Associate Director for Residential Life at Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts

Job Description:

At Wellesley, our mission is to deliver an outstanding liberal arts education


to women who will make a difference in the world. Our collaborative


community, comprising of faculty, students, staff, and alumnae, is guided by


our shared commitment to educational excellence. Join us in this transformative journey!




When applying for the position, please ensure a thorough review of the job
details. If you are an internal employee, kindly utilize the internal portal on
Workday for your application. Prepare a comprehensive resume/cv and cover
letter for upload. Acceptable formats for these documents are either PDF
(.pdf) or Word (.doc).




Job Posting Title

Associate Director for Residential Life



Job Description Summary

Administrative Exempt



Job Description


Position Summary

The Associate Director for Residential Life is a senior member of the leadership team responsible for supervision of five full-time Community Directors, along with the oversight of the student leader recruitment, selection and training program. The position provides the vision for all areas related to leadership development for student leaders, recruitment strategies to attract robust candidates for academic year and summer term resident assistants, conducting training assessments, and facilitating team building activities for all staffing levels within Residential Life. In collaboration with the Associate Dean, they coordinate professional staff training and development sessions and serve as a critical partner in the recruitment, selection and on-boarding of Community Directors. The incumbent will also serve as a member of the Dean's Advisory Council, managing the administrative components of the weekly meeting including student outreach and follow up. This individual will also assist with conduct administration as needed.


This position requires frequent evening and weekend hours and the ability to effectively respond to student and campus emergencies with composure and maturity. The Associate Director is considered "essential personnel" during campus or community crises. Other duties for the Associate Director include: 1) follow policies and procedures of Residential Life and Student Housing department; 2) 24 hour emergency on-call member; 3) represent the department in all-campus committees; 4) advise House Presidents Council along with the Associate Dean; 5) oversee the budgets for Community Directors; 6) invest in professional development of the team ; 7) create and design student-centered programs and opportunities; 8) provide administrative backup to the Office of Residential Life and Student Housing.


The Associate Director is a live-on position ( At minimum, a one bedroom, one bath apartment on campus will be provided, along with one full meal plan valued at $8,000) with on-call responsibilities.



Primary Position Responsibilities

• Supervise five professional level Community Directors in their management of a residential community.


• Develop, manage and execute House President and Resident Assistant training and development curriculum with internal and external stakeholders.


• Coordinate and manage House President and Resident Assistant recruitment and selection process.


• Support in development and execution of professional staff recruitment, orientation, training and development.


• On-call/After-hours crisis response


• Other duties as assigned by the department.


• Contributions to college and divisional mission through committee work, event support, and overall engagement to the life of the College.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises five professional level community directors and indirectly supervises student leaders.

Education Required

• Masters degree in Student Affairs, Social Work, Counseling, or related field required.

Experience Required

• 5-7 years of experience in residential life.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and work effectively with multiple diverse populations


• Must have excellent interpersonal communication, organization, administrative skills and demonstrated experience with taking initiative and cultivating relationships within the team


• Strong collaborative skill sets across varied domains.


• Crisis intervention and referral skills.


• Ability to exercise superior judgment and discretion, as well as maintain integrity and confidentiality


• Understanding of development issues for traditional and non-traditional aged college students.


• Maintain and exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information


• Must be highly motivated, energetic and ready to assume the responsibility for a comprehensive program

Company Description

Wellesley's mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community-faculty, students, staff, and alumnae.


Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success.

• Competitive Compensation : Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded.


• Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.


• Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.


• Paid Time Off : Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.


• Retirement Savings : Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees


• Work/Life and Wellness: A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process), caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.


• Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment.


• Tuition and Education Benefits : Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.


• Campus Privileges : Enjoy free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.

Apply today and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Wellesley College - where your unique strengths and success are celebrated as part of our shared commitment to inclusivity!



Worker Sub-Type

Administrative



Time Type

Full time



EEO Statement


At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas-the best solutions-draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members of the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish.




Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals in hiring and advancement based on any legally protected status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to the College community are encouraged to apply.

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