Florida State University (FSU) is an American public space-grant and sea-grant research university. Founded in 1851, FSU is a preeminent research university in the State University System of Florida. The 1400-acre primary campus in Tallahassee, Florida, is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is classified as a Doctoral University - Highest Research Activity (R1) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Enrolling over 47,000 students, Florida State encompasses 16 separate colleges and more than 110 centers, facilities, labs, and institutes offering more than 360 programs of study, including professional school programs. The university has an annual budget of over $1.7 billion and an annual economic impact of over $10 billion.

Reporting to the executive director for university housing, the director of the residential student experience for university housing is responsible for leading the overall management of the residential student experience (RSE) program for the 6,700 residents living in University Housing at Florida State University. RSE assists the other units in University Housing with developing an FSU living experience that supports students' academic goals to graduation. The three direct functional areas within RSE include Residence Life, Residence Education, and HOME (Housing, Occupancy, Marketing, and Enrollment). 80% of the on-campus residents are considered “first time in college” (FTIC) students which requires a robust residential program and supportive environment to care for the students from the moment they engage with RSE during application to programming, leadership development and interaction opportunities help residents create and transition to their FSU experience and beyond.

The director develops and supports the efforts of a team of 29 professionals, ten graduate, and over 300 student staff within University Housing and oversees all administrative services, holistic program assessment, eleven living learning communities (LLCs), and fiscal oversight of the RSE budget of $197,000, to ensure high quality service and resident satisfaction across 22 residential facilities. As a member of the university housing leadership team, the director contributes to the implementation of departmental strategic initiatives through collaborative partnerships across campus and in the community to align efforts to strengthen student success and engagement, accessible programs for all, and diversity, equity and inclusion. The director is a visible and influential leader recognized for their leadership of university housing’s robust academic initiatives, thoughtful response to family and student concerns and complaints/appeals, swift coordination of crisis response for emergencies involving residential students, and the responsible management of confidential information.

Florida State University seeks candidates with progressively responsible and substantial experience leading residential life programs and staff. With a track record of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, the successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to communicate broadly across audiences while cultivating and sustaining collaborative relationships. The ideal candidate will have experience with academic-based living learning communities, developing educational programs, managing occupancy, and administering student conduct. Experience in student affairs and higher education is strongly preferred.

Review of applications begins December 5, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. To apply, candidates submit a resume and cover letter via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Email nominations for this position to Kara Kravetz Cupoli at [email protected]. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email [email protected].

Visit the Florida State University website at https://www.fsu.edu//


At Florida State University, we recognize that every competitive advantage begins with people. By valuing, celebrating, and leveraging the differences and similarities of our students, faculty, and staff, we inspire an environment of innovation and passion—one that enables us to create a teaching, research, and service environment that better reflects the needs of our students, faculty, staff, customers, constituents, communities, and other key stakeholders. As detailed in the Strategic Plan our approach starts with a belief that diversity is about more than a particular head count: it must reflect the quality and depths of our interactions. We remain focused on doing all that we can to ensure FSU is the university of choice for our faculty, staff, and students. By recognizing and embracing the differences and similarities within our community, we create a fertile environment for problem-solving—one that is more inventive and compassionate. We are proud that our cohesive community has become a signature of the FSU experience. But we can, and we will do more.

FSU is An Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer. FSU's Equal Opportunity Statement can be accessed at: https://hr.fsu.edu/sites/g/files/upcbnu2186/files/PDF/Publications/diversity/EEO_Statement.pdf.