collect and analyze data to inform program and operational improvements.
Produce reports and support strategic planning efforts that promote evidence-based decision-making.

Operations Strategy & Process Improvement

Develop and refine office policies and procedures with office leadership support.
Lead process improvement initiatives centered on equity and efficiency.
Support onboarding and training of staff.
Coordinate operational systems and tools for effective student engagement.

Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

Manage communications across internal and external stakeholders.
Maintain strong relationships with campus partners.
Oversee web content and publications.

Student-Centered Operations & Inclusive Excellence

Ensure operations support an inclusive and equitable residential experience.
Advance belonging and student success initiatives.
All other duties as assigned.

Flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, are required to execute the position’s role responsibly. Occasional travel to/from external locations for the facilitation of training, meetings and other university functions.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education/experience with a minimum of 5 years of office experience at an executive-support level in higher education or a similarly complex organization. A high school diploma may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree if accompanied by substantial work experience related to the functional duties of the position.
Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills involving support for people and project management.
Superior written and oral communication skills.
Strong inclusive skills, specifically in the engagement of faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents and other stakeholders.
Skilled in information gathering and coordinating communication.
Experience with oversight of a complex office environment and workflow.
Excellent ability to work strategically, independently and cooperatively in a team environment
Track record in implementing office policies, programs, and activities.
A desire and commitment to developing relationships with members of a variety of cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, international origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and/or other aspects of human diversity.
Experience managing budgets, with exceptional attention to detail.
Excellent computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, report preparation, email and database management.
Ability to solve complex problems with limited supervision.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in Residence Life and Housing Operations or Student Affairs.
Previous experience working with Oberlin College and Conservatory fulfilling similar duties/essential functions.
Previous experience in a higher education environment or other work related to social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
Experience with project management
Experience in hiring, training and management of student staff
Commensurate with experience and includes an excellent benefits package including 35 days of PTO
Institutional support for professional development engagement to gather and share best practices, innovative approaches, and develop collegial networks
Lunch allowance when classes are in session

Special Instructions to Applicants

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents