Coordinator for Residential Education and Leadership

The University of Georgia, chartered in 1785, is the birthplace of public higher education in America and the state’s flagship university. Located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, UGA is ranked among the top 20 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The university enrolls over 41,000 students across 19 schools and colleges.

University Housing, part of the Division of Student Affairs, provides comfortable, affordable, and secure housing for more than 9,000 students. The department employs 220 full-time staff and operates a $59 million budget derived from student housing fees. University Housing emphasizes competency-based training for staff and curriculum-based engagement for students, focusing on community building, interpersonal skills, social awareness, and well-being.

About the Role

Reporting to the Assistant Director for Academic Initiatives & Student Leadership, this position creates safe and comfortable residential communities with a focus on student learning. The Coordinator for Residential Education and Leadership autonomously leads programmatic and student leadership initiatives, advises student groups, and supervises graduate residents. This full-time professional staff role oversees leadership programs for 8,500 residential students and serves as an active, engaging member of the department.

Responsibilities

• Student Leadership Advising & Support (50% of time):
  • Serve as the primary advisor to the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) and the Residence Hall Association (RHA), guiding executive boards on organizational structure, strategic goal-setting, event planning, and officer transitions.
  • Recruit, select, train, supervise, and evaluate graduate resident(s) supporting student leadership initiatives, including one-on-one supervision meetings, performance feedback, and professional development planning.
  • Coordinate travel arrangements, registration, and logistics for state, regional (SAACURH), and national (NACURH) student leadership conferences and business meetings, and accompany students.
  • Develop and manage operating budgets for NRHH and RHA, including conference and travel allocations, programming funds, and recognition expenses, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with university policies.
  • Facilitate regular executive board and general body meetings for NRHH and RHA, providing coaching, mentorship, and conflict resolution support to student leaders.
  • Oversee officer recruitment, selection, application, interview, and transition processes for NRHH and RHA to sustain a consistent leadership pipeline.
  • Coordinate the development and submission of student and staff recognition nominations (e.g., Of the Month and Of the Year programs) at the regional and national level.
  • Serve as a liaison between student leadership organizations and University Housing staff, campus partners, and university administration to align student-driven initiatives with departmental priorities.
• Leadership Development:
  • Provide direct oversight of the creation, implementation, and ongoing assessment of University Housing’s residential student leadership initiatives (RHA, NRHH, Community Council, etc.), ensuring alignment with departmental and divisional learning outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent.

Qualifications

• Preferred:
  • Master’s Degree in College Student Affairs Administration, student personnel, or a related area.
  • Experience advising student organizations.
  • Experience developing, implementing, and assessing strategic goals, objectives, and outcomes.
  • Experience managing a budget.
  • Experience working with groups that operate within state, regional, or national organizations.
  • Ongoing professional development centered around student leadership advising (e.g., NACURH Advisor Retention and Training program).

Skills

• Collaborative individual with the ability to work with faculty and staff from a variety of university departments.
• Ability to multitask and find creative solutions in a supervisory and autonomous environment.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and Learning Management Systems such as Blackboard.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for effective interaction with faculty, staff, students, parents, and administrators.
• Strong understanding of student development theory and curriculum design principles.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

University Housing Expectations

• Commit to a University Housing-first philosophy by promoting student success and supporting the missions of University Housing, the Division of Student Affairs, and the University of Georgia.
• Safeguard the physical security of University Housing facilities and protect sensitive information through adherence to cybersecurity policies and best practices.
• Embrace an entrepreneurial spirit by identifying opportunities to protect departmental resources and find cost savings.
• Be present and on time for all scheduled work, communicating proactively for unavoidable absences.
• Provide a positive student experience by being courteous, caring, patient, flexible, and resolving issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain a positive and productive environment by consistently following department, campus, and USG policies and procedures.
• Designated as Essential Personnel Pool, meaning you may be asked to report to work during inclement weather or other emergency situations when the University is closed or operating under modified conditions.
• Participate in departmental “all hands-on deck” events (e.g., move-in, move-out, residence hall emergencies).

Physical Demands

• Sit at a desk and computer for moderate periods of time.
• Lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Verbally communicate via telephone and in person.
• Organize and compare a large amount of data with attention to detail.
• Interpret and apply policies and procedures.
• Frequently walk through residential facilities, including climbing stairs.

Pay

$50,000

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Some weekend and evening hours required.