Residential College Director - Residential Experience (Fixed term for 3 years)

Job Number

2024-14242

Position Summary

UAE nationals are encouraged to apply

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) seeks to appoint a Residential College Director reporting to Residential Experience Manager. 

The Residential College Director (RCD) directs all aspects of the community development programs and services for an assigned Residential College. The RCD directly supervises a student-staff of 16-20 Resident Assistants (RAs). As a member of Residential Life, this position manages the day-to-day community engagement initiatives in an effort to foster a sense of community to enrich the students’ university experience. The RCD serves as a student conduct hearing officer, serves on departmental committees, and oversees administrative aspects of the residential college. The RCD also participates in the recruitment, selection, and training processes of the RAs. The RCD is a member of the on-call duty rotation team and has some evening and weekend responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities: 

Resident Assistant Supervision

• Conduct bi-weekly staff meetings with the Resident Assistants to discuss trends in the residential college community, provide necessary departmental/institutional updates, review program initiatives, facilitate continued learning and development, and recognize staff contributions
• In liaison with the Residential Experience Manager, support the planning and execution of monthly First Tuesdays
• Facilitate 1:1 meetings with Resident Assistants
• Create and assign RA Office Hours schedule and RA on call duty rotation for academic year, ensuring appropriate office staffing and completion of administrative tasks
• Assess the development and skills of the Resident Assistants through regular office hours touchpoints and provide individualized opportunities to challenge and support their development as student leaders
• Provide ongoing feedback and conduct mid-year and end of year performance evaluations
• Facilitate and communicate disciplinary action processes for Resident Assistants who fail to meet expectations.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection process for the Resident Assistants including, but not limited to, hosting information sessions, scoring applications, facilitating group interviews, conducting individual interviews, and hiring competitive applicants

Community Development

• Facilitate intentional RC Highline Welcome Events every semester, in liaison with RC RAs, to welcome returning students
• Oversee and implement the Residential Experience Curriculum, including by defining monthly Resident Assistant expectations, reviewing program proposals and evaluations, providing feedback, and tracking the program requirements. This includes strategic planning and development to foster engagement and promote learning in the community
• Supervise individual RA Curriculum programs, including but not limited to: event reviews, budget approvals, logistical and purchase support, and feedback processes
• Role model and lead several community development programs and initiatives within Residential Experience
• Develop supportive and collaborative relationships with Student Affairs stakeholders, including but not limited to Campus Safety, EFS, RCS, Housekeeping staff to maintain a living and learning environment
• Support Residential Life signature and hallmark events
• Serve as a core Community Values Team member and Student Conduct Officer to promote and uphold community values, including through regular CVT meetings, student conduct conferences, and applications of necessary restorative practices

Residential College Administration

• Manage and control residential college expenditures for the Resident Assistants, including the oversight of programming budgets, petty cash, purchasing card, reimbursements, chartfields, procurement processes, and financial records
• Utilize and possess an understanding of StarRez and other IT processes in order to navigate residential rosters and execute room changes as needed
• Maintain student conduct records through effective use of the Advocate software; document and submit comprehensive incident reports; train RA staff on appropriate Advocate reporting
• Coordinate communications and meetings with students found in possible violation of university and/or residential college policies in liaison with the Community Values Team, including student availability review, Advocate processing, and sanctioning follow-up
• In liaison with the Student Life Operations team, support the coordination of RAs and shift-scheduling of the check out and check in process, including staff tabling, occupancy verification, and Bed4Bed Exchanges
• Oversight of Summer Housing student staff, operational processes, and programming elements during summer term transition periods

Paraprofessional Counselor

• Serve as a resource for students through the engagement of critical conversations when addressing student behavior and providing necessary referrals to assist students in making educated decisions, integrating NYU Connect into the referral process
• Provide advice and support to students with personal or interpersonal problems and refer students, as necessary, to other offices and resources at NYUAD
• Participate in the Residential Life 24/7 rotating “on call’ system, which is a weekly rotation, responding to student incidents or crises such as medical, mental health, and facilities emergencies. This includes supervising the RAs on call and responding to Campus Safety support requests after hours
• Responsible for the University’s initial response to student incidents on weekends, holidays, and after business hours in the residential college, including university closures and transition periods throughout the academic year
• Provide appropriate post-crisis follow-up necessary to re-normalize the student’s life through advice, information, and referral and support

Organizations, Committees, Special Initiatives, & Student Affairs Support

• Serve on collaterals or working groups to ameliorate the student experience and improve processes
• Attend all departmental and Student Affairs training sessions and divisional gatherings, as required.
• Connect with other university offices such as Campus Safety, Facilities, and Health & Wellness, and make referrals when deemed appropriate
• Maintain partnerships with other university offices and departments to identify collaboration opportunities, inform students of relevant information, and offer/solicit support for community efforts
• Train and serve as a SLICECT Conflict Transformer, engaging in regular sessions and upskilling
• Represent the department as a member of university wide committees as well as participate in staff development opportunities offered by other campus offices
• The RCD is encouraged to maintain involvement at the regional, national, and international level within professional development organizations, as well as attend local, regional, and national conferences

Perform other related duties as required and assigned

Required Education: 

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field 

Preferred Education: 

• Master's Degree preferably in higher education administration, counseling, or college student personnel

Required Experience: 

• 2+ years of related experience within a residential education program (including program development and implementation, facility management, and staff supervision) or equivalent combination
• Experience in program development, personal counseling/crisis intervention, and prior involvement with Resident Assistants are crucial. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a variety of individuals is essential

• Must be highly motivated, energetic, and ready to assume the responsibility for a comprehensive program; must be imaginative and creative; able to promote and motivate high enthusiasm for residence life program.

• Display exceptional customer service skills; maintain and exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information

• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and work effectively with multiple diverse populations. Experience and commitment to working with an international community is essential

• An appreciation for the relationship between the academic and residence life programs at a private liberal arts institution is essential