Reporting directly to the Associate Dean of the Residential Experience and Student Conduct, the Director of Housing Innovation and Student Life Systems position provides strategic leadership for housing operations and serves as the primary technology specialist for student life systems. The Director ensures housing services and technology solutions align with institutional values, fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging living-learning environment. The role combines operational oversight with technology integration to enhance student experiences and streamline administrative processes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Housing Operations Management
- Oversee all aspects of housing operations, including occupancy management, assignments, room inspections, and housing selection processes
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for housing operations, ensuring compliance with institutional standards and applicable regulations
- Lead the University move-in and closing process for first-year students and returners
- Manage university break housing processes, summer housing and interim housing periods
- Coordinate maintenance and facility concerns with Residence Life, Campus Environment, and external vendors
- Provide exceptional customer service to students, families, and campus partners
- Analyze current housing workflows and recommend technology-driven improvements
Leadership and Administration
- Directly supervise the full-time Housing Operations Coordinator and provide indirect oversight of graduate assistants and student employees.
- Serve in the Residential Experience on-call duty rotation
- Recruit, train, and evaluate staff to maintain high standards of service and operational excellence
- Foster a collaborative team environment that promotes professional development and accountability
- Develop and monitor housing operations budgets, including forecasting and expense tracking
- Ensure efficient use of resources while maintaining quality housing services
- Serve as a resource for students regarding housing concerns, including conflict resolution and accommodations
- Maintain a visible presence at university events, programs, and community activities, including regular interactions with students in the dining hall or food establishments on campus
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Dean
Campus Collaboration
- Collaborate with Residence Life staff to create a residential environment that supports academic and personal growth
- Build strong partnerships with departments such as Public Safety, Dining Services, Athletics, and Academic Affairs
- Represent housing operations in university committees and strategic planning initiatives
Technology & Data Management
- Oversee housing management systems and ensure accurate data reporting for occupancy, retention, and assessment.
- Lead the implantation of the new University housing and conduct software
- Utilize data to inform decision-making and improve housing processes
- Design and deliver training for University staff on new platforms and tools
- Provide ongoing technical support and troubleshoot system issues
- Ensure data integrity and compliance with institutional and regulatory standards
Job Requirements: Education, Experience and Skills:
- A commitment to support and enhance an inclusive University community, and experience working with diverse student populations
- Master’s degree in higher education, student personnel, counseling or a related field is required; as well as 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience, and leadership experience working in higher education
- Extensive knowledge of college student development theory
- Experience with student success and engagement technology platforms (Symplicity, Guardian, Advocate, Jenzabar, etc.)
- Must live on-campus in a university provided apartment or within 30 minutes of campus
- Approaches challenges with a flexible, innovative mindset, and work with the team to develop an optimistic, can-do spirit
- Exceptional leadership skills and ability to lead a collaborative team by fostering team building and the ability to engage and motivate the full talents of a diverse staff
- Diplomacy skills, including savvy, tact, courage of convictions, commitment to education and to the community, and a high tolerance for ambiguity
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, in writing, in personal conversation, and in group presentations
- Ability to establish trusting and respectful relationships with students, families, campus partners, and external stakeholders
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Workday
- Ability to maintain a professional, but friendly demeanor at all times, including the ability to remain calm and patient in stressful situations
- Ability to engage in emergency situations
- Ability to multitask efficiently
- Flexibility to a work schedule that includes evening, weekend, and "on call" responsibilities
Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the University's Catholic liberal arts mission, hold a master’s in higher education, student personnel, counseling or a related field preferred, and have a proven record of utilizing student success platforms and leadership in student life and housing. At least 5 years of progressive experience in student life is preferred.
Salary Range :
$70,000-$80,000/year
(compensation depending on experience, education, and qualifications)
Employee Benefits:
This is a full-time position with full benefits and annual, holiday, and sick leave. The university offers a generous benefits package, including tuition remission for graduate and undergraduate classes at Mount St. Mary’s University, a retirement program with a match as, well as a generous paid time off schedule. For a complete list of employee benefits please visit: https://inside.msmary.edu/more/human-resources/index.html
