Director of Residence Life

DIRECTOR OF RESIDENCE LIFE

Category:

Administration/Staff

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Department:

Residence Life

Locations:

Franklin, MA

Posted:

Mar 13, 2026

Closes:

Open Until Filled

Type:

Full-Time Fiscal Year Position 

ID:

198077 ABOUT

DEAN COLLEGE

Dean College is a private, residential New England college grounded in a culture and tradition that all students deserve the opportunity to discover and exceed their greatest aspirations. A personal and transformative community since 1865, Dean tirelessly inspires our students to unimagined heights through personalized support and integrated delivery of academic, co-curricular, and experiential learning. Our graduates are lifelong learners who thrive in their careers, embrace social responsibility, and demonstrate leadership. Recognized as a Top Regional College by U.S. News & World Report for thirteen consecutive years and named a College of Distinction for nine consecutive years, Dean serves approximately 1,200 full-time students and 400 part-time students and offers more than 50 combined bachelor's and associate degree programs and specializations, as well as a robust schedule of continuing studies and certificate programs throughout the year. Dean College is perfectly situated in Franklin, Massachusetts, which is conveniently located between Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, and is accessible to Boston by commuter rail. The Dean College/Franklin rail station is only a five-minute walk from campus. Approximately 90 percent of the College's student population lives on campus and Dean provides a supportive academic environment that thrives on hands-on engagement and exceptional teaching. This community-wide commitment of always going the extra mile for students is known as The Dean Difference. Outside of the classroom, students participate in 16 athletic teams and more than 40 on-campus groups and organizations. Ninety-six percent of our bachelor's degree students are employed or enrolled in graduate school within 12 months of graduation. Alumni are hard at work in top-ranked graduate programs and are employed by organizations such as Universal Studios, Dell Technologies, Liberty Mutual, Kraft Sports + Entertainment, the Boston Ballet, and more. What is The Dean Difference? The Dean Difference isn't any one thing. It's not a program or a professor. It's not a single class or a club. It's the way our academic support networks and community overlap, interweave, and magnify each other. Our difference unites us. It's our secret formula. It's the nucleus around which we orbit. It isn't one thing, it's everything.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Director of Residence Life provides strategic leadership and oversight for a comprehensive residential program that supports student success and fosters a vibrant, inclusive campus community. This position is responsible for the overall management of the Office of Residence Life, including staff supervision, community and student development, facilities coordination, budget administration, and policy creation. The Director plays a critical role in shaping the residential experience through proactive planning, collaboration across departments, and implementation of initiatives that enhance student engagement and retention. The Director develops and executes housing strategies to maximize occupancy and support the evolving needs of a growing baccalaureate population. This role leads the recruitment, training, and supervision of professional staff; partners with Facilities to maintain safe, well-kept, and welcoming residence halls; oversees residential policies; and manages student concerns and crises. As a visible campus leader, the Director resides in college housing to foster community engagement and ensure timely response to campus needs. The position requires regular evening and weekend presence and participation in the Administrator On-Call rotation.

Salary range:

$75,000-$78,000 per year, commensurate with experience. The College also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and generous paid time off. The position includes a live-on requirement, with the Director receiving an unfurnished campus house (utilities included) and a meal plan when the dining center is open.

Position responsibilities include:

Lead all aspects of housing operations, including occupancy tracking, housing selection processes and assignments, residential hall opening and closing, summer housing, and enforcement of housing terms and conditions. Design and execute housing strategies aimed at optimizing occupancy and utilization. Oversee the Assistant Director of Residence Life and Resident Directors, providing supervision, mentoring, and leading professional development and training initiatives. Partner with Campus Operations to ensure residence halls are properly maintained, student concerns are addressed promptly, and hall renewal projects align with capital planning timelines. Manage high level, complex communications with students, families, and faculty/staff addressing sensitive concerns, resolving conflicts, and providing clear guidance to ensure a positive residential experience. Direct departmental budget operations, cultivate vendor partnerships, and guide ongoing assessment and evaluation efforts. Work with campus partners to create and refine policies and procedures affecting the residential student experience. Serve on various College committees, which include those which focus on student concerns, retention, and crisis management. Required to present to prospective students and their families at Admissions events and orientation programs. Partner with Admissions and Athletics & Recreation to provide prospective students with accurate insights into the residential student experience. Flexible availability to support and lead programs outside regular hours. Participate year-round in the weekly Administrator On-Call rotation, serving as the overnight point person for student and campus crises and serve as the Daytime Crisis Manager during the academic year. Other duties as assigned and/or required.

REQUIREMENTS

Master's degree in Higher Education Administration or a related field required. Minimum of 5 years of residence life experience, preferably in higher education, showing progressive leadership and increasing responsibility along with experience with housing operations and accommodations. Committed to advancing student growth while fostering an inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive campus community. Display demonstrated aptitude for crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and mediation. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with a variety of constituencies, including students, parents, staff, and faculty. Exhibit strong, innovative leadership and strategic decision-making skills. Demonstrate exceptional time management with the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities. Highly organized and capable of performing effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Proficient with technology, including Microsoft Office and housing software (currently eRezLife at Dean College).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Dean College is an equal-opportunity, Title IX institution and pledges to recruit, select and promote diversity by providing equality of opportunity in higher education for all persons, including faculty and staff with respect to hiring, continuation, promotion, and applicants for admission, enrolled students and graduates without discrimination or segregation. The College is interested in candidates who have the communication skills and cross-cultural abilities to maximize their effectiveness with diverse groups of colleagues, students, faculty, and community members. All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis. Dean College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in College programs, services, and activities. A pre-employment background screen is required for all employees.