Assistant Director of Residential Life & Community Standards

Assistant Director of Residential Life & Community Standards

Position Summary

Franklin Pierce University invites applications for the Assistant Director of Residential Life & Community Standards, a full-time, 12-month, live-in position reporting to the Dean of Students. The Assistant Director plays a key leadership role in creating a welcoming, engaging, and student-centered residential experience that promotes belonging, connection, wellness, leadership, and student success.

The Assistant Director provides direct supervision and mentorship to Residence Directors and oversees residential education and engagement initiatives, including the Resident Assistant program, student leader recruitment and training, intentional interactions, and residential programming. The position collaborates closely with campus partners to develop engaging programs and experiences that respond to student needs and strengthen the residential community.

The Assistant Director also serves as a Community Standards Hearing Officer, participates in the Residential Life On-Call ROC rotation, and supports division-wide programs and initiatives, including Orientation and Welcome Week, Homecoming, Halloweek, Spring Week, and other major campus traditions.

The ideal candidate brings experience in residential life, student programming and engagement, community standards, and student leadership development, along with a commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive residential community.

Typical Schedule

This is a 12-month, exempt, live-in position. Typical office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with flexibility based on departmental and student needs. Participation in the Residential Life On-Call rotation is required, along with occasional early morning, evening, and weekend responsibilities.

As an essential employee, the Assistant Director may be required to assist during severe weather, emergencies, or other significant campus events. The department values collaboration, flexibility, shared responsibility, and a sustainable approach to supporting students and staff.

Job Responsibilities and Essential Functions of the Position

Residential Education, Programming & Student Engagement

• Develop, implement, and assess residential programs that promote belonging, community building, leadership, wellness, academic success, and personal development.
• Utilize student feedback, assessment data, and best practices to continually strengthen residential programs and initiatives.
• Support first-year, sophomore, transfer, and other transition-focused programming in collaboration with campus partners.
• Contribute to major Student Affairs and University programs, including Orientation, Welcome Week, Homecoming, Halloweek, Spring Week, and other campus traditions.
• Support the development of specialized housing, themed communities, and Living-Learning Communities that respond to student interests and needs.
• Partner with Student Engagement & Raven Recreation, Student Success, Academic Affairs, Multicultural Student Services, Student Wellness, Athletics, Campus Safety, and other offices to support student engagement and success.

Staff Supervision & Leadership Development

• Supervise and mentor Residence Directors, providing guidance related to residential education, student engagement, staff supervision, and community management.
• Provide leadership for the Resident Assistant program, including recruitment, selection, training, evaluation, and ongoing development.
• Oversee and strengthen the Ravens Reach Out intentional interaction model to encourage meaningful connections between RAs and residents.
• Create leadership development opportunities that prepare student staff to build inclusive communities, respond effectively to student needs, and promote student success.

Community Standards & Student Support

• Serve as a Community Standards Hearing Officer and, when appropriate, an appellate officer.
• Support the Dean of Students in responding to student concerns, incidents, policy matters, and other issues affecting the residential community.
• Participate in the Residential Life On-Call rotation and provide leadership and support during student crises and campus emergencies.
• Promote educational and restorative approaches to accountability, conflict resolution, and community expectations.

Assessment, Administration & Departmental Leadership

• Assess residential programming, engagement efforts, and student leadership initiatives through surveys, focus groups, participation data, and other measures.
• Use assessment findings and student feedback to recommend improvements and inform future programming.
• Assist with departmental policies, procedures, reports, strategic planning, and assessment.
• Support broader initiatives within Residential Life & Community Standards, Student Affairs, and the University.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and University goals.

Position Requirements

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Social Work, Student Development, or a related field.
• Three to five years of related experience in residential life, student affairs, student engagement, campus programming, or a related area.
• Experience supervising or developing student leaders and/or professional staff, including recruitment, training, and evaluation.
• Experience with student conduct, conflict resolution, or serving as a conduct hearing officer.
• Demonstrated ability to develop engaging programs and initiatives that foster student involvement, belonging, and development.
• Knowledge of student development theory and best practices within residential and student affairs settings.
• Strong interpersonal, written, verbal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced residential campus environment.
• Experience using technology and information systems such as Microsoft Office, Maxient, housing management systems, or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming residential community.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet job-related driving responsibilities.
• Ability to participate in an on-call rotation and work occasional evenings, weekends, and early mornings.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of previous experience and expertise in working with Maxient, a housing management software, or similar systems.
• 3+ years of paraprofessional (graduate and undergraduate) supervision.
• 3+ years serving in a professional staff duty rotation and/or transferable crisis response team

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

Incumbent must be physically able to lift various materials up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis. While performing required job tasks, physically able to remain seated, frequently to continuously. While performing required job tasks, incumbent must be physically able to remain standing for up to 15% of the time. Possesses dexterity abilities required to perform typing, operate a computer and other office equipment and other related job responsibilities. Incumbent's work environment is under typical office conditions.

Confidentiality: All information regarding students is protected by FERPA and considered confidential. Student information must not be shared without the express permission of the student.

Expectations of All Employees

All Staff support the University's mission, vision values by incorporating behaviors outlined in the Code of Conduct in the daily work. Each team member is able to describe the ways the work of their department/area contributes to making the University a great place for students to learn and staff to work. Each staff member plays an essential role in fostering an environment of respect, diversity and inclusion, raising the quality of service, and generating ideas that help us improve.