Executive Director, Housing & Residence Life
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Department
Student Engagement and Wellness
Position Summary
The inaugural Executive Director of Housing & Residence Life (Executive Director) at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) provides strategic vision and leadership for a dynamic and student-centered residential program slated to open in Fall 2027. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President & Dean of Students, the Executive Director serves as MSU Denver's Senior Student Housing Officer and oversees all aspects of housing operations, residential life programming, occupancy management, dining management/partnerships, and strategic initiatives related to student retention and success.
The Executive Director is responsible for leading a comprehensive residential experience that aligns with MSU Denver's commitment to student engagement, belonging, and academic success. This position serves as a key leader in Student Engagement & Well-being, works in close collaboration with the Finance and Administration team, and plays a critical role in fostering partnerships across campus to support students' holistic development and well-being. This position provides overall administration to on-campus housing and residence life program, currently projected at 586 bed spaces to open in Fall 2027.
Metropolitan State University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer.
IND208
Strategic Leadership & Administration
Provide vision, leadership, and direction for the Housing & Residence Life department, ensuring alignment with the university's mission, values, and strategic priorities.
Serve as a member of the SEW Deans/Directors leadership team and the Finance and Administration leadership team.
Lead strategic planning efforts related to housing operations, information technology, future facility development, and programmatic initiatives.
Lead campus-wide dining partnerships.
Coordinate off-campus student housing referrals in collaboration with campus partners.
Present housing data and capital planning updates to the Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership.
Represent MSU Denver in local/regional/national associations (i.e. ACUHO-I).
Residential Life & Student Success
Oversee a residential education model that fosters engagement, leadership development, and academic support.
Develop and implement living-learning communities.
Partner with faculty, academic units, and the C2 Hub for educational and career readiness initiatives.
Maintain partnership with the Counseling Center to embed a mental health counselor in the residence hall.
Build a culture of service, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Occupancy Management & Housing Operations
Direct occupancy management, assignments, and enrollment-related housing initiatives.
Ensure compliance with vaccination requirements in partnership with the Health Center at Auraria.
Oversee facilities planning, safety, security, and maintenance.
Manage on-campus housing public-private partnerships (P3s).
Maintain resources for off-campus student housing options in Denver.
Crisis Management & Student Support
Serve as a key responder in student crises, emergency management, and behavioral interventions.
Collaborate with campus safety, student conduct, Counseling Center, Student Care Center, and Health Center at Auraria.
Budget, Finance & Personnel Management
Manage Housing & Residence Life budget.
Supervise professional staff (associate director, assistant director, residence directors, RAs, community assistants).
Coordinate with the C2 Hub for building/occupancy management.
Lead development of position descriptions and staffing plans.
Support recruitment, hiring, training, and professional development.
Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling, or related field.
10+ years of progressive Housing & Residence Life experience.
Experience with housing operations, occupancy, and facilities.
Crisis response, Title IX, conduct, and behavioral intervention experience.
Budget management and strategic planning expertise.
Experience coordinating with P3 Partners.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Flexible schedule availability.
Important Note: Resume must demonstrate how applicant meets all required qualifications.
Doctorate or terminal degree in Higher Education Administration or related field.
Experience in urban institutions with diverse populations.
Experience with P3s and off-campus housing management.
Experience with retention initiatives, LLCs, and academic partnerships.
Proficiency in data-driven decision-making and housing technology.
Full-time, 40 hours/week, Exempt
Monday–Friday with evening/weekend on-call
Some hybrid flexibility
Travel: <5%
$90,600 – $120,950 (commensurate with experience, equity, education, training).
Submit:
Resume
Cover Letter (addressing qualifications and interest)
3 professional references required (one must be a prior supervisor).
Deadline: Apply by September 05, 2025 for full consideration. Position remains open until filled.
Official transcripts required upon hire. Internal applicants apply via WorkDay Career tab.
Posting Representative
Carlos Alcala
Email: calcala1@msudenver.edu
Benefits
Medical, vision, dental, RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, insurance, retirement, LTD plan. Details: MSU Benefits Website
Summary PDF: MSU Benefit Summary
ADA Accommodations: totalrewards@msudenver.edu
Background Checks
Required for all finalists.
Diversity Statement
MSU Denver is an HSI and access-oriented institution with 58% first-gen students and 50%+ students of color. The University is committed to equity, inclusion, belonging, and creating a culture of dialogue and action for a just society.
To apply, visit:
https://msudenver.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/MSUDenver/job/Denver-Colorado/Executive-Director--Housing---Residence-Life_JR104169