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Residence Hall Director

Residence Hall Director

  • 559485
  • New York
  • Opening on: Sep 5 2026
  • Grade 11
  • Job Type: Officer of Administration
  • Bargaining Unit:
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • End Date if Temporary:
  • Hours Per Week: 35
  • Standard Work Schedule:
  • Building:
  • Salary Range: $66,300 - $66,300 Annually
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
 

Position Summary

Reporting to an Associate Director, this live-in position oversees community development and provides a living learning experience for undergraduate students living in one or more residence halls. Residence Hall Directors (RHDs) are professionals responsible for program development, oversight of Resident Advisers, advisement of a Hall Council and support of students living in one building. RHDs assume collateral assignments with partnered offices to offer educational programming to undergraduate students. RHDs provide crisis intervention, resolve issues, or refer as appropriate. Strong administrative and counseling skills are utilized. RHDs conduct initial investigation of alleged University and residence hall policy violations. RHDs must be able to work autonomously, demonstrate initiative, display strong commitment to student learning, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with colleagues and partner offices across the University. This position is assigned rotational on-call duties after-hours/weekend/holiday to address any residential emergency for the entire undergraduate residential population. As an essential staff member, RHDs may be required to respond to emergencies in addition to their on-call duties.


Responsibilities

  • Student Wellness and Conduct: Assist students in taking responsibility for the safety and well-being of fellow community members and the physical environment. Provide support to students experiencing wellness related concerns. Document conduct concerns and adjudicate cases as needed. Keep accurate records of conflicts, student interactions, and disciplinary conferences in accordance with federal reporting standards of the Clery Act of the Department of Education. Know and communicate all school-specific and University rules and regulations in relation to residential living.
  • Health & Safety and On-Call: As an essential staff member, serve on the emergency crisis response team and adhere to University and department protocols and policies; share on-call coverage for campus. RHDs serve as on-site responders and follow-up on incidents, provide direction to RAs, contact other professionals around facilities, health and public health concerns (e.g., pandemic), emotional and behavioral emergencies, suicidal behavior, sexual assaults, and police activity; liaise with medical facilities/hospitals; and appropriately notify parents and guardians. Counsel, advise, and provide referrals for residents in need of professional services.
  • Administration: Attend required meetings, including departmental, area, committee, one-on-ones, and Hall Council. Maintain program calendar for residential community. Support check-in and check-out, including summer session if applicable. Responsible for hall budget and day-to-day spending.
  • Resident Adviser oversight & development: RHD will train and oversee 8-16 Resident Advisers), facilitate weekly team meetings, and implement and initiate individual and team development in the residence hall community. RHD is an active and visible presence at meetings and events beyond usual business hours.
  • Student & community development: Build a sense of community supporting a living and learning environment: Advise Hall Council, providing direction and information on University policies and procedures. Serve as a partner in students’ development, establishing partnerships with appropriate offices.
  • Campus Partnerships & Committee Work: Work with appropriate staff to monitor the up-keep of the residence halls; supervise a monthly building tour; support students' efforts to maintain residence halls. Serve as Chair, Co-Chair, or member of departmental committee. Staff large-scale, community events. Serve on additional teams or committees within Undergraduate Student Life or the University.  
  • Professional Development: Commit to on-going professional growth and learning.  Assess programs to improve the quality of the residential experience.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent related experience required.
  • Minimum two years’ related experience.
  • Required to live on campus and be available year round to respond to and address residential student concerns and emergencies during regular business hours and beyond.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of residence life, student wellness, leadership development, multicultural theory and program development.
  • Must have strong communication skills with young adults from diverse backgrounds.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy and discretion are essential.
  • Well-organized administrative skills and computer literacy required. Specifically, must be well versed in using web-based programs, Microsoft Office, and email.
  • Must be available for after-hours/weekend/holiday on-call duties on a rotational basis to address any residential emergency.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's Degree in Higher Education, Student Personnel Administration, Counseling or related field. 
  • Experience following up on student wellness concerns, and working with young adults in an urban setting.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

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