Director of Living and Learning Community Engagement

ABOUT VOORHEES UNIVERSITY
In celebration of its 125th year of existence on April 7, 2022, Voorhees College was renamed Voorhees University to honor founder, Elizabeth Evelyn Wight. Voorhees University is a private, diverse, historically black, coeducational, liberal arts, baccalaureate degree-granting institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Located in rural Denmark, South Carolina, the University serves traditional and nontraditional students primarily from South Carolina and the southeastern region of the United States; however, seeks to expand our reach both nationally and internationally. The University offers each student a comprehensive general education experience coupled with professional education in the values-centered liberal arts environment that supports educational opportunities designed to help prepare students to function in a diverse and increasingly technological society. Accordingly, the University seeks to produce highly qualified graduates who coalesce intellect and faith in pursuit of life-long learning, healthy living, the betterment of society, and an abiding faith in God.

PRESIDENTIAL CHARGE AND SCOPE OF APPOINTMENT
In accordance with the University’s mission, Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, 10th President of Voorhees University has issued the charge and call to action articulated through the University’s mantra: Begin. Believe. Become. that will advance Voorhees University to The Next Level of Excellence. President Hopkins believes and expects that Voorhees University will be nationally recognized as a premier, comprehensive liberal arts institution focused on student success, excellence and integrity. Through this charge, greater emphasis will be placed on high performing learners, highly accomplished faculty and staff, an involved community, and a supportive and dedicated alumni base.

Position: Director of Living and Learning Community Engagement
Department/Division: Residential Life/Student Affairs
Salary Range: $55,000.00 – $60,000.00
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Position/Duration: Full time/12 months
Position Schedule: Monday – Friday 8a – 5p (extended hours, weekends, and travel required) 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans for the living and learning communities program, aligning goals with the institution’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Oversee the budget for the living and learning communities and campus event programs, including allocation of funds, monitoring of expenditures, and financial forecasting.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of resources and seek opportunities for revenue generation and cost savings.
• Provide direct supervision of Living and Learning Community Coordinators (LLCs) and Campus Life and Student Activities staff.
• Work a flexible schedule, which includes some early morning, night and weekend work during peak seasons to support campus programs and activities.
• Establish successful academic and/or theme-based Living and Learning housing options for 100 percent of Living and Learning Communities.
• Establish and maintain relationships with students through campus events, informal interactions, and organized programs and workshops.
• Develop a residential curriculum for all Living and Learning Communities.
• Modernize students’ access to food pantry from food insecurities.
• Facilitates innovative strategies for room assignments for new and returning students.
• Provide direct supervision and leadership to a team of coordinators, resident assistants, and other staff members within the living and learning communities program.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, offer professional development opportunities, and foster a culture of excellence and collaboration among staff.
• Collaborate with academic departments and faculty to integrate academic components into the living and learning communities, fostering interdisciplinary learning and academic success.
• Serve as an advocate for students within the living and learning communities, addressing complex student issues, promoting diversity and inclusion, and fostering a supportive and inclusive living environment.
• Provide guidance and support to students on matters related to academic success, personal development, and community engagement.
• Lead efforts to develop and implement innovative programming initiatives that enhance the residential experience and promote student engagement, leadership development, and holistic growth.
• Utilize a framework of equity and justice in all aspects of their day-to-day work. Promote equity through the
1. identification and removal of barriers,
2. cultivate an inclusive work environment, and
3. empowerment of people.
• Conduct regular assessments and evaluations of programmatic initiatives, using data to inform decision-making and ensure alignment with student needs and institutional goals.
• Coordinates living and learning communities’ in-house policy hearings addressing housing violations.
• Investigates student misconduct in the Living and Learning Communities and applies appropriate actions for resolution.
• Counsel individual students with difficulties and make referrals to other sources where appropriate.
• Responsible for managing, maintaining, and entering data in the housing data system.
• Recruits and selects Living and Learning Coordinators, Residents Assistants, and Federal Work-Study students.
• Innovative scheduling for proper coverage to prevent gaps.
• Maintains records pertinent to the administration of the department.
• Serve on the Student Affairs Committee and other committees and task forces as assigned by the Vice President of Student Affairs.
• Serve as official liaison on matters related to Living and Learning for students, parents and guardians, faculty, staff, and administrators.
• Works with other University officials to develop an innovative process of maintaining and monitoring maintenance and repairs through completion.
• Confers regularly with the Dean of Students and Vice President.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
• Standard Office Environment

EDUCATION
• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred in Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, Counseling, Psychology or a related field

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in residence life, student affairs, or related field, with demonstrated experience in leadership, strategic planning, and program development.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills, with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Must be able to organize, schedule, and implement activities to benefit the campus community.
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in living and learning communities, student development theory, and academic integration.
• Experience supervising and developing professional staff, managing budgets, and fostering a culture of student success and engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer skills to include Microsoft office, charts, and graphs for departmental reporting
• Willingness to work flexible hour.

APPLICATION INFORMATION
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Please submit an employment application, cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications for the position, resume, and relevant transcript to apply.