If you are an experienced housing leader who thrives in complexity, leads with calm under pressure, and is ready to operate at the next level of institutional leadership, this role is for you. 

Housing and residential programs sit at the center of the student experience, and they operate around the clock. The University of Vermont is seeking a seasoned, people-centered leader to serve as Director of Housing & Residential Programs, a senior role within University Housing & Dining Services and a member of the UHDS Executive Leadership Team. 

This position provides day-to-day operational leadership for a complex residential system serving approximately 5,800 students across 41 residence halls and 11 residential complexes. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director supervises associate director–level leaders across Residential Education, Residential Learning & Academic Engagement, Housing Operations, and Strategic Initiatives & Planning. This is a true leader-of-leaders role—designed for someone with sound judgment, operational fluency, and the ability to support experienced professionals doing demanding, high-stakes work in a 24/7 environment. 

This is not a stretch assignment or a stepping-stone role. We are seeking a leader with deep experience in housing or residential life, a strong operational backbone, and the ability to lead with clarity, consistency, and care - especially when things are busy, complex, or high-impact. Evening, weekend, and on-call availability are required, and this is a live-on campus position. 

Application Materials 

In addition to including a resume, applicants should be prepared to answer the following questions their cover letter: 

1. Please describe your progressively responsible leadership experience in housing, residential life, or a closely related field. Include the scope of your responsibilities, the size and complexity of the systems you’ve led, and your experience supervising senior-level staff or unit heads. 
2. Housing and residential programs operate in a 24/7 environment. Please describe your experience responding to crises, emergencies, or other high-impact situations, and explain how you approach operational decision-making under pressure. 
3. Describe your approach to supporting and coaching experienced leaders, particularly during periods of change or organizational stress. Please share an example that illustrates how you help leaders succeed while maintaining accountability and clarity. 
4. What draws you to the Director of Housing & Residential Programs role at the University of Vermont at this point in your career, and why do you see this role and this moment as the right fit for you?