Executive Director of Residence Life, Housing, and Dining

JOB
Executive Director of Residence Life, Housing, and DiningThe Executive Director (ED) of Residence Life, Housing, and Dining provides visionary leadership and operational oversight for one of the University’s most complex and mission-critical portfolios. Reporting to the Vice President of Student Affairs, the ED is responsible for creating an exceptional, inclusive, and student-centered on-campus living and dining experience that supports student success, belonging, and retention.As a senior campus leader and member of the President’s Extended Cabinet, the ED plays a key role in strategic enrollment management, student success initiatives, emergency management, and institutional planning. The position collaborates closely with Academic Affairs, Admissions, Facilities, Public Safety, Health and Wellness, and other campus partners to advance first- and second-year experiences, living-learning communities, crisis response, and holistic student development.The ED provides direct leadership and supervision for a large, diverse staff of professional, graduate, and support personnel, oversees recruitment and development of student staff, and ensures compliance with university policies, Title IX obligations, and ACUHO-I ethical standards. The role also includes stewardship of a $52.1 million budget, long-range housing and dining master planning, facilities maintenance and renovation planning, vendor contract oversight, and continuous assessment and improvement of services.The successful candidate will be a collaborative, student-focused leader who brings strong judgment, operational expertise, and a commitment to equity, wellness, and ethical practice. This role requires active engagement with students and families, participation in on-call and emergency response rotations, and a visible leadership presence across campus.This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned higher-education professional to shape the full residential experience and make a lasting impact on student success and campus life.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, College Student Personnel, Business Administration, or a related fieldMinimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in residence life, housing, dining services, or closely related functional areas within higher educationSenior-level leadership experience supervising staff with responsibility for large, complex teamsExperience collaborating effectively with Academic Affairs, Admissions, Facilities, Public Safety, and other campus partners to advance student success and enrollment goalsKnowledge of student development theory, first-year and second-year experience initiatives, and residential learning environmentsExperience with crisis response, emergency management, and on-call leadership, including sound decision-making in high-pressure situationsCommitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student well-being, including experience recruiting, supervising, and supporting diverse staff and student populationsWorking knowledge of Title IX, student conduct processes, and relevant federal, state, and system-level regulations affecting residence life, housing, and diningStrong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain effective relationships with students, families, faculty, staff, and external partnersCommitment to ethical leadership and professional standards, including alignment with ACUHO-I Ethical Standards

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Applications and resumes will be accepted until position is filled, however; to ensure full consideration, application materials should be received no later than the end of the day, January 25, 2026. A complete application must include a resume, cover letter, unofficial transcripts and three professional references, including a current supervisor. Incomplete applications will not be considered. All applications for this position must be submitted via our online application/resume system. Please do not fax, mail, or e-mail any documentation. Successful interview, reference checks, background clearances (PA Criminal, Child Abuse Clearance & FBI Clearance), documentation of valid driver's license, and demonstration of ability are requisite qualifications for this position. Kutztown University is an AA/EOE/member of the PA State System of Higher Education and is very interested in hiring employees who have extensive experience with diverse populations. Diverse applicants are encouraged to apply. Non-Discrimination StatementKutztown University does not discriminate in employment or educational opportunities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. To discuss a complaint of discrimination, please contact the Office of Social Equity, Old Main A-Wing, Room 02, by phone at 610-683-4700 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Kutztown University does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, including admissions and employment. Any inquiries regarding the application of Title IX at Kutztown University may be made to Bradley Davis, the University’s Title IX Coordinator, located in Old Main A-Wing, Room 02A, by phone at 610-683-4782 or by email [email protected], or the Office for Civil Rights located in the Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Bldg., 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-1100, by phone at 800-421-3481 (TDD: 800-877-8339), by fax at 202-453-6012, or by e-mail [email protected]. Kutztown University’s Sexual Misconduct, Anti-Discrimination, and Anti-Harassment policies can be found in The Key student handbook or online at of availability of the Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety ReportThe Annual Security Report and the Annual Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for Kutztown University, is available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing the KU Clery Compliance Coordinator [email protected].