Job Summary:
The Director of Residence Life provides visionary leadership and comprehensive operational oversight for the Office of Residence Life, cultivating residential communities that are engaging, safe, and conducive to student learning, development, and success. The position is essential to advancing the mission of the University of Nebraska at Kearney by supporting student success, retention, campus engagement, and a positive residential experience. Through a student-centered approach, the Director advances initiatives that promote academic achievement, personal responsibility, community engagement, interpersonal growth, and compliance with university policies and regulatory standards.
Housed within the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), the Director collaborates extensively with campus partners to enhance the overall student experience and support institutional priorities related to retention, engagement, and student success. The Director serves as a strategic liaison to university departments, external partners, and stakeholders to foster collaborative solutions and innovative residential experiences.
The Director oversees all facets of Residence Life operations for a 2,000-bed residential system, including leadership and supervision of professional staff responsible for housing administration, conference services, fiscal and business operations, assessment, marketing and communications, residence education, and fraternity and sorority housing. The position also works in close partnership with campus partners to ensure the effective operation, maintenance, safety, accessibility, and regulatory compliance of all residential facilities.
Reporting directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the Director plays an integral role in shaping UNK's residential learning environment and advancing a holistic student experience that supports the university's mission and strategic goals.
Required Qualifications:
Earned master's degree in college student personnel, higher education, counseling or related field
Eight years of experience, or a comparable combination of education and experience in a related field, experience adjudicating university policy violations, understanding of best practices, policies and legal issues in the field, an operational understanding of excellence in office management, office record security and organizational efficiency, strong oral and written communications skills, demonstrate leadership and public speaking skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Progressive experience in the two to three years of experience and responsibility for student conduct, experience with training, experience with medication, experience with event planning.
About Us:
The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) is a public university committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. As part of the University of Nebraska system, UNK offers a supportive, student-focused environment with the resources of a larger institution. Located in central Nebraska, UNK serves around 6,000 students and is known for its strong academics, welcoming campus culture, and dedication to student success. Join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and the power of education to transform lives.
As a University of Nebraska employee, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, retirement, and wellness programs plus 13 paid holidays each year, generous leave options, and tuition remission.