Resident Director, Lion's Den

Closing Date:

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid-sized public university that's redefining higher education. We're on a mission to provide transformative, hands-on learning experiences for students of all backgrounds and aspirations. Our multi-faceted approach to education offers a wealth of opportunities, with over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. We're committed to building a diverse community that mirrors Arkansas's rich tapestry, reflecting our dedication to serving the state's varied population while enhancing the quality of our institution.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary.

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Nestled along the Arkansas River, this vibrant city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Old West at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, explore the eclectic local art scene, or take a scenic stroll along the picturesque riverfront trails. With a welcoming community, diverse dining options, and a thriving downtown, Fort Smith is the ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking modern amenities.

Thank you for your interest in joining our university. Below you will find details for the position including any supplementary documentation and/or questions you should review before submitting your application. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at (479) 788-7080.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 479-788-7080. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position to which they have applied.

Required Education and/or Work Experience: Minimum requirements include a bachelor's degree with at least one-year significant experience in a student housing employment position or equivalent experience. The position requires knowledge and skills related to human development, programming, conflict resolution, and the fair application of regulations. Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for part of these requirements.

Preferred Education and/or Work Experience: Candidates with a master's degree in college student personnel, educational administration, or a related field, and previous experience supervising resident assistants, working with a residence hall association, and working with peer student conduct systems are preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to work with diverse populations effectively, and excellent customer service skills are all expected.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervise 14 Resident Assistants through weekly staff meetings, scheduled 1 on 1s, monitoring programming and community development, and semester evaluations

• Participate in the development, coordination and implementation of Housing & Residential Life procedures and programs

• Coordinate the assignments, contract, and billing processes for Lion's Den residents

• Serve as a University Conduct Administrator. Serve as a conduct officer for assigned residential area. Inform Assistant Dean of Students for Housing & Campus and Community Engagement of any issues.

• Serve in an on-call capacity with other HRL professional staff. Respond to all situations by answering phone, working with Resident Assistant On Call, and communicating with applicable staff such as the University Police Department, state and local emergency personnel, Assistant Dean of Students for Housing & Campus and Community Engagement, and other chief Student Affairs personnel

• Supervise front desk/ office operations including supervising RAs and student workers in the office, receiving mail and packages, communicating with residents and visitors, and answering the phone

• Coordinate all move in and move out times and processes. Includes inspection of each room after the students have vacated and before it is occupied again, distribution and collection of applicable housing forms, and timely communication to residents

• Ensure that the quality and cleanliness of residential area, including outdoor property, is maintained

• Work jointly with Assistant Dean of Students for Housing & Campus and Community Engagement and Director of Facilities & Environmental Safety to ensure ongoing upkeep of facilities, custodial needs, maintenance efforts, and timely responses to work order requests

• Coordinate lock and key changes with maintenance and track all key use, loss, and theft

• Conduct quarterly Health & Safety Inspections of all rooms with the help of Resident Assistants. Document all work order needs and damage. Address any conduct violations.

• Implement, interpret, and continually develop HRL policies as stated in the Residential Handbook and Student Code of Conduct

• Serve as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) by understanding and following FERPA, Title IX, and the Clery Act as they pertain to on campus situations. Serve as a mandatory reporter and be trained in Title IX policy.

• Serve as first-level contact for parents regarding student housing needs and resident concerns

• Coordinate room changes and consolidation throughout the year

• Assist residents with approved ADA accommodations based on need

• Maintain residential area budget

• Establish Resident Assistant On Call schedule by ensuring staff availability for evenings, nights, and weekends

• Advise the Residence Hall Association

• Serve as coordinator for all Resident Assistant hiring and training

• Hire, train, and supervisor Lion's Den desk workers

Other Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adhere to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Employee Handbook

• Requires consistent on-time attendance

• Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to foster teamwork and to provide leadership to subordinates.

• Identify student rooms to serve as tour rooms for Admissions and ensure those rooms are ready when needed

• Attend all University trainings, as required

• Take part in university and/or departmental committees as required by the department of Student Affairs or for professional development

• Assist in development and implementation of campus emergency and crisis management procedures, programs, and services

• Maintain confidentiality of all student information

• Review and create reports on an as-needed basis

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

To perform the job successfully, the following competencies are required for the essential functions of this position:

• Conflict resolution

• Knowledge of university structures and governance

• Budget projections and management

• Communicate well with very diverse constituents

• Teaching and facilitating with individuals and groups

• Ability to apply conduct regulations fairly and consistently

• Ability to identify and draw on resources across campus

• Skills in conceiving, designing, and implementing educational programming

• Knowledge of laws and procedures related to university housing

• Ability to balance and respect individual rights and community rights

• Knowledge of learning processes and commitment to foster student learning

• Adaptability - adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.

• Dependability - is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.

• Knowledge of the principles of computer operations to understand the college's information systems and services which carry out accounting, budgeting, purchasing, human resources, enrollment, and other or similar centralized institution-wide management information functions.

Additional Information:

Working Relationships: Work in a dynamic team of diverse faculty, staff, and students in a fast paced, growth-oriented environment. Frequent contact with vendors, personnel from other agencies and institutions and the general public, student employees, resident assistants, professional staff in student affairs, housing and residential life professional staff, custodial and grounds workers, maintenance workers, faculty, parents, student residents.

List Employees Supervised: Fourteen Resident Assistants (RAs) and all Lion's Den Desk Workers (2).

Special Job Dimensions: Modest travel required for professional development and accompanying student groups; modest physical demands and stamina needed in working with resident assistants, programming materials, move-ins, on call, etc.; Required abilities include walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods. Visual demands include close, relatively detailed vision when focusing on a computer screen; hours are traditional office hours with evening meetings and programs and on call responsibilities in the overnight, weekends, and holidays; live-in is required.

Background Check Requirements. Criminal Background Check, Financial Background Check, and Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) Check ; Position requires employee complete Arkansas Mandated Reporter training prior to employment.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and/or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.