Residential Life - Residence Hall Director

About Sacred Heart University

As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

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To apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions. 

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Position Summary

As the primary live-in staff member for a sophomore residence hall of up to 425 students, the Residence Hall Director (RHD) is charged with the responsibility to develop a supportive educational environment that fosters learning outside of the classroom, develops students holistically, and supports the academic success and retention of residential students by maintaining a regular presence to their residents and supervising para-professional staff and their efforts. The RHD is an integral member of the Residential Life team; the RHD understands and upholds not only the department's mission, but the University's mission as well and respects its Catholic values and identity.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

Engagement in and management of resident student retention efforts

• Directly interact with students and assist with success planning and support.
• Maintain visibility and promote individual contact via student-centered office hours.
• Coordinate residential facility student engagement, including creating direct connections with students, following up on students of concern and proactively addressing roommate conflicts.
• Cultivate student leadership and personal responsibility through intentional programming, mentorship, and direct student engagement.
• Utilization of the retention software and cohort retention approaches.

Selection, Training, Supervision, and Evaluation of student Resident Assistant Staff

• Supervise & evaluate up to 11 Resident Success Assistants (RSA) and a Senior RSA.
• Implement Residential Curriculum initiatives aiding in community development including data tracking and analysis.

Serve as a local conduct officer and crisis/emergency responder

• Act as a primary point of contact for students of concern, providing intentional follow-up, resources, and documentation in alignment with university care protocols.
• Perform conduct hearings for residents in assigned area
• Participation in campus on-duty coverage rotation.

Residence Hall and Departmental Administration

• Prepare and facilitate the opening and closing of residential facilities.
• Monitor and track facility and operational needs within residential facility.
• Develop and implement tracking workflows for roommate conflicts, assignment changes, and occupancy data to drive long-term analytical reporting and planning for assigned Residence Hall.

Additional Position & Departmental Responsibilities:

• Weekly office hours will include at least two days of an 8 hour flexed shift, to include evening hours, as prescribed by supervisor.
• Maintain permanent, full-time on-campus residency in the assigned area.
• Must have a valid driver's license and access to a motor vehicle.
• Other related responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Other Attributes

• Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, Counseling, or related field is required
• One to three years graduate or professional experience in student life. Live-in residence life experience strongly preferred
• Experience with Student Retention software and Data Analytics
• Direct experience with retention related efforts and initiatives
• Experience in student development and leadership
• Must have valid driver's license and vehicle for on-duty coverage

Unusual Working Conditions

Will require nights, weekends, and some holiday work hours.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.