Area Director – North Campus

Area Director – North Campus

Thank you for considering Housing & Food Services at the University of Washington, Seattle.

Housing & Food Services (HFS) provides on-campus housing to over 10,000 student residents and operates over 40 dining and café locations that serve the entire campus community. To successfully accomplish this, we employ over 1,200 students, classified and professional staff members who work throughout HFS, providing residential and dining services to the campus. As reflected in our mission statement—working together to enhance student life—teamwork and service to our students and customers are at the heart of our business.

At the University of Washington, diversity is integral to excellence. We value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, strive to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity, and justice for all. In Housing & Food Services, our DEI statement reads:

HFS will become an organization that prioritizes inclusive workplace communities, centered on belonging and opportunity for all staff.  All HFS staff must accept responsibility to identify and interrupt biases, privilege, barriers, and power dynamics.  We challenge ourselves to engage in open dialogue, active listening, and empathic learning.

Position Purpose

Oversees the development and administration of the program in communities under their purview (Madrona, McCarty and Hansee Halls OR McMahon, Willow and Oak Halls) to ensure that staff have the necessary training and resources to execute a comprehensive residential life program for the area.

Description of Responsibilities

Supervision:

• Supervise two professional staff specializing in student development and community management.

• First-line supervision of 4-8 student staff, second-line supervision of up to 10-18 student staff.

Administrative Management:

• Participates in short-range and long-range planning and developing goals and objectives for communities under their purview (Madrona, McCarty and Hansee Halls OR McMahon, Willow and Oak Halls).

• Develops an area team with strong and productive working relationships with Facilities, Student Services, Dining, Marketing, and other units as required

• Collaborates with other HFS units in the occupancy management of the area, including marketing, tours, assignments, emergency space use, and apartment inspections/turns.

• Responds to and manages crisis situations.

• Serves in the Residential Life Management on-call rotation.

• Assists in the move-in and move-out processes for communities overseen.

• Provides written reports and documents as requested.

• Develops, monitors, and tracks budget expenditures for areas of direct responsibility.

• Monitors and oversees the documentation of events planned by Resident/Community Adviser staff.

Program Coordination and Student Development:

• Establishes a comprehensive community development plan for their direct community (Hansee or Oak Hall) and supports community managers that they supervise in doing the same.

• Directs the Residential Life program for their direct community, including: mediation, policy enforcement, adjudication, crisis management, office and after-hours services, and community development.

• Participates in student leader, Resident Director, and Program Assistant for North Campus recruitment and selection processes.

• Assists in the recruitment, selection and training of student staff, student leaders, and full-time staff.

• Assists in the development of initiatives to promote a welcoming living environment for all residents.

• Trains staff on the Residential Life Conduct Process to meet the needs of the residential environment.

• Serves as an Administrative Hearing Officer as outlined in the Residential Life Conduct Process Guide.

Other Position Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership to various committees, projects and initiatives.

Impact to The University

An effective residential life program supports student retention, socialization and academic success. Collaboration within HFS and the University contributes to consistency and alignment with University- wide goals and objectives.

Position Complexities

Supervision:

• Area 1: Hanse Hall houses nearly 330 students ranging from first year to returning students and has predominantly single rooms with community bathrooms. Madrona Hall houses nearly 530 students ranging from first year to returning students and also includes Frost Bite, a student-managed ice cream shop. McCarty Hall houses around 940 students and is home to the Business LLC and the MILL Maker Space.

• Area 2: Oak Hall houses nearly 350 predominantly first-year students and is home to the Arts Living Learning Community (LLC) and Early Fall Start (EFS). Willow Hall houses nearly 550 students ranging from first year to returning students, and includes the Willow Desk and Package Center. McMahon Hall houses nearly 1,000 students ranging from first year to returning students, and includes the The 8 Maker Space.

• These positions oversee the operationalizing of student development and applied environmental theory within their area and the quickly evolving environment.

Supervision Provided

The position works under general supervision and reports to the Assistant Director for North Campus.

Working Conditions

The position works a regular Monday through Friday schedule; however, it requires significant evening and weekend commitments throughout the year and remains on-call 24/7 for emergencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Student Personnel or a related field.

• Two years of full-time post-graduate residence hall and/or student apartment related experience required.

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum requirements.

Desired Qualifications

Experience that Demonstrates:

• Strong oral and written communications skills

• Evidence of pursuit of ongoing training and personal development

• Exposure to an academic environment

• Commitment to promoting diversity, employment and community equity

• Ability to develop ideas and implement them through teamwork and collaboration

• A proven track record of delivering results, building accountability for staff and creating a positive working environment characterized by teamwork and innovation

Conditions of Employment

A satisfactory outcome from the employment verification and reference check processes.

Application Process: 

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law