JOB TITLE: Associate Director of Residential Life

DEPARTMENT: Operations 

LOCATION: PLC Detroit Campus, Detroit MI 

WHO WE ARE

PLC Detroit (PLC) is the Creative Northstar and premier HBCU that is rebranding education and reshaping industry standards. We prepare students for career-focused learning and professional development in the world of product creation, innovation, and design. Our mission is to build pathways into creative industries through experiential learning, community engagement, and industry partnerships.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Director of Residential Life plays a pivotal role in shaping the student housing experience at PLC Detroit. This position leads student housing operations, enhances community engagement, and ensures compliance while fostering a safe and thriving residential environment.

As PLC Detroit continues its rapid growth, this role will oversee housing for an increasing student population, scaling from 30 students to potentially 300+ students in the next five years. The ideal candidate is a strategic problem solver and self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can independently manage housing logistics, risk mitigation, and student engagement while collaborating with institutional leadership.

This is a unique opportunity to build and expand a residential life program at a fast-growing, industry-leading HBCU. The Associate Director will also lead housing compliance efforts (Title IX, Clery, ADA), manage housing transitions, forecast future housing needs, and support student life initiatives that enhance the overall experience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Housing Operations & Facilities Management

• Oversee the day-to-day management of student housing, ensuring operational efficiency, cleanliness, and security
• Conduct unit inspections, manage turnover, and coordinate move-in/move-out logistic
• Forecast housing needs and oversee maintenance requests to ensure timely repairs
• Track student housing assignments, lease agreements, and occupancy reports
• Develop long-term housing strategies based on student enrollment projections

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to Title IX, Clery Act, and housing safety regulations
• Conduct compliance audits to assess fire safety, security measures, and ADA accommodations
• Maintain records of student housing policies, incident reports, and emergency protocols
• Oversee student conduct, disciplinary procedures, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Partner with local emergency response teams and ensure staff training in crisis management
• Ensure housing policies align with Title IX, Clery Act, and other federal, state, and local regulations
• Maintain detailed records for incident reports, safety inspections, and compliance audits
• Serve as the point of contact for housing-related emergencies and coordinate crisis response
• Develop and implement safety protocols, in collaboration with security and emergency services

Budget & Financial Oversight

• Manage the housing budget, including forecasting costs and tracking expenditures
• Identify cost-saving opportunities in housing operations and maintenance
• Work with the finance team to ensure accurate reporting of housing-related expenses

Community Engagement & Student Support

• Establish and maintain strong professional relationships with students, faculty, and staff
• Promote a safe and inclusive residential community through engagement initiatives
• Support student transitions to apartment living with guidance and resources
• Address student concerns professionally and mediate conflicts as needed
• Utilize counseling skills to support students in crisis, manage conflicts, and foster a supportive living environment

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• A background check is mandatory due to student housing responsibilities
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accountability
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for operational efficiencies
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Experience in student housing, residential life, or property management.
• Knowledge of compliance requirements related to student housing (Title IX, Clery Act).
• Budget management experience and the ability to forecast financial needs.
• Background in counseling, student affairs, or conflict resolution preferred.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in housing operations, residential life, student affairs, or counseling
• Certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Mental Health First Aid are preferred or must be obtained within the first six months of employment

WORK SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION

Work Expectations & Flexibility

• Standard workweek: 40 hours, with flexibility for housing operations, student support, and emergencies.
• On-call duty: Available for emergencies; working hours adjusted to maintain work-life balance.
• Peak periods (Move-In/Move-Out Weeks): Additional hours required; offset by lighter workload during slower periods.
• Flex time adjustments: If after-hours emergencies occur, work hours will be adjusted accordingly.
• Routine responsibilities: Vendor coordination, compliance training, inventory
• management, and operational support.
• Compensatory time: If multiple late-night emergencies arise, time off or reduced workload will be arranged.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Salary: $72,400 (includes housing benefit)
• Housing Benefit: On-campus housing at no additional cost
• Additional Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities

40-Hour Workweek & On-Call Provisions

• The standard expectation for this role is 40 hours per week, with flexibility based on housing needs, student support, and operational demands.
• The Associate Director is on-call for emergencies, but actual working hours will be adjusted to prevent excessive overtime.
• Peak Periods (Move-In/Move-Out Weeks): Additional hours may be required, offset by reduced hours during slower periods.
• Flex Time Adjustments: If an after-hours emergency requires significant time, adjustments will be made to ensure work-life balance.
• Routine Responsibilities During Work Hours: Includes vendor coordination, compliance training, inventory management, and support for operational leadership.
• Compensatory Adjustments: If multiple late-night emergencies occur, a compensatory day off or reduced workload will be arranged
• Annual Salary: $72,400 (including housing)
  • Housing Benefit: On-campus housing provided at no additional cost
    • Additional Benefits: Comprehensive package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities

ONSITE EXPECTATIONS & PROFESSIONALISM

This role requires a consistent presence on campus to ensure operational effectiveness, student support, and housing oversight. Professionalism and discretion are critical, as the Associate Director will represent PLC Detroit in all interactions related to housing, student life, and external partnerships.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit their application by February 28, 2025.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

PLC Detroit is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, or veteran status. We uphold state and federal regulations that promote equal opportunity in hiring and employment.