The University at Albany (UAlbany) seeks a visionary, student-centered, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Director of Residential Life. This highly visible role shapes the living and learning experience of more than 7,000 students across a multi-site residential system that includes traditional residence halls, Living-Learning Communities, and apartment-style housing.
Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment and Dean of Students, the Director provides strategic leadership for a comprehensive portfolio: residential education and engagement; student support and crisis response; occupancy and revenue management; facilities partnerships and capital planning; technology and process modernization; and robust cross-campus collaboration. The Director leads a substantial staff team that includes three associate directors, eight assistant directors, more than 40 live-in professionals, administrative personnel, and over 100 student employees.
As one of four SUNY University Centers with a Very High Research (R1) designation, UAlbany enrolls over 17,000 students and is nationally recognized for student success and social mobility — including First Gen Forward status and the Seal of Excelencia — reflecting a deep commitment to inclusive excellence.
This transition follows decades of steady, thoughtful leadership and a strong culture of collaboration. Building on this foundation, the next Director will advance modernization of housing systems and processes; elevate customer service; strengthen partnerships with Facilities, Finance, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs units; embed wellness and mental-health strategies into residential life; and continue evolving the model to meet the needs of today’s students, many of whom are high-need and from historically marginalized populations.
The Director will contribute significantly to enrollment and student success by maintaining strong occupancy, stewarding revenue, and enhancing the residential experience as a differentiator for recruitment, retention, and graduation.
WittKieffer is assisting UAlbany in this search. The anticipated salary range is $150,000-$160,000, with individual compensation determined within this range. UAlbany also offers a robust benefits package, including medical coverage and retirement (more information is available on the University at Albany’s benefits homepage). All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. For fullest consideration, candidates should provide as separate documents a résumé and a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Profile.
Application materials should be submitted using UAlbany's website Interview Exchange.
Inquiries and nominations can be directed to the WittKieffer team, Jen Pickard and Christy Pratt at [email protected].
The University at Albany is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive learning, living and working environment that is free from inequality and discrimination, and to fostering a nurturing and vibrant community founded upon the fundamental dignity and respect of all its members.
All forms of discrimination are an insult to human dignity and impede the academic and professional progress of our community.
The University is dedicated to ensuring access, fairness and equity for all persons engaged in its educational programs, employment and related activities, and adheres to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity/access laws.
Please review UAlbany's Non-Discrimination Statement for more information.