Residence Director

About the role

Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Its mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects a dedication to turning ideas into action in Portland and beyond. The city serves as an extended campus, offering students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene, and hands‑on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners. More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to classrooms and campus life, from the tree‑lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state‑of‑the‑art science labs. PSU prides itself on world‑class faculty, groundbreaking research, and an international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement, and innovation.

The mission of University Housing & Residence Life (UHRL) is to provide a unique living experience in Portland’s urban environment through actively engaged residential communities that promote student success. The Residence Director position is a full‑time professional staff position that assists in implementing the Residence Life program for a specific area or program on campus, supervises paraprofessional staff, and serves as a live‑in role requiring availability on evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation of the Residence Life program for a designated area or program.
• Supervise paraprofessional staff within Residence Life.
• Provide student leader supervision.
• Develop and deliver residential education initiatives.
• Foster community development and engagement.
• Manage crisis situations and emergency response.
• Oversee student conduct processes.
• Handle day‑to‑day community operations.
• Live in the residence hall and be available evenings and weekends as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in a leadership role within Housing and Residence Life or Student Affairs.
• Demonstrated experience leading a team of college students.
• Ability to live in a residence hall (apartment provided).
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to meet residents’ needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in College Student Personnel, Student Affairs, Higher Education, or a related field.
• Experience in professional staff on‑call duty rotation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively and respectfully within a diverse and inclusive environment.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory abilities.

Key Cultural Competencies

• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adhere to all PSU policies, including those on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship

• Contribute to a culture of environmental stewardship, practice resource conservation, and actively work toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.

Schedule

40 hrs, 5 days / week.

Pay

Starting annual salary includes a 1‑bedroom apartment, a meal plan during the academic year, and $43,872; may be negotiated above based on experience, skills, market parity, internal equity, and department budget.

Benefits

• 95% premium‑paid healthcare.
• Generous retirement and vacation package.
• Reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse, or dependent at any Oregon University System school.