Salary: $73,683.00 - $95,787.00 Annually
Location : Beaumont, TX
Job Type: Full-Time Staff
Job Number:Home Org: Cardinal Village Operations
Opening Date: 11/06/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Job Summary The Director of Housing and Residence Life provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all aspects of Lamar University's residential housing program, including Cardinal Village and future residential developments. Reporting to the Dean of Students, the Director is responsible for advancing a comprehensive residential experience that supports student engagement, leadership development, academic success, wellbeing, belonging, and retention. This position oversees housing operations, residential education, occupancy management, facilities administration, budget and resource management, assessment, conduct administration, crisis response, and summer housing programs. The Director develops and implements initiatives that enhance the quality of residential living while supporting the University's enrollment, retention, and student success goals. As the University's senior housing leader, the Director serves as the primary representative for housing master planning, major renovation projects, capital improvements, and future residential construction initiatives. The position collaborates closely with campus partners, including Facilities Management, Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, University Police, and other stakeholders to ensure residential communities are safe, well-maintained, student-centered, and aligned with institutional priorities. The Director serves as a member of the Division of Student Affairs leadership team and contributes to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives that advance the mission and goals of Lamar University.
Essential Job Functions - Provide strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of residence life, including housing assignments, student services, facilities management, budgeting, marketing, and summer housing programs.
- Collaborate across university departments (e.g., Facilities, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, IT, and University Police) to ensure seamless service delivery and alignment with institutional goals.
- Oversee staffing and professional development, including hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of professional, administrative, and student staff.
- Lead crisis response and student support efforts, including on-call coverage, emergency preparedness, and coordination with health, conduct, and Title IX offices
- Direct departmental planning and assessment, including policy development, occupancy forecasting, marketing strategy, and evaluation of student satisfaction and learning outcomes.
Minimum and Desired Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:- Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, Educational Leadership or similar discipline from an accredited university.
- Seven (7) years of progressive leadership in Housing and Residential Life, with direct supervision of professional staff and oversight of hall operations, facilities, and student council.
- Demonstrated experience managing large budgets and financial resources.
- Experience in crisis response, risk management, and student support.
- Ability to work collaboratively across divisions and build effective partnerships.
- Ability to reside within 30 miles of Lamar University campus to meet emergency response requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, including hiring, training, and performance management of professional and support staff.
Desired Qualifications: - Doctorate in Higher Education, Student Affairs, or a related field.
- Experience leading housing operations at a mid- to large-sized institution, including oversight of residence hall construction, renovation, or major capital projects.
- Experience leading or supporting residence hall renovation, capital improvement, or new construction projects.
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, assessment, and data informed decision-making within a residential life context.
- Experience supporting student success, persistence, and retention initiatives within residential environments.
- Familiarity with emergency response protocols and crisis management in a residential setting.
- Experience supporting student success and retention initiatives within a residential environment.
Supplemental Information Key Competencies: - Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership for a complex housing and residence life operation while aligning departmental goals and initiatives with the University's mission and priorities.
- Comprehensive knowledge of student development theory and best practices in residential education, with the ability to foster student learning, engagement, wellbeing, and success within residential communities.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships and effectively engage students, faculty, staff, parents, and external stakeholders.
- Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and lead effectively during emergencies, critical incidents, and student-related concerns, utilizing strong crisis management and problem-solving skills.
- Strong financial and operational management skills, including budget administration, resource stewardship, occupancy planning, facilities coordination, assessment, and continuous process improvement.
Physical Requirements: This position requires a regular on-campus presence and active engagement with residential communities. The work schedule may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during peak operational periods such as residence hall openings, closings, and summer transitions. As a key member of the University's emergency response team, the incumbent must be available to respond to critical incidents and may be required to remain on campus during severe weather events or other emergencies. Occasional travel may be required for professional development, conferences, training opportunities, and other university-related business.
Job Conditions:- Position requires an on-campus presence and regular engagement with residential communities.
- Schedule may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during peak operational periods, including opening, closing, and summer transitions.
- Serves as a key emergency response leader and may be required to remain on campus during severe weather events or other critical incidents.
- Occasional travel for professional development, conferences, and university business may be required.
Benefits:- Health, dental & vision insurance
- Life insurance
- State of Texas Retirement plans
- Tuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependents
- Paid time off - vacation, sick, and holidays
To see more information about the available benefits, please visit:
Special Note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.01
Do you have a Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, Educational Leadership or similar discipline from an accredited university?
02
Do you have seven (7) years of progressive leadership in Housing and Residential Life, with direct supervision of professional staff and oversight of hall operations, facilities, and student council?
03
Do you have experience managing large budgets and financial resources?
04
Do you have the ability to reside within 30 miles of Lamar University campus to meet emergency response requirements?
Required Question
