Area Director Position

Hamilton College

Hamilton College, located in upstate New York, is a highly selective residential liberal arts college with an enrollment of approximately 1,700 students. A full-time professional member of the Division of Student Life, the Area Director is responsible for developing a comprehensive student development program within a residential area that supports the educational goals of the College. Through thoughtful integration of these goals, students are challenged to understand and respect values and lifestyles different from their own, relate meaningfully with one another, develop the capacity to appreciate cultural and aesthetic differences, and to accept responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Staff Development

The Area Director is responsible for selection, training and on-going supervision of a resident advisor staff of 18-21 in a residential area (7 -11 halls) of approximately 550- 650 students.

The Area Director will:

• Coordinate or assist with RA training prior to start of fall and spring semesters 
• Participate in selection process for RAs
• Maintain frequent and individual contact with RAs
• Assist RAs to identify and achieve RA job-related goals and objectives
• Serve as resource person for RAs working with individuals and groups in their halls

Student Development

Utilizing principles of student development, the Area Director will work with RAs and others within the Division of Student Life to promote a program that fosters student and community development.

The Area Director will:

• Provide direction for RAs to develop educational, social, and community building programs within the residence halls
• Assist RAs with roommate mediation and conflict resolution
• As appropriate, provide individual counseling and referral for students with personal or academic concerns
• Provide direction for communication and interpretation of College policy
• Discuss behavioral concerns with RAs and students involved, initiate preliminary investigation of cases and, when appropriate, serve as Administrative Hearing Officer
• Create and provide direction and support to newly established residence hall councils
• Provide support for Judicial Coordinator by initiating preliminary investigation of cases

Administrative Functions

The Area Director will:

• Perform various administrative tasks related to occupancy reports, room changes, maintenance functions, room inventories, damage reporting and follow-up, opening and closing of residence halls
• With the Director of Residential Life, Campus Safety, Physical Plant staff, and students, help to ensure that the residence hall environments are reasonably safe and secure
• Participate in the preparation and implementation of the Housing Lottery process
• Assist with the process of assigning residence hall spaces to first year students
• Assume "on-call" responsibilities for all campus residence halls on a regular basis
• Serve as a liaison and resource person for students and administration and act as a spokesperson for both
• Perform other duties as assigned

Collateral Duties

The Area Director has a collateral assignment coordinating staff training, selection and development, and/or coordinating housing and facility operations.

Additional Options

Hamilton College is a small residential community. As a member of the Division of Student Life, an Area Director has opportunities to explore other areas of Student Affairs. These opportunities include, but are not limited to, working with student leadership development programs, Presidential Coalition on Alcohol and Other Drugs, as well as Division-wide study groups, etc. Furthermore, participation in professional organizations is encouraged.

Supervision

The Area Director reports to and is supervised by the Director of Residential Life. Weekly individual appointments and staff meetings will be scheduled for on-going communication and follow-up.

Qualifications

A Master's degree in student personnel, counseling, or related field, plus previous residence hall experience is required.

Term

This is an eleven month renewable position.

Remuneration

Salary is competitive. In addition, board is provided while classes are in session, and a furnished apartment is provided for twelve months. Excellent medical and fringe benefits package.

For more Information, contact Travis Hill, Director of Residential Life at Hamilton College