Classification Title:

DIR,Unv Housing Res Life

Job Description:

You belong at a university that’s leading the way!

The University of Florida is a dynamic community of collaborators attracting the brightest minds across disciplines and connecting them with world-class resources. As a top-ranked public land-grant institution and a proud member of the Association of American Universities, UF enrolls more than 55,000 students and fosters a rich, diverse academic environment. UF offers over 100 undergraduate programs, 200 graduate programs, and professional degrees in dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. Consistently ranked among the Top 10 Public National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, UF is a hub for innovation, research, and academic excellence. 

At UF, Student Life is at the heart of the Gator experience, offering a vibrant environment where students are prepared for lifelong success. With a focus on creating a sense of community, Student Life provides dynamic resources and champions meaningful experiences to position every Gator for success at UF and beyond. Housing & Residence Life plays a vital role in this mission by fostering community-centered living spaces where over 9,000 students find connection, support, and a place to call home. Together, UF’s Student Life and Housing & Residence Life ensure that our students have the tools, environment, and experiences needed to succeed.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Director for Housing & Residence Life, the Director leads a dedicated team of professional and student staff responsible for building community, supporting students holistically, and elevating student engagement, retention, and success. This position guides the housing student conduct process through a developmental approach and drives residential learning to enhance on-campus living in meaningful ways. As we strategically expand our on-campus footprint this position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

We are seeking an experienced professional with demonstrated expertise in residential life, who is not only knowledgeable but also forward-thinking. This position embraces innovation and strategic collaboration, harnesses the power of data-driven insights, and is ready to shape the future of on-campus living at the University of Florida.

Key Responsibilities:

Supervision & Team Development

Supervise approximately 30 professional staff members, 8 graduate assistants, and 250 student leaders cultivating a high-performing, student-centered team. Oversee recruitment, hiring, training, and ongoing development of residence life full-time and student staff. Foster a collaborative, and innovative workplace culture that emphasizes continuous learning, leadership, and professional growth.

Crisis Management & Student Support

Serve as a key crisis responder, overseeing emergency protocols, and addressing student behavior and care concerns in collaboration with campus partners. Provide leadership to the housing student conduct process that mediates student concerns and helps students understand their responsibilities as a community member. Foster a culture of continuous care working closely with campus partners to support students in crisis. Strategically develop innovative residential learning programs that impact the student experience, drive belonging, and contribute to a shared sense of community. Ensure compliance with emergency preparedness plans, safety protocols, and risk management strategies. Participate in after-hours on-call rotation to address critical incidents within residential communities.

Administrative Leadership & Budget Management

Develop and oversee the Residence Life & Education budget, ensuring financial stewardship and resource allocation. Collaborate on the development of departmental long-term strategic planning efforts ensuring alignment with Division of Student Life initiatives and UF’s strategic vision. Build strategic partnerships with academic units, university departments, Public-Private Partnership (P3) housing entities to maximize student development. Elevate the use of technology and information systems (e.g., Maxient, StarRez) to advance and improve services, retention, and the student experience.

 

The City of Gainesville

Gainesville is home to Florida's largest and oldest university, as well as a vibrant hub of education, healthcare, culture, and sports in the state. The University of Florida and UF Health Shands Hospital are major employers, providing jobs for many residents of surrounding counties. The Greater Gainesville area serves as the cultural, educational, and commercial heart of north central Florida region. Gainesville offers a full range of municipal services, including cultural and administrative support. Renowned for its preservation of historic landmarks and natural beauty, the city boasts numerous parks, museums, and lakes that attract thousands of visitors. With its lush urban forest and Tree City USA® designation, Gainesville stands out as one of Florida's most picturesque cities. Its central location provides convenient access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, offering easy exploration of Florida's famed beaches, springs, and nature reserves. Explore Gainesville in 60 Seconds.

Expected Salary:

$115,000 - $125,000; Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience

UF offers a comprehensive benefit package, including healthcare, retirement plans, and professional development support.

Minimum Requirements: Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Leadership, or a related field and 6 years of professional experience in residence life, student housing, or higher education leadership.

or

Bachelor’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Leadership, or a related field and 8 years of professional experience in residence life, student housing, or higher education leadership. 

 

Preferred Qualifications: 10+ years of progressive leadership experience within higher education environment. Demonstrated expertise in student development theory, learning communities, and residential curriculum models. Experience leading crisis response, emergency management, and student conduct processes in a residential setting. Strong supervisory background, including full-time & student staff, with an emphasis on leadership development, workforce development, and professional growth opportunities. Proven ability to build and sustain partnerships that support student engagement and academic success. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Experience managing budgets, financial planning, and housing operations. Proficiency with Maxient, StarRez, or other student management software. Knowledge of higher education compliance, Title IX, ADA, and FERPA regulations. Special Instructions to Applicants:

Nomination and Application Instructions

We invite nominations and applications from individuals who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to support UF’s mission of excellence in education, research, and student life.

Inquiries and nominations can be sent to Devan Brown, Talent Consultant for UFHR - Strategic Talent Group at STG@hr.ufl.edu or by completing our Nomination Form.   

Candidates must apply online at Careers at UF. Review of applications will begin on April 1, 2025. For full consideration, applications must be submitted by Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 11:55 p.m. with the following required documents:

Cover Letter of application summarizing qualifications and interest in this role A complete Resume List of references for at least three (3) professional contacts that includes: Full name Current position Relationship to candidate Work Address Work and/or personal email address Work and/or personal telephone number

Applications received after Sunday, April 13, 2025, will be reviewed at the discretion of the search panel. The position posting will remain open and accept applications until a competitive pool of applicants is established.

Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.

Health Assessment Required: No