The SUNY College at Cortland has a strong commitment to a quality residential experience. The Residential Services Program is responsible for providing a safe, secure, well-maintained environment within which students can learn, develop, and flourish. The residence hall environment must support students as they purse their academic program, while at the same time, allowing students to relax and socialize. The residence hall staffing pattern at SUNY Cortland includes live on professional hall directors and student staff members. This pattern has been established to help create a positive community in the halls, to allow the hall staff the opportunity to know the residents and to develop programs to compliment, support and enhance the academic mission of the college.

Administrative Responsibilities

Residence hall directors (RHD) are responsible for the administrative management of a co-educational residence hall housing 150-500 students. General duties include: occupancy reports, room change procedures, damage assessments, and closing and opening of halls. The residence hall director works closely with the Coordinator of Housing and Operations in completing these duties. Administrative duties associated with the judicial process are completed in conjunction with the Director of Judicial Affairs.

Development Responsibilities

residence hall directors supervise resident assistants, an administrative assistant, and an academic peer mentor. The director’s role is this capacity includes supervision, staff development, and evaluation. All directors become actively involved in the student staff selection process. They play a major role in the fall and spring training programs and also in the important ongoing process of building positive staff relationships.

Consistent with the philosophy of Residential Services, the residence hall director is extremely supportive of programming efforts in the residence hall. A community development model is used to create and maintain a positive learning environment that will contribute to the intellectual, social, and personal growth of students. In addition, the hall director promotes leadership development through advising the Residence Hall Association.

Our philosophy also requires an emphasis on counseling-oriented contact with students on both an individual and small group basis. Within the limits of professional capabilities, residence hall directors work with students who have academic, vocational, and personal concerns. It is expected that residence hall directors will be aware of potentially serious emotional and medial problems and will make appropriate referrals when necessary. residence hall directors are also responsible for facilitating disciplinary discussions and hearings within their residence hall with an emphasis on the educational development of the students.

Additional Responsibilities

In addition to these developmental responsibilities, all directors are given the opportunity to become involved in committee work dealing with facets of residence life and housing, as well as, student affairs and the entire college community. The residence hall director is also responsible for one other area of Residential Services such as training, judicial affairs, programming, and Residence Hall Association, housing operations, academic peer mentor supervision, and student staff selection.

Qualifications

Residential Services is seeking candidates for both 10-month and 12-month residence hall directors. Twelve-month positions require a Masters degree, preferably in student personnel, counseling, or other related areas. Ten-month positions require a Bachelors degree. Both positions require previous residence life experience, preferably beyond the resident assistant level for both positions.

Cortland encourages applications from innovative, creative, motivated candidates who posses the enthusiasm and commitment necessary for these live-in positions. Preference will be given to candidates with experience which is complimentary to Cortland’s residential life program, such as educational programming, judicial affairs, staff development, multi-cultural, and housing operations.

Terms of Employment  

Salary range is approximately $27,900-33,325, depending on level of position. Other benefits include low-cost health, major medical, and dental plans. A furnished apartment and a $500 a year meal plan are provided. Two weekends away from campus per month are permitted, but you are expected to reside in the apartment seven days a week. Outside employment is restricted. SUNY Cortland does not allow pets, except fish. We do have a Domestic Partner policy in effect. After the first year, you are permitted to pursue class work. Apartments are furnished, unless you choose to bring your own furniture.

To apply, go online to jobs.ortland.edu.

Contact Information

James Hendrick
Assistant Director
Cortland, NY 13045
607-753-4723

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