Director of Residential Life Halls | Office of Student Experience

The Director of Residential Halls will lead and oversee all aspects of residential life at the American University of Sharjah, managing a vibrant and safe community of approximately 1,500 students. This role involves creating a supportive environment that promotes academic success, personal growth, cultural understanding, and student well-being. The Director will supervise the daily operations of the residential halls, provide strategic leadership, and ensure a safe and engaging living environment for AUS students.

Job Responsibilities    

Leadership and Strategic Management

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the residential life program, aligned with the university's mission.
• Manage the overall operations of the residential halls, including staffing, budgeting, and program planning, for a community of 1,500 students.
• Ensure adherence to AUS policies, safety protocols, and international best practices in residential life.

Facilities and Operations Management

• Collaborate with campus departments to maintain residential hall facilities, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and functionality.
• Monitor occupancy rates, manage housing assignments for 1,500 students, and oversee the check-in and check-out processes.

Assessment and Reporting

• Regularly assess the effectiveness of residential programs and services.
• Collect and analyze feedback to continuously improve the residential experience for 1,500 students.
• Prepare reports on occupancy, student satisfaction, and operational efficiency for senior leadership.

Community Development

• Foster a sense of community and belonging among residential hall students through programs that encourage academic, cultural, and social engagement.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating programs and initiatives that respect and celebrate the multicultural makeup of the AUS student body.

Staff Supervision and Training

• Recruit, train, and supervise residential life staff, including Resident Assistants (RAs), residential hall managers, and administrative personnel.
• Provide professional development opportunities for the team to enhance their skills.

And other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills Required    

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in residential life, student affairs, or a similar field experience.
• The Director is expected to live on campus or be readily available for emergencies.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse student population.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in managing residential communities of 1,000+ students in an international or multicultural academic environment.
• Proven ability to lead diverse teams and manage complex projects.
• Strong understanding of student development theories and best practices in residential life.

How to Apply

• Interested applicants should fill out the form.
• AUS alumni are encouraged to apply. Applicants who do not meet specified requirements will not be shortlisted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• AUS is an equal opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regard to race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, disability or marital status. Opportunities for employment are based solely upon one’s qualifications.