Residence Hall Director

Position Description

The Residence Hall Director (RHD) is a 12-month full-time, live-in position primarily responsible for the students living on one of the University’s three residence halls or University Apartments overseeing approximately 150-200 students.  As an integral position within the Student Affairs team, the RHD supports and administers many student development and residence life functions and is expected to positively influence, contribute to, and improve the quality of life of our residential students. The position directly supervises 4 resident assistants; assists in the recruitment, selection, and training of paraprofessional staff; assists in the coordination of staff meetings; works with campus maintenance and housekeeping departments; assists in the management of hall budgets; addresses individual student problems; develops community within living/learning environments; monitors and enforces published policies and regulations; develops co-curricular programming; and manages the residence life systems and residence hall operations.  The RHD is part of the regular weekend, holiday, and break duty rotation.

This is a full-time, 12-month, live-in position in a co-ed or single gender residence hall or apartment complex with apartment provided.  Meal plan is provided while the University is in session.  The RHD reports to the Director of Residence Life and Housing. This is designed as an entry-level position, ideal for someone interested in starting a career in Higher Education or pursuing a master’s degree. 

McMurry is deeply committed to building a community that embraces diversity and fosters equity and inclusion on our campus. We seek applicants who recognize diversity and cultural mindfulness as integral components of university excellence. We are looking for candidates who will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and the advancement of distinctive perspectives at McMurry.

Staff Supervision, Development, and Evaluation

• Assist in supervision of Resident Advisors.


• Aid in scheduling and conducting regular staff meetings.


• Arrange resident advisor duty and front desk work schedules.


• Assist in planning and implementing recruitment, selection, and training, and evaluation of programs for all paraprofessional staff.


• Assist in the design and development of staff training sessions to improve the skill of hall staff.

Program Development

• Supervise day-to-day operations of residence hall communities.


• Support student sponsored events and activities.


• Serve as a source of information for staff, residents, guests, alumni, administrators, faculty, and parents.


• Assist with the planning, organizing, promotion, and presentation of co-curricular activities for students that focus on cultural diversity and inclusion.


• Establish, maintain and support a positive, healthy, living/learning environment that is consistent with the goals of the residence life system and the Student Affairs Office.


• Maintain visibility and approachability to all residents within the residence life system.


• Conduct community meetings throughout the semester as needed.


• Assist staff in assessing resident needs and interests.


• Ensure that staff plan, coordinate, and implement regular programming that follows the Developmental Programing model.


• Maintain accurate records of all student and staff-initiated programming.

Housing Operations

• Assist in the daily operations of the residence life program.


• Assist in the coordination of system and hall operations, such as: opening and closing, check-in/out, room changes, room assignments, and damage appeals.


• As part of on-call duty with other Residence Life & Housing professional staff, respond to all situations by answering phone, working as needed with Resident Advisor on call, University Campus Safety & Security staff, Director of Residence Life & Housing, and the Dean of Students & Campus Life.


• Serve as liaison to maintenance and housekeeping.


• Assist in the coordination of assigned central office responsibilities, such as: RA recruitment and selection, RA contracts, RA training, housing contracts, room changes, summer students, opening/closing, faculty involvement, room selection, room assignments, and programming reports.

Administrative

• The RHD is required to work evenings and weekends in the residence halls, and may be called upon to work on inter-departmental projects. Share on-call responsibilities nights and weekends, including holidays and breaks.


• Monitor programming budget.


• Respond immediately to any crises and/or emergencies as they occur.


• Complete other projects and responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Dean or Students for Housing and Conduct.

Specialization

Additionally, based on need, interest and background, Residence Hall Directors will assist in the operations of other Student Affairs areas such as Counseling & Disability Services, Student Advocacy & Support, Student Engagement, University Wellness & Recreation, Greek Life (local social clubs), or specific areas within Residence Life & Housing. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required and a minimum of one year of experience in student activities, residence life, Greek life, student leadership, and/or orientation preferred. Undergraduate or graduate experience may be included to meet the requirement.


• Additional skills in written and oral communication, group facilitation, and program presentation.


• Ability to multi-task; work as part of a team; relate well with college students; and work with a diverse student population.


• Physical requirements are within the general range of an office environment, and will include occasional walking of the campus, including up and down several flights of stairs.


• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and over major holidays is mandatory.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.


• Prior management of resources, computer literacy in the Microsoft Office environment, and supervision of paraprofessional staff at the university level preferred.


• Understanding of assessment and research methods and creative uses of technology are helpful.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter addressing how your background fits with position requirements, resume and names and contact information for three references. For best consideration, please submit materials by June 1st, 2026.  Position is open until filled.  Questions can be directed to Jordan Gregory, Assistant Dean of Students for Housing and Conduct, McMurry University, 1 McMurry University # 1375, Abilene, Texas 79697-0001 via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (325) 793-4710.  Thank you!

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action:
McMurry University is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the university community and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status, in employment or the provision of services, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is also prohibited pursuant to University policy.