Job Description   Now Hiring: Senior Director of Housing and Residential Life Are you a visionary leader passionate about student success, communities, and strategic growth in higher education?  Join Oklahoma State University, Division of Student Affairs, as our next Senior Director of Housing and Residential Life, where you’ll shape the future of on-campus living and directly impact the thoughts of students’ experiences and well-being. About the Role: As the senior leader of Housing and Residential Life, you’ll serve as a strategic partner within the Division of Student Affairs, overseeing all aspects of residential life, housing operations, facilities planning, staff development, and student support.  This critical leadership role drives long-term planning efforts and promotes an inclusive, engaging, and academically enriched living experience.  Key Responsibilities: Lead strategic planning and execution for housing facilities and residential education. Supervise, mentor, and develop a dynamic team of professional and paraprofessional staff. Foster a residential community grounded in equity, belonging, and student development. Oversee housing operations, occupancy management, and facilities planning with a forward-thinking approach. Provide high-level crisis response and coordination of behavioral interventions. Manage a multimillion-dollar budget and drive operational excellence. Develop marketing, outreach, and communication strategies to enhance resident engagement. Ideal Candidate Profile: We are seeking a collaborative, equity-driven professional who: Brings substantial leadership experience in housing/residential life or related fields. Demonstrates a deep commitment to student well-being, diversity, and inclusion. Has strong strategic planning, crisis management, and team leadership skills. Is experienced in facilities planning, budget oversight, and data-informed decision-making. Thrives in a fast-paced, student-centered environment and builds strong campus partnerships. Why Join Us? At Oklahoma State University, you’ll be part of a forward-looking institution that values innovation, inclusion, and student-centered leadership. You’ll help shape a residential experience that supports academic success, personal growth, and community connection. Job Requirements Required Degree Master's Required Field of Study Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Business Administration, or a related field. Required Experience (Number of years and Type) 10 years of related work experience with professional staff supervisory experience.  Experience supervising and developing professional staff. Experience in budget management, residential life, housing operations, crisis response, residential education and/or co-curricular learning environments, and student conduct. Proven leadership in strategic planning, assessment, and campus collaboration. Post-secondary education may substitute for years of experience. As a general guideline, 1 year of full-time experience equals 1 year of post-secondary education. No Required Certifications, Registrations, or Licenses Nothing entered Required Skills, Proficiencies, and Knowledge Leadership and Supervision: Proven ability to lead and develop large, diverse teams with professionalism, accountability, and inclusivity in mind. Strategic Planning: Strong skills in setting operational priorities, assessing risk, and aligning housing operations with broader university goals. Crisis Management: Experience managing emergency situations, including student mental health crises, facility issues, and critical incidents in a calm and effective manner. Student Affairs Expertise: Deep understanding of student development theory, residential education, and the role of housing in student success and retention. Facilities and Occupancy Management: Knowledge of housing operations, including occupancy planning, facility maintenance, renovation projects, and capital planning. Budget and Resource Management: Experience managing large operational budgets, forecasting, and aligning resources with strategic priorities. Legal and Policy Compliance: Familiarity with applicable laws and regulations (e.g., FERPA, ADA, Title IX, Fair Housing), and institutional policy adherence. Communication and Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to work effectively with students, staff, faculty, families, and campus partners. Technology Proficiency: Proficient in housing management systems (e.g., StarRez or equivalent), Microsoft Office Suite, data reporting tools, and emergency communication platforms. Assessment and Data-Informed Decision-Making: Experience using data to evaluate programs, assess student needs, and inform continuous improvement efforts. Equity and Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusive, accessible, and supportive environments for all students and staff. Preferred Qualifications Preferred Degree Ph.D./Ed.D. Preferred Field of Study Higher Education, Leadership, or related discipline Preferred Experience (Number of years and Type) Experience managing large-scale housing operations at a public institution. Knowledge of facilities planning, public-private partnerships, and residential curriculum models Preferred Certifications, Registrations, or Licenses Certified Student Affairs Educator (CSAEd) – particularly with a concentration in Residential Life, offered by NASPA. Certified Housing Professional (CHP) – from ACUHO-I, demonstrating expertise in housing operations. Mental Health First Aid or similar certification for non-clinical crisis intervention. Clery Act Compliance Training – especially if the director will serve as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). CPR/AED certification – beneficial for on-site emergency preparedness, especially in residential settings. Project Management Certification (e.g., PMP or CAPM) – valuable for capital project oversight or large-scale housing initiatives. Preferred Skills, Proficiencies, and Knowledge Leadership and Supervision: Proven ability to lead and develop large, diverse teams with professionalism, accountability, and inclusivity in mind. Strategic Planning: Strong skills in setting operational priorities, assessing risk, and aligning housing operations with broader university goals. Crisis Management: Experience managing emergency situations, including student mental health crises, facility issues, and critical incidents in a calm and effective manner. Student Affairs Expertise: Deep understanding of student development theory, residential education, and the role of housing in student success and retention. Facilities and Occupancy Management: Knowledge of housing operations, including occupancy planning, facility maintenance, renovation projects, and capital planning. Budget and Resource Management: Experience managing large operational budgets, forecasting, and aligning resources with strategic priorities. Legal and Policy Compliance: Familiarity with applicable laws and regulations (e.g., FERPA, ADA, Title IX, Fair Housing), and institutional policy adherence. Communication and Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to work effectively with students, staff, faculty, families, and campus partners. Technology Proficiency: Proficient in housing management systems (e.g., StarRez or equivalent), Microsoft Office Suite, data reporting tools, and emergency communication platforms. Assessment and Data-Informed Decision-Making: Experience using data to evaluate programs, assess student needs, and inform continuous improvement efforts. Equity and Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusive, accessible, and supportive environments for all students and staff. Information and Application Process Instructions https://jobs.okstate.edu/jobs/sr-director-of-residential-life-stillwater-oklahoma-united-states     To see additional information about our job opening(s) or to apply, click on the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of our job posting(s). When inquiring or applying for jobs at the Oklahoma State University, please also reference AcademicCareers.com Applicants with dual-career considerations can find university jobs, such as professor jobs, dean jobs, and other faculty jobs and higher ed jobs with the Oklahoma State University and with other colleges and universities in the region on AcademicCareers.com To receive email alerts when new jobs at the Oklahoma State University are posted, sign up for new job openings at the Oklahoma State University.       To obtain more information or to submit your resume you can contact Human Resources Department as shown below. If you apply for this position, please say you saw it first on www.UniversityJob.com. Thank you. Human Resources Department Please apply as included above Description of and other job listings for Oklahoma State University, Housing and Residential Life Division Tell a Friend About This Job Enter your friend's email address... Send this page to: