Director of Residence Life

About

Founded in 1855, Bates is one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges, with a long history of commitments to principles of human dignity and diversity.

Since its inception, Bates has been a coeducational, nonsectarian, residential college with special commitments to academic rigor and to programs and opportunities by qualified learners of all backgrounds. Historically, Bates students and graduates have linked education with service, leadership, and obligations beyond themselves.

Bates has highly competitive admission, graduates over 90% of its entering students, and over half of its alumni earn graduate degrees. Bates has 1,700 students, 200 faculty members and 550 staff and administrative employees.

The College is proud of its strong involvements in the Lewiston-Auburn communities, Maine’s second largest urban area, with a population of approximately 65,000. Bates is located on a beautiful, 109-acre, traditional New England campus in Lewiston, Maine, a lively small city enjoying an exciting economic and cultural revitalization. With an engaged citizenry, lively arts scene, and historic downtown, this walkable city is 35 miles north of Portland, 140 miles north of Boston, and 340 miles north of New York City.

The Position

The Bates College Office of Residence Life and Health Education is searching for a dynamic, self-directed, extremely organized, and personable individual to join our team as Director of Residence Life. The Director of Residence Life is a twelve month, live-in staff member.  This position oversees the Residence Life program with authority to develop policy and determine the student staffing structure of the Residence Life program.  This position is the primary decision-maker for all student Residence Life related issues.

Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Students for Residence Life and Health Education, the Director of Residence Life executes all aspects of a diverse residence life program, including programmatic supervision for sixty student staff members and is an important member of a fast paced, engaging, and interactive team. The Director often manages conflict between students and parents taking into consideration both institutional risk and office policy. This position creates a welcoming and open office environment and works to support the values and principles of the Office of Residence Life and Health Education. The Office is committed to creating communities that celebrate and honor difference, engage people of all backgrounds, and ensure all students have access to community resources. This position advises students in their holistic development as individuals and community members in accordance with these fundamental values. The Director of Residence Life reports to the Assistant Dean of Students for Residence Life and Health Education and is a member of a vibrant professional and student team.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have a master’s degree and 3+ years of professional experience in residence life or higher education.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience working in collaborative, dynamic, and welcoming office environments.
• Experience working within a complex office environment with frequently shifting tasks and priorities.
• Experience supporting young adults and their families in the transition to a residential college environment.
• Demonstrated success in supporting students from underrepresented groups, including students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, first-generation-to-college students, and low-income students.
• Excellent judgement and awareness for interpersonal dynamics
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships with clientele such as students, families, staff, faculty and co-workers.
• Excellent communication (written, verbal & listening) skills.  
• Ability to effectively engage with diverse personalities and manage difficult situations.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational, tracking, and assessment skills  including proficiency in basic data management systems and basic computer software (e.g., Microsoft Word and Excel, Power Point, WordPress [website], Google docs, email and calendaring.)
• Strong problem solving skills with the ability to adapt and explore multiple avenues to a solution
• Personal commitment to excellence and the mission of a top-tier small liberal arts college.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume for consideration.

 

Benefits

Bates College offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits (health, dental, 9% retirement contribution with potential for an additional 3% match, 24 days of vacation*, 12 paid holidays, free parking, access to library and athletic facilities & more) and a supportive, collegial environment in a drug- and smoke-free workplace.   *Benefits may be tied to years of service or may be prorated for employees working less than full-time or 12 months.
 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. This position requires successful completion of a pre-employment background screening. Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. (References will not be contacted without your permission.)

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

Apply Now

For help signing up, accessing your account, or submitting your application please check out our help and support section or get in touch via email at help@interfolio.com or phone at (877) 997-8807.

Bates College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and providing an educational and work environment free from discrimination. The college prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status and other legally protected statuses in the recruitment and admission of its students, in the administration of its education policies and programs, or in the recruitment of its faculty and staff.  Bates College adheres to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity laws and regulations.  All college faculty, staff, students, contractors, visitors, and volunteers are responsible for understanding and complying with the Non-Discrimination Policy.

Inquiries concerning the college’s policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VII, Title IX, and ADA/Section 504), and complaints may be directed to Gwen Lexow, Title IX Officer, 207-786-6445 or via email at glexow@bates.edu.