ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF RESIDENCE LIFE, STAFF DEVELOPMENT, Division of Student Life, Residence Life at Boston University

The Associate Director of Residence Life for Staff Development is a key operational leader responsible for shaping a modern inclusive and high-performing residential experience. This role is responsible for advancing the effectiveness consistency and responsiveness of the professional staff team through strategic recruitment onboarding training and performance development initiatives. The Associate Director fosters a culture of continuous learning collaboration and accountability ensuring that staff are equipped to support student success and uphold community standards.This position supervises Assistant Directors and plays a central role in building a cohesive student-centered team. The Associate Director collaborates closely with campus partners on DEI initiatives and serves as a thought partner to the Director of Residence Life in advancing departmental goals and strategic planning.The ideal candidate is proactive data-driven and comfortable leveraging technology and analytics to inform decision-making track staff performance and absences and optimize operations. This position plays a critical role in strengthening Residence Lifes capacity to support students and respond effectively to the demands of a complex fast-paced university environment.Essential Responsibilities:Leadership and Team DevelopmentSupervise and support Assistant Directors providing clear expectations regular feedback structured accountability operational insight and individualized professional development plans.Cultivate a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes morale mutual respect and a shared commitment to student success.Foster a results-oriented departmental culture centered on high standards effective communication and continuous process improvementthrough professional development organizations and Boston University offerings.Recognize and celebrate staff contributions through formal and informal appreciation efforts.With other Associate Directors lead the department when the Director is away from campus.Represent the department at key university events and initiatives and emergency response efforts.Staff Recruitment Training and DevelopmentLead comprehensive recruitment selection and onboarding processes for Residence Hall/Area Directors and Assistant Directors that ensure consistency quality and efficiency.Design develop and implement robust and comprehensive onboarding and training programs that reflect data and performance trends operational effectiveness responsiveness role clarity and best practices in student affairs and higher education.Plan and facilitate ongoing professional development for Residence Life staff with a focus on leadership communication skill building and student engagement.Promote professional development opportunities for professional staff members.Champion a continuous learning environment that supports staff growth retention and advancement.Ensure staff are trained and prepared to respond to student needs uphold community standards and manage crisis situations effectively.Strategic Planning and InnovationContribute to long-range planning and the development of departmental goals aligned with the universitys mission and strategic priorities.Lead special projects and initiatives that modernize and elevate the Residence Life experience and strengthen the overall Residence Life operation.Establish tracking systems to monitor training participation staff attendance and overall performance.Identify and implement technology solutions to streamline operations improve internal processes and enhance staff effectiveness and productivity.Promote data-informed decision-making and assessment practices across the department to guide decision-making and address gaps.Collaboration and Crisis ResponseCollaborate with campus partners (e.g. BUPD Public Safety Student Health Behavioral Medicine Dean of Students) to manage and respond to student crises and community concerns and ensure coordinated support.Provide leadership in managing complex student issues and emergency situations.Participate in the on-call rotation and ensure staff are trained in emergency response protocols.Community and BelongingFoster a welcoming and respectful environment for all professional staff through equitable hiring practices thoughtful training programs and inclusive operational approaches.Promote a residential and workplace culture where all individuals feel valued supported and are able to thrive across lines of identity experience and perspective.Required SkillsMasters degree in Higher Education Student Affairs Counseling or a related field.810 years of progressive experience in residence life or student affairs.Demonstrated success in leading team development and supervising and motivating professional staff.Strong written verbal organizational communication and public speaking skills.Demonstrated success in designing executing and evaluating staff development and training initiativesExperience with onboarding training and performance management.Deep understanding of student support needs residential operations and crisis response protocols.Proficiency with data systems assessment tools and emerging technologies and the ability to apply technology solutions to increase efficiency support staff operations and inform operational strategy.Commitment to diversity equity and inclusion in higher education.Solutions-oriented leader with experience developing and implementing innovative strategic plans in a high-volume fast-paced work environment.Preferred QualificationsExperience with change management and organizational development.Knowledge of current trends in residential education and student engagement.Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional teams.Experience with learning management systems or training platforms.Knowledge Skills and AbilitiesCommunication Skills:Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively articulate vision and mission through meetings presentations reports and various communication channels (e.g. websites social media).Organizational Skills:Exemplary organizational management and leadership skills. Ability to conceptualize and prioritize objectives manage complex projects and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.Interpersonal Skills:Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with students faculty staff and other stakeholders. Ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.Cultural Competence:Ability to develop knowledge of respect for and skills for engaging with individuals from a range of cultural backgrounds and identities. Demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive environment.Problem-Solving:Demonstrated problem identification and resolution skills. Ability to make informed decisions and take decisive action in complex and nuanced situations.Ethical Conduct:Strong understanding of ethical professional conduct and best practices in student affairs. Ability to uphold and model high standards of professionalism and integrity.Additional InformationWork Schedule:This live-in position requires evening and weekend responsibilities including participation in an on-call rotation.Professional Development:The Associate Director of Residence Life for Staff Development will be expected to engage in ongoing professional development and maintain active membership in relevant professional associations.We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color natural or protective hairstyle religion sex age national origin physical or mental disability sexual orientation gender identity genetic information military service pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or because of marital parental or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.Required Experience:Director Key Skills Environment,Anatomy,Fisheries,Morphology,Behavioural Sciences,Biophysics,Evolution,Forestry,Ecology,Biotechnology,Agriculture,Biochemistry,Biology,Ecosyatem,Entomology Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1