Director of Residence Life - Western Colorado University

Another Source's client, Western Colorado University, is recruiting a Director of Residence Life to join their team in Gunnison, Colorado.

Here's a little about Western Colorado University:

Western Colorado University offers an educational experience unlike any other. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Western combines personalized learning with hands-on academic experiences that take full advantage of its extraordinary surroundings. Small class sizes, engaged faculty, and experiential learning create an environment where students-and the professionals who support them-make a meaningful impact every day.

Located in Gunnison, Colorado, Western is surrounded by some of the country's most spectacular outdoor recreation. Known as the "Basecamp of the Rockies," Gunnison offers immediate access to public lands, world-class mountain biking at Hartman Rocks, fly fishing on the Gunnison River, water recreation at Blue Mesa Reservoir, and is just 45 minutes from Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Whether you're drawn to hiking, skiing, biking, fishing, or simply living in a welcoming mountain community, Gunnison offers an exceptional quality of life.

About this role:

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Director of Residence Life provides strategic leadership for every aspect of Western's residential experience. This is an opportunity to shape a thriving campus community where students feel supported, connected, and empowered to succeed.

You'll oversee residence life programs, housing operations, facilities, and dining services while leading a talented team responsible for creating an engaging, inclusive, and safe living environment. This role blends strategic leadership, operational excellence, student development, and collaboration across campus, making it ideal for a leader who enjoys both big-picture planning and hands-on problem solving.

Some relocation assistance can be provided for the right candidate.

This position is fully on-campus in Gunnison - but who wouldn't want to be in such a beautiful place every day? Housing in a reduced-cost on-campus apartment is negotiable.

How you will spend your time

Leadership of Residence Life Operations (40%)

Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of the University's residential life program.

• Develop and implement departmental goals, policies, and long-term strategic plans.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of professional staff, including the Associate Director, Assistant Director, Residence Directors, and Office Manager.

• Foster an inclusive residential community focused on student success, belonging, health, and safety.

• Ensure effective crisis response and serve as a key departmental leader during emergency situations.

• Oversee residential management systems, including StarRez and Transact, while identifying opportunities for process improvements and technology enhancements.

Business Operations (30%)

• Lead the department's annual budgeting process and ensure responsible financial stewardship.

• Partner with Facilities to oversee maintenance, repairs, and long-term planning for residential facilities.

• Manage housing occupancy strategies in collaboration with Admissions and other campus partners.

• Oversee the University's dining services contract in partnership with Finance & Operations and Athletics, ensuring high-quality service and fiscal accountability.

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators related to occupancy, student satisfaction, facilities, and financial performance.

Student Growth & Community Development (30%)

• Create a residential experience that promotes student learning, leadership, and personal development.

• Lead initiatives that strengthen inclusion, belonging, and cultural competence throughout the residential community.

• Oversee student conduct processes and participate in the on-call rotation supporting crisis response.

• Build strong relationships with students, families, faculty, and campus partners to enhance the residential experience.

• Assess residential programs and implement improvements based on student feedback and operational outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.

• 5+ years of professional experience in residence life leadership, including at least 3 years of post-graduate experience.

• Experience supervising professional staff.

• Experience with budgeting, student development, health and wellness initiatives, and student support programming.

• Demonstrated leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills.

• Ability to build positive relationships with diverse student populations and campus stakeholders.

• Experience managing multiple priorities in a dynamic residential environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, or a closely related field.

• Six or more years of progressively responsible Student Affairs leadership experience.

• Experience supervising full-time professional staff and graduate assistants.

• Familiarity with residential management software and student information systems such as StarRez, Slate Student Success, and Transact.

• Certifications or training in CPR, First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, Narcan administration, ALICE training, cultural competence, or related areas.

What's in it for you:

Salary: $75,000-$79,000 annually

Western Colorado University offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Employees enjoy generous leave programs, retirement benefits, medical, dental, and vision coverage, professional development opportunities, and the chance to build a rewarding career while living in one of Colorado's premier mountain communities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Western Colorado University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

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