Position Summary:   
Franklin Pierce University invites applications for the Assistant Director of Residential Life – Residential Student Experience position. This is a full-time, year-round, live-in position dedicated to enhancing the residential student experience through intentional residence life programming, student engagement initiatives, and community standards practices, while working collaboratively with Student Engagement and other departments within the Division of Student Affairs. The Assistant Director reports directly to the Associate Director of Residence Life and Community Standards – Housing Operations, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Director of Student Engagement and Raven Recreation. The Assistant Director plays a vital role in fostering a student-centered residential experience in alignment with the mission of Residence Life & Community Standards and Student Engagement. In addition, this role contributes substantially to broader operational and management responsibilities essential to the effective functioning of a residential campus.
 
The Assistant Director will develop and implement welcoming, engaging, and fun residential programs that enhance students’ sense of belonging, foster friendships, and support balance, wellness, and resiliency, alongside personal, intellectual, and vocational skill development. This work will be carried out in close collaboration with the Office of Student Engagement and Raven Recreation, and in partnership with the Dean of Students Office, Multicultural Student Services, and Student Wellness and Outreach Education (Counseling and Health Services). 
 
The Assistant Director supports the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs in coordinating key divisional initiatives, including the Student Employment Training Program, Raven Reach Out, and the Resident Assistant Program. The Assistant Director provides programmatic supervision to Residence Directors, ensuring that student activities, engagement opportunities, and support resources are communicated effectively and delivered in ways that enhance student involvement, belonging, and success. Additionally, the Assistant Director will support the Director of Student Engagement and Raven Recreation in overseeing and managing the Pierce Activities Council, FPU’s student programming board.  
 
The ideal candidate will have experience in student activities, residential education, community standards, and leadership development. They should be committed to enhancing the student experience and creating an inclusive residential community.  This position will serve as a member of the Residence on Call (ROC) team. Early mornings, evenings and weekend hours are required. 
 
As a university committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse residential community, we seek candidates who are dedicated to supporting and enhancing the student experience through equitable and efficient practices that center success and belonging.  
 
  
Typical Schedule:    
This is a 12-month, exempt, live-in position designed to provide flexibility and work-life balance while supporting our vibrant residential community. Typical office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, with participation in the Residence Life on Call duty rotation. Given the dynamic nature of campus life on a small residential campus, occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends may be required to meet student and departmental needs.   
   
We value the well-being of our staff and encourage a balanced approach to work, allowing for flexibility in scheduling when possible. As a live-in professional, you will have the opportunity to engage meaningfully with students while maintaining a sustainable workload.  As an essential employee, your presence may be required during severe weather or other campus emergencies, unless otherwise directed. Our team is committed to supporting one another, ensuring that responsibilities are shared equitably, and fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.   

Student Success, Accessibility Services, and Academic Affairs, to ensure that residential programs align with broader institutional goals. With a focus on student engagement, leadership development, and continuous improvement, this role is key to fostering a vibrant, supportive, and academically enriching residential environment at Franklin Pierce University. 
  
Overview of Residence Life and Community Standards at Pierce:   
  
Our Office  
Franklin Pierce University’s Rindge campus offers a vibrant residential experience on 1,200 scenic acres along the shores of Pearly Pond in New Hampshire’s Monadnock region. With a mix of traditional residence halls, suite-style living, and apartment-style housing, FPU provides options that a growing residential population of 870 residential students. We support students’ growth and independence throughout their college journey outside of the classroom. The university is also exploring graduate student housing and expanding summer housing and conference services, ensuring a dynamic and evolving residential community.  
  
Our Mission   
We support, challenge, and empower students to thrive by fostering inclusive communities, personal growth, and academic success. Through advocacy, accountability, and leadership, we cultivate a residential experience where students build connections, develop independence, and contribute to the well-being of their community.   
   
Our Vision   
To cultivate a transformative residential experience where students develop independence, engage in meaningful dialogue, and build lifelong skills through community, mentorship, and leadership. Our goal is to foster an environment where every student feels seen, heard, and supported, preparing them to be socially responsible, compassionate, and engaged citizens in an increasingly diverse world.   
   
Our Values   

• Student Success & Belonging – We strive to create a living environment that supports academic achievement, personal development, and a strong sense of belonging, ensuring every student has the resources and support to thrive.   

• Community Care – We believe in fostering a culture of respect, support, and connection, where students look out for one another and contribute to a positive living environment.   

