Director - Housing & Residence Life

# About Us

As a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, Valdosta State University (VSU) is a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community founded on and dedicated to serving our communities rich and diverse heritages. Through excellence in teaching, basic and applied research, and service, VSU provides rigorous programs and opportunities that enrich our students, our university, and our region. As such, the VSU mission consists of three interrelated parts that includes a student mission, university mission and regional mission. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgias Core Values.

## Blazer Creed

Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The University is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.

• Civility - A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.
• Integrity - Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.
• Citizenship - Every Blazer has an interest in the well-being of the community, and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.

As a Blazer, we pledge to uphold the core principles of Civility, Integrity, and Citizenship.

# Job Summary

This position provides direction and management oversight to one or more departments or units. Plan, direct, and coordinate operational activities. Based on the recent Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (H-1B), VSU will not be sponsoring any new H-1B visa petitions until further notice.

# Responsibilities

## Department Summary

The Director of Housing & Residence Life plays a vital role in shaping the residential experience for students at Valdosta State University. The successful candidate will bring a leadership approach grounded in collaboration, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to student success. The Director is expected to lead a comprehensive residential program that supports student development while ensuring effective management of housing operations, facilities partnerships, and residential safety. Housing & Residence Life is an important component of the Valdosta State student experience. The university seeks a Director who is excited to invest in the continued growth of the residential program and build sustained relationships with students, staff, and campus partners. The Director is supported by a collaborative University leadership team committed to strengthening the residential experience for VSU students.

## Typical Allocation of Duties:

• Accomplish department/unit objectives - 25%
• Direct the human, financial, and other resources needed to accomplish objectives of the department or unit.
• Monitor and establish processes - 20%
• Monitor and establish processes to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, and alignment with University and department goals.
• Direct operations - 20%
• Direct the operations of the department or unit.
• Area Representative - 15%
• Represent the department or unit to internal and external groups and individuals.
• Manage budget - 10%
• Manage the department/unit budget.
• Compliance - 10%
• Ensure commitment to and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.

## Supervisor Expectations:

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Lead a Student-Centered Residential Experience
• Foster residential communities that support student belonging, engagement, and academic success.
• Ensure residence halls are environments where students feel safe, supported, and connected to the broader university community.
• Integrate residential life programming with institutional goals related to retention, student engagement, and student success.
• Build and Sustain a Strong Professional Team
• Provide leadership and mentorship for professional staff and student staff across the housing operation.
• Establish clear expectations, accountability, and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Cultivate a team culture grounded in professionalism, responsiveness, and collaboration.
• Manage Complex Housing Operations
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of university housing, including occupancy management, assignments, and operational systems.
• Utilize housing management systems and data analytics to inform decision-making and improve operational effectiveness.
• Partner closely with facilities, dining services, and auxiliary units to ensure high-quality residential environments.
• Lead in Crisis Response and Student Safety
• Serve as a key leader in responding to student crises and residential emergencies.
• Work collaboratively with campus partners including student conduct, public safety, and counseling services to support student well-being and community standards.
• Maintain readiness for emergency response situations impacting residential students.
• Provide Strategic and Financial Stewardship
• Manage housing resources responsibly while maintaining a strong focus on service quality and sustainability.
• Contribute to planning efforts related to residential facilities, capital improvements, and long-term housing strategy.
• Use assessment and data to guide program improvements and operational decision-making.
• Take responsibility for the resources, facilities, and programs entrusted to us and strive for operational excellence.
• Serve as a Collaborative Campus Leader
• Represent Housing & Residence Life as a key partner within the Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs and across the university.
• Collaborate with academic affairs, facilities, and student support services to enhance the residential experience.
• Contribute to institutional initiatives that strengthen the overall student experience at VSU.
• Provide Stability and Vision
• Bring a steady leadership presence that supports continuity within the department.
• Build on the strengths of the existing housing program while identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Invest in the long-term development of Housing & Residence Life at Valdosta State.

# Required Qualifications

## Required Experience

Bachelors degree in a specified field and five (5) years of related work experience in a related field is required. Terminal degree and/or professional licensure, certification, and/or designation may be required in some areas.

# Proposed Salary

Commensurate with experience.

# USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

# Conditions of Employment

Applicants are required to provide:

• professional references with current contact information
• documentation of academic credentials
• employment history

Please note that during the search process, VSU reserves the right to:

• ask candidates who will serve in Positions of Trust to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment,
• view social media outlets, and
• remove job postings without additional notification.

Employment is contingent upon:

• successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check
• reference checks
• Employment may also be contingent upon the job-based requirements if applicable for your position:
• satisfactory credit check
• successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
• pre-employment drug testing
• confirmation of credentials

After initial hiring, employees will be required to successfully complete all of the following training:

• New employee orientation
• VSUs Annual Compliance Training:
• USG Ethics Policy
• Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy
• Drug Free Workplace
• Sexual Misconduct and Title IX
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Motor Vehicle Policy
• Workers Compensation (new hires)
• Georgia Open Records Act (new hires)
• USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly)
• Job-specific training such as: FMLA and Workers Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard), and Defensive Driving

# Equal Employment Opportunity

Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission or any student or employee of the institution based on the age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation of the individual.

# Background Check

Position of Trust + Credit

# Accommodations

If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable