Director of Residential Life

About SUNY Cobleskill:

As a premier institution in agriculture and technology, SUNY Cobleskill calls all learners to grow, to sustain, and to renew the world and its citizens. The College acts as a reflection of, and a catalyst for, advancement in our fields. With an emphasis on applied learning and experiential education, SUNY Cobleskill prepares students for successful careers, advanced studies, and engaged citizenship.

Founded in 1911, SUNY Cobleskill enrolls approximately 2000 students in 55 diverse majors. The campus sets the standard for applied education that extends theory into practice. SUNY Cobleskill is a community characterized by empathy, inclusivity, respect, personal growth, integrity, and a collaborative spirit fostering well-being and sustainable practices. We recognize and celebrate student, faculty and staff achievements. We take pride in our campus and encourage collaboration with our surrounding communities.

Our modern, 902-acre campus features outstanding educational facilities, including an equestrian center, 200-cow dairy facility, cold and warm water fish hatcheries, specialized classrooms and scientific laboratories, two state-of-the-art culinary arts teaching kitchens, child development and childcare centers, and an art gallery and graphic design center.

Drawing on a rich academic tradition that spans more than 100 years, our purpose remains constant; to educate future entrepreneurs, scientists, thought leaders, artists, educators, and practitioners to contribute to the sustainability of a healthy and prosperous societal existence in concert with a robust environment.

Job Description:

Our diverse population of students are encouraged and inspired to see themselves as part of a world in need of responsible growth, sustainable coexistence with nature, and carefully managed renewal through applied learning experiences. We are looking for candidates who are committed to challenging their own personal and professional development, and driving positive student development and success.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Student Development, the Director of Residential Life provides visionary leadership for Residential Life operations, aligning them with institutional goals related to student engagement, retention, and academic success. The Director leads a dynamic team of professional and student staff with a humanistic approach, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and innovation within the Residential Life team, ensuring that staff feel supported, empowered, and connected to the broader mission of student success. Candidates for this position must demonstrate comprehension of student learning-based approaches and dynamic competency in administering a complex and innovative Residential Life program.

Key Responsibilities

Residential Student Education and Community Development:

• Develop innovative programs that cultivate positive, inclusive, and engaging residential communities.
• Foster an environment that promotes student success, leadership, and personal development through structured residential learning initiatives.
• The Director provides overall leadership for the curricular-based programming model to create and sustain structured learning experiences for residential students that maximize their development so that they may academically and personally succeed.

Professional and Student Staff Supervision and Development:

• Provide leadership for recruitment, selection, and supervision of 10 live-in professional staff (2 Assistant Directors, 8 Residence Hall Directors) and an administrative assistant.
• Oversee the supervision and development of more than 150 student staff, including Senior Resident Assistants, Resident Assistants, Sustainability Mentors (ECO), Academic Peer Advocates, Night Hosts, and Staff Assistants.
• Cultivate a culture of mentorship, professional growth, and student leadership.
• Foster a dynamic, humanistic leadership approach that prioritizes relationship-building, team cohesion, and community development within Residential Life staff, ensuring a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Residential Facilities and Occupancy Management:

• Manage housing operations for 11 residence halls to ensure safe, clean, and academically conducive living environments.
• Oversee occupancy trends, retention strategies, and fiscal management to sustain residential programs.
• Develop strategies to optimize housing revenue and ensure financial sustainability.

Emergency Response and Crisis Management:

• Oversee the campus duty rotation for live-on staff and serve as an on-call administrator for campus emergencies.
• Collaborate with University Police, Counseling Services, and the Behavioral Assessment Team (BAT) to ensure proactive crisis response and emergency preparedness.

Administrative Duties and Responsibilities:

• Direct the successful implementation of housing selection and retention efforts, damage assessments, summer operations, staff hiring, and accommodations requests, such as emotional support animals.
• Maintain oversight of residential policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with campus and SUNY regulations.

Student Conduct and Wellness:

• Ensure that all professional and student staff are equipped to support students in taking responsibility for their safety and well-being.
• Develop rigorous training programs that provide applied learning experiences for staff, preparing them for effective student engagement and crisis response.

Campus Stewardship and Collaboration:

• Serve as an active leader in guiding and advising students, families, and campus partners to ensure student success.
• Work closely with the Director of Student Conduct to promote accountability and adherence to housing policies.
• Engage in professional development opportunities, including conference attendance, committee leadership, and participation in regional and national residential life organizations.

Requirements:

• Master's degree preferred.
• 5-7 years of progressive experience in higher education.
• Demonstrated understanding of curriculum-based residential education approaches.
• Experience in student development theory and best practices.
• Strong financial planning and budgetary management skills.
• Experience in training, supervising, and mentoring staff.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive residential community.

Additional Information:

• This is a full-time, 12-month, SL-5 position.
• The salary range for this position is $80,000-$90,000, commensurate with experience and performance through the search process.
• The work schedule for this position varies; it is a live-off position with on-call responsibilities requiring after-hours, weekend, and holiday response during the academic year.
• A meal plan for on-campus dining services is provided.
• The target starting date for this position is July 1.
• This position offers full New York State benefits which are some of the most comprehensive in the country.
• SUNY Cobleskill is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community for our students and employees. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Any offer of employment is contingent on the successful completion of the background check.
• This position may be designated 55 b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility.
• All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply, if your skillset meets the minimum requirements as set forth.

SUNY Cobleskill is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, and ensuring equal educational and employment opportunity and access to services, programs and activities without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, or any other legally protected status. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact the Human Resources Office at (518) 255-5514.

SUNY Cobleskill's Title IX Coordinator is Mary Elhakam, who can be contacted via phone at 518-255-5999, email at ElhakaM@cobleskill.edu, or mailing address of SUNY Cobleskill, Knapp Hall Room 143, Cobleskill, NY 12043.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact humanresources@cobleskill.edu or 518-255-5423.