Area Director

DESCRIPTION

Otterbein University is seeking a dedicated and student-centered Area Director to support residential student success through leadership, supervision, and community development. This is a live-in, full-time, exempt administrative position working 40 hours per week, 12 months per year, responsible for approximately 400 students living in traditional residence halls, apartments, and theme houses.

The Area Director plays a critical role in shaping the residential experience by overseeing staff supervision, student engagement, behavioral intervention, facilities oversight, housing operations, and departmental initiatives. The position works closely with Residence Life leadership and serves as a visible presence within the campus residential community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Staff Supervision, Training & Development

• Directly supervise and evaluate approximately six Resident Assistants and one Head Resident Assistant.
• Conduct weekly staff meetings and individual meetings with direct reports.
• Create and implement group and individualized development plans.
• Support the Assistant Director(s) in staff recognition, recruiting, selection, and training processes.
• Oversee break housing staff selection and supervision, on-call schedules, room assignments, and programming efforts.

Student Support, Intervention & Programming

• Address student conduct concerns and serve as a judicial hearing officer for student code of conduct violations.
• Lead student retention efforts, including educational programming and support for at-risk students.
• Train paraprofessional staff to address student retention concerns.
• Plan and coordinate residence hall programming that emphasizes community development, critical thinking, healthy lifestyles, learning outcomes, and collaboration across campus.
• Support students experiencing personal, social, emotional, physical, and academic concerns through programming and referrals.
• Serve as an advocate for diverse student populations.
• Assist in the development and execution of an intentional upper-class residential experience.
• Participate in the professional staff on-call rotation for campus emergencies.

Facilities & Housing Operations

• Supervise residence hall facilities, including opening and closing procedures, key management, furniture inventory, and cleanliness and maintenance oversight.
• Conduct weekly facility walkthroughs and coordinate monthly health and safety inspections.
• Serve as a University building captain and ensure compliance with fire safety policies.
• Manage room assignments, room changes, vacancy and consolidation processes in collaboration with the Housing Operations Coordinator.
• Support the Housing Selection process.
• Maintain accurate student information using university systems, including Banner, MCR Housing, and Guardian.

Budget & Administrative Responsibilities

• Manage area budgets related to programming, staff development, and facilities.
• Participate in Otterbein campus committees and summer orientations.
• Maintain open communication with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners.

Communication & Engagement

• Manage departmental social media accounts, including ongoing planning and frequent posting (e.g., Instagram).
• Serve as an active participant in campus life and contribute to a positive residential environment.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, candidates must be able to perform the essential duties described above.

Education & Experience

Required qualifications include:

• A master's degree
• At least one year of experience in residence life, educational programming, supervision, or advising

Certifications & Licenses

• Valid driver's license and willingness to become a university-certified driver

Skills & Abilities

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse nationalities and backgrounds
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment
• Basic mathematical skills, including budget management and housing projections
• Technical competence using software applications, office equipment, and data systems
• Ability to reason objectively, make decisions quickly, and manage complex interpersonal interactions

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
• Frequent interaction with students and campus partners
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds
• Ability to walk up to four flights of stairs
• Ability to reach above head and below knees
• Must meet regular and predictable attendance standards

Work Environment

• Duties performed primarily in a controlled office and residential hall environment
• Regular evening and some weekend work required
• Must live in a furnished university-provided apartment on campus

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Otterbein offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Tuition benefit to employee, spouse or domestic partner and dependents
• Accrue 4 weeks of paid vacation
• 10 days paid sick time
• 12 paid holidays plus bonus days
• Medical, dental and vision insurance to you, dependents or domestic partner
• Life Insurance
• Defined contribution retirement plan
• and much more