Director of Residential Experience

Florida International University

Miami, FL

ID: 7135350
Posted: March 21, 2023
Application Deadline: April 21, 2023

Job Description

Florida International University (FIU) is Miami’s only Carnegie-designated R1 very high research activity public university. FIU is defined by its proven record of student success, the continued growth of groundbreaking research, and incredible return on investment. With a student body of more than 56,000, FIU is one of the largest universities in the nation and has approximately 290,000 alumni, the majority of whom live and work in South Florida. FIU is number one (#1) in the country in awarding bachelor’s and master’s degrees to Hispanics and among the Top 10 in the country in awarding bachelor’s degrees to African Americans. The university is proud to be recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority Serving University, and a Carnegie Community Engaged University.

Housing and residential experience at FIU operates eight residence halls and complexes at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus, with approximately 4,000 beds. These facilities range from full-suite style in the first-year buildings to apartment-style in the upper-class buildings, and all have private baths within the unit. There are also over 70 lounges and two multi-purpose rooms to host various community programs and events. Housing and residential experience also supports the Bayview Student Living at the Biscayne Bay Campus, maintaining just over 400 beds.

Reporting to the senior director for housing and residential experience, the director of residential experience leads, manages, and administers the comprehensive residential experience program for 3,900 residents living in on-campus housing at FIU. The director will develop and continuously implement a positive living experience that supports students’ academic goals from arrival to graduation. This individual is responsible for the overall programming, leadership development, training, and interaction opportunities that assist residents in creating their FIU experience and beyond. The director serves as a first responder to students in crisis and other emergencies on campus; administers all health, safety, and emergency initiatives for the residential communities; represents the department on university-wide committees; conducts comprehensive assessment activities and utilizes data to improve the student experience; functions as the department leader in the absence of the senior director; assists with the administration of student conduct; and develops and manages residential experience operational budgets totaling $200,000.

The director of residential experience manages, supervises, evaluates, and provides professional development for 12 full-time staff (including four direct reports), nine graduate assistants, and over 200 student employees.

The successful candidate will possess a master’s degree in student personnel, higher education administration, or a related discipline and progressively responsible leadership experience within a university housing and residential life operation. Other requirements include attendance at off-campus meetings and nighttime/weekend functions, availability 24/7 for possible emergency on-call situations, and the ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary. Additional leadership and supervisory experience in a residential life setting, the ability to strategically align tasks and people with organizational goals and objectives, and the skill to manage crises and sensitive information are highly preferred. Other knowledge, skills, and abilities include understanding university policy, procedures, and regulations; a high level of professional integrity; independent problem-solving, judgment, and decision-making skills; the ability to respond to crisis situations effectively; and organization, supervisory, and training skills.

Review of applications will begin April 21, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to J. Scott Derrick 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].

The public salary range for this position is $100,000-$110,000.

Visit the FIU website at https://www.fiu.edu/.

FIU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Equal Opportunity, Equal Access Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Florida International University values diversity, equity, and inclusion as integral to our mission as a student-centered public research university strongly focused on learning, research, entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity so that its graduates are prepared to succeed in a global market. FIU embraces and strives to ensure that a diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, genders, political and religious beliefs, physical and learning differences, sexual orientations, and identities is thriving on our campus and within our community.