Campus

OSU-Stillwater

Contact Name & Email

Amber Manning-Ouellette, amber.manning-ouellette@okstate.edu

Work Schedule

This position includes regular business hours with additional evening and weekend responsibilities as needed.

Serves in a rotating on-call duty system for crisis management and administrative support.

Appointment Length

Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice

Hiring Range

$105,000 - $150,000

Priority Application Date

For full consideration, please apply by 2025-08-01. Resumes will be accepted until position is filled.

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, please include a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references.

About this Position

Now Hiring: Senior Director of Housing and Residential Life

Are you a visionary leader passionate about student success, communities, and strategic growth in higher education?  Join Oklahoma State University, Division of Student Affairs, as our next Senior Director of Housing and Residential Life, where you’ll shape the future of on-campus living and directly impact the thoughts of students’ experiences and well-being.

About the Role:

As the senior leader of Housing and Residential Life, you’ll serve as a strategic partner within the Division of Student Affairs, overseeing all aspects of residential life, housing operations, facilities planning, staff development, and student support.  This critical leadership role drives long-term planning efforts and promotes an inclusive, engaging, and academically enriched living experience. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic planning and execution for housing facilities and residential education.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a dynamic team of professional and paraprofessional staff.
• Foster a residential community grounded in equity, belonging, and student development.
• Oversee housing operations, occupancy management, and facilities planning with a forward-thinking approach.
• Provide high-level crisis response and coordination of behavioral interventions.
• Manage a multimillion-dollar budget and drive operational excellence.
• Develop marketing, outreach, and communication strategies to enhance resident engagement.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

We are seeking a collaborative, equity-driven professional who:

• Brings substantial leadership experience in housing/residential life or related fields.
• Demonstrates a deep commitment to student well-being, diversity, and inclusion.
• Has strong strategic planning, crisis management, and team leadership skills.
• Is experienced in facilities planning, budget oversight, and data-informed decision-making.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, student-centered environment and builds strong campus partnerships.

Why Join Us?

• At Oklahoma State University, you’ll be part of a forward-looking institution that values innovation, inclusion, and student-centered leadership. You’ll help shape a residential experience that supports academic success, personal growth, and community connection.

Required Qualifications

• Master's

  Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Business Administration, or a related field.

  (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)
  • 10 years of related work experience with professional staff supervisory experience. 
  • Experience supervising and developing professional staff.
  • Experience in budget management, residential life, housing operations, crisis response, residential education and/or co-curricular learning environments, and student conduct.
  • Proven leadership in strategic planning, assessment, and campus collaboration.
• Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge:

  • Leadership and Supervision: Proven ability to lead and develop large, diverse teams with professionalism, accountability, and inclusivity in mind.

  • Strategic Planning: Strong skills in setting operational priorities, assessing risk, and aligning housing operations with broader university goals.

  • Crisis Management: Experience managing emergency situations, including student mental health crises, facility issues, and critical incidents in a calm and effective manner.

  • Student Affairs Expertise: Deep understanding of student development theory, residential education, and the role of housing in student success and retention.

  • Facilities and Occupancy Management: Knowledge of housing operations, including occupancy planning, facility maintenance, renovation projects, and capital planning.

  • Budget and Resource Management: Experience managing large operational budgets, forecasting, and aligning resources with strategic priorities.

  • Legal and Policy Compliance: Familiarity with applicable laws and regulations (e.g., FERPA, ADA, Title IX, Fair Housing), and institutional policy adherence.

  • Communication and Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to work effectively with students, staff, faculty, families, and campus partners.

  • Technology Proficiency: Proficient in housing management systems (e.g., StarRez or equivalent), Microsoft Office Suite, data reporting tools, and emergency communication platforms.

  • Assessment and Data-Informed Decision-Making: Experience using data to evaluate programs, assess student needs, and inform continuous improvement efforts.

  • Equity and Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusive, accessible, and supportive environments for all students and staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D./Ed.D.

  Higher Education, Leadership, or related discipline

  • Experience managing large-scale housing operations at a public institution.
  • Knowledge of facilities planning, public-private partnerships, and residential curriculum models
• Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses:

  • Certified Student Affairs Educator (CSAEd) – particularly with a concentration in Residential Life, offered by NASPA.

  • Certified Housing Professional (CHP) – from ACUHO-I, demonstrating expertise in housing operations.

  • Mental Health First Aid or similar certification for non-clinical crisis intervention.

  • Clery Act Compliance Training – especially if the director will serve as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).

  • CPR/AED certification – beneficial for on-site emergency preparedness, especially in residential settings.

  • Project Management Certification (e.g., PMP or CAPM) – valuable for capital project oversight or large-scale housing initiatives.

• Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge:

  • Leadership and Supervision: Proven ability to lead and develop large, diverse teams with professionalism, accountability, and inclusivity in mind.

  • Strategic Planning: Strong skills in setting operational priorities, assessing risk, and aligning housing operations with broader university goals.

  • Crisis Management: Experience managing emergency situations, including student mental health crises, facility issues, and critical incidents in a calm and effective manner.

  • Student Affairs Expertise: Deep understanding of student development theory, residential education, and the role of housing in student success and retention.

  • Facilities and Occupancy Management: Knowledge of housing operations, including occupancy planning, facility maintenance, renovation projects, and capital planning.

  • Budget and Resource Management: Experience managing large operational budgets, forecasting, and aligning resources with strategic priorities.

  • Legal and Policy Compliance: Familiarity with applicable laws and regulations (e.g., FERPA, ADA, Title IX, Fair Housing), and institutional policy adherence.

  • Communication and Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to work effectively with students, staff, faculty, families, and campus partners.

  • Technology Proficiency: Proficient in housing management systems (e.g., StarRez or equivalent), Microsoft Office Suite, data reporting tools, and emergency communication platforms.

  • Assessment and Data-Informed Decision-Making: Experience using data to evaluate programs, assess student needs, and inform continuous improvement efforts.

  • Equity and Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusive, accessible, and supportive environments for all students and staff.