Associate Director of Residence Life

Position Details

Position Information

Working Title Associate Director of Residence Life Position Number GA308 FLSA Exempt Appointment Type Full Time Sensitive Position No Sensitive Position Statement

A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check.

Campus Security Authority Yes Campus Security Authority Statement

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an "official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities". A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.

Designated Personnel Yes Designated Personnel Statement

This position is a "designated position" meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.

Statement of Economic Interest No Statement of Economic Interest Statement

This position may require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest.

Restricted Position Yes Restricted Position Statement

This is a restricted position subject to availability of funding.

Chief Objective of Position

The Associate Director serves as a member of the Residence Life and Housing Administration (RLHA) central office management team and is the staff member responsible for oversight, planning, and strategic management of the residential student experience. The Associate Director will build partnerships with academic support units and student services departments to foster awareness and support in the development of residential communities. This position is responsible for implementing a comprehensive residential curriculum that supports the liberal arts experience as well as the assessment and evaluation of residential programs and services. The Associate Director will provide strategic leadership for the development of Resident Assistants (RAs) as student leaders, including the design and implementation of intentional leadership development, training, and co-curricular learning experiences. The Associate Director will assume the responsibilities of the Director of Residence Life and Housing Administration when absent by providing support and direction to faculty, staff, and students. The Associate Director, in consultation with the Director, will provide oversight of crisis management planning and response.

This position is a full-time, 12-month exempt position with on-call requirements that include nights, weekends, breaks, and holidays. The position is live-off; therefore, it requires staff to live within a reasonable response time from campus with reliable transportation.

Work Tasks

• Provides leadership and direction for the residential student experience, fostering supportive communities that advance student learning, engagement, and student success through an approach that strengthens connections, integrates student support, and ensures responsive practices for addressing student needs and concerns.
• Responsible for the implementation of leadership development within student staff and professional staff.
• Identifies opportunities for co-curricular education and engagement within RLHA.
• Provides direct supervision for multiple Assistant Directors; responsible for the training and professional development
• Directs the recruitment, selection, and training of the Residential Fellows - the Full-Time Professional Live-In staff members.
• Directs the efforts of the Assistant Directors and Residential Fellows in the selection, training, supervision, evaluation, and accountability for the responsibilities of student staff (Resident Assistants and Desk Assistants)
• Manages professional staff on-call responsibilities, including developing the on-call schedule, ensuring coverage and fulfillment of assigned responsibilities, and coordinating appropriate training and preparation for on-call staff.
• Performs Residential Fellow and Assistant Director responsibilities when needed.
• Supports the Director of Residence Life and Housing Administration in the management and day-to-day operation of the Office of Residence Life and Housing Administration.
• In consultation with the Director, provides budget management and manages procurement of departmental resources.
• Serves on Division of Student Affairs committees and other University committees as determined by the Director.
• Develops assessment criteria to determine the impact of residential programs and services, including but not limited to the Residential Experience Survey and Resident Assistant Experience Survey.
• Provides support and leadership in the department's response to students in crisis or to general crises affecting the university. This may include working with individual students in response to their needs or serving as a part of a team of professionals assigned to work cooperatively in response to a specific emergency.
• Coordinates efforts with campus partners for special-interest residential communities, including placement processes, student staff training, and policy development and recommendations.
• Serves as liaison to RLHA with administrative units in Student Affairs, Student Services, Auxiliary Services, and personnel affiliated with student success on university retention initiatives. This may include participation and/or representation on committees such as: Coordinated Care Team, Behavioral Intervention Team for Students (BITS).
• Participates in university events and assigned duties that support the academic mission of the University, the mission of the Student Affairs division, the goals of RLHA, and the work of students, including but not limited to: Orientation, Commencement, Move-In, and Admission Events. This may include participation at night and/or on weekends.
• Provides oversight as the office webmaster; coordinates additions and revisions to the Residence Life website; attends training sessions on web design and maintenance as needed.
• This position is designated as a "responsible employee" who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.
• This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the CNU Police. The CNU Police will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for faculty and staff designated as a Campus Security Authority.
• Develops a customer service approach to more effectively promote the "Students First" initiative, ensuring that all constituents are served in a fast, friendly, efficient and effective manner. Develops and maintains very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude and treats everyone with dignity and respect. Fully supports CNU Traditions and the "Students First" value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.
• Depending on the situation, this position may be designated during emergency closings. Designated employees are exempt and non-exempt employees who are required to work during an authorized closing because their positions have been designated by their agencies as essential to agency operations during emergencies. (Designated employees may be required to work during times they are not regularly scheduled to work.)
• Safety issues are reviewed and communicated, and goals are set to ensure a safe and healthy workplace and a reduction in work-related absences. Any violation of safety rules is addressed promptly.
• Performs other duties as assigned (examples include: committee work, review/revision of office publications and forms, assisting with room selection, summer assignments, reports, advising organizations, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.
• Excellent written and presentation skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to accommodate evening and weekend work.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent active listening skills.
• Computer literacy and proficiency; word processing and spreadsheet skills.

Required Education

Master's Degree or Bachelor's degree with work experience that equates to an advanced degree.

Additional Consideration - Education

Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Personnel Administration or related field, at time of start date.

Experience Required

• Significant post-master's experience in residence life and/or student affairs.
• Experience in supervision beyond student staff level.
• Experience in program management.
• Experience in crisis response.

Additional Consideration - Experience

• Professional Live-In experience.
• Demonstrated experience in developing vision, managing personnel, residential curriculum and leadership development.
• Significant experience in supervision beyond student staff level.
• Web design experience.

Salary Information Salary $69,700 to $80,000, Commensurate with Education and Experience CNU Information

Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU's on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia.

Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu.

Is this position telework eligible? Yes Telework Eligibility Disclaimer

This position is eligible for periodic telework as determined by the department. Eligibility is not guaranteed, and is subject to supervisor approval. Eligibility will depend on the likelihood of the employee's success in a telework arrangement and the supervisor's ability to manage telework. Departments and/or Human Resources may modify or revoke eligibility at any time. Employees will be required to sign a Telework Agreement.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number AP474P Number of Vacancies 1 Posting Date 09/03/2026 Review Begin Date 09/20/2026 Application Instructions

Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.

This position will be posted until filled; however, review of applications will begin on 09/20/2026.

Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.

Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/21195 EEO/Diversity Statement(s)

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.

Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Other Application Materials
• Other Application Materials #2
• Other Application Materials #3
• Other Application Materials #4
• Contact Information for at Least Three References