• Inclusive & Welcoming Communities – We are committed to creating a residential experience that celebrates all identities, perspectives, and experiences, ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and valued.   

• Accountability – We emphasize personal responsibility and collective accountability, encouraging students to reflect on the impact of their actions over intent and to contribute positively to their communities. We foster an environment where students can learn from mistakes, engage in open conversations, and take ownership of their role in building a respectful and inclusive community.   

• Student Advocacy – We empower students to use their voices, access resources, and seek opportunities for leadership and change, ensuring that their needs and concerns are heard and addressed.   

• Safety & Well-Being – We prioritize the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of all residents, creating a secure and supportive environment where students can focus on their success.   

•   Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Social                   Work, Student Development, or a related field 
• 3-5 years of experience in college residential education, campus wide programming, and student engagement as well as leading core initiatives such as Resident Assistant training, Resident Assistant Evaluation, and Resident Assistant recruitment and selection. 
• Previous experience in student conduct and serving as a student conduct hearing officer. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal comfortability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.  

• Working knowledge of student development theories and best practices in a residential setting.  

• Demonstrated experience in conflict resolution, student support, and learning outcomes.  

• Proficiency in computer software, including Microsoft Excel, Maxient, Outlook, housing management systems (eRezLife preferred).  

• Experience with data management, reconciliation, and security, ensuring accurate housing records and reporting.  

• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable residential community.  

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.  

• Possesses a valid driver’s license for job-related responsibilities.  

• NOTE: Alternatives to formal education and paid work experience may be considered as equivalent qualifications to include military service/training, volunteering, activism, and other non-traditional programs and experiences related to the position.  
    

• 3+ years of previous experience and expertise in working with Maxient, eRezLife, or similar systems. 

• 3+ years of paraprofessional (graduate and undergraduate) supervision. 

• 3+ years serving in a professional staff duty rotation and/or transferable crisis response team.  

• Experience developing curricular approaches to residential education and engagement a plus.  

• Experience building, developing, and assessing living learning communities a plus. 

• Enthusiasm for working with NCAA Division II Athletics.   

• A sense of humor   
    

• Collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external partners to foster an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming residential community. 

• Maintain discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive student and housing-related information, exercising sound judgment in decision-making. 

• Provide exceptional customer service, engaging with students, families, and university personnel to ensure a positive and supportive housing experience. 

• Communicate clearly and professionally in both verbal and written formats, including reports, action plans, and student communications. 

• Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, balancing administrative tasks, student needs, and operational responsibilities. 

• Be proficient in Microsoft Office and Outlook, with a commitment to learning and utilizing housing software such as eRezLife and student conduct platforms like Maxient. 

• Support the university’s community standards process, assisting in the management of housing-related student conduct cases when necessary. 

• Develop, plan, and assess residential activities related to housing assignments and events to enhance student engagement, learning, and personal development. 

• Ensure compliance with university policies and procedures related to housing, student life, facilities services, and residence hall operations. 

• Demonstrate strong decision-making and supervisory skills, providing guidance to professional and paraprofessional staff to ensure smooth daily operations. 

• Engage in ongoing professional development and training, staying current with best practices in housing operations and facilities management. 

• Actively participate in campus life and university traditions, including residence hall openings/closings, student programs, athletic events, and student leadership development initiatives. 

• Continuously seek innovative improvements in housing operations, safety protocols, and the overall student residential education experience. 

• Maintain a visible and engaged presence within the residential community, attending Resident Assistant meetings, training sessions, fire drills, and other key events 

• Students – Significant contact and interaction (daily)   

• Faculty and Staff - Significant contact and interaction (daily).    

• Community and Vendors – Significant contact with members of the community and vendors. (daily)   

• Local first responders and community members – Significant contact and interaction (daily)   

   
Confidentiality: All information regarding students is protected by FERPA and considered confidential. Student information must not be shared without the express permission of the student.    
   
Expectations of All Employees:   
All Staff support the University’s mission, vision values by incorporating behaviors outlined in the Code of Conduct in the daily work.  Each team member is able to describe the ways the work of their department/area contributes to making the University a great place for students to learn and staff to work.  Each staff member plays an essential role in fostering an environment of respect, diversity and inclusion, raising the quality of service, and generating ideas that help us improve.   
   
NOTE: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.   

Benefits include:

• medical, dental, eye care and retirement benefits.