Director of Residence Life

Job description

Position Director of Residence Life Department Office of Student Services and Engagement Position type Full-time Location Hillside Center (Mizonokuchi station): with regular travel to dorm residences Hybrid-remote flexibility after initial training period available. Report to Assistant Dean of Student Services Work hours 37.5 Hours Per Week (9:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday): Evening and weekend hours are required on occasion for operational needs. Visa Requirement Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) is able to sponsor a visa for this position. SALARY ＆ BENEFITS Salary commensurate with experience. Fifteen (15) days paid vacation in the first year, increasing to 24 days after 6 years of employment, plus 5 paid “personal and sick days” each year. In addition, approximately two weeks company-wide break over Christmas/New Year. Japanese social insurance and pension, commuting/telework allowance, a welfare-discount program membership, and retirement payment system. Overview of position: Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) is expanding its student housing operations in response to the continued growth of its international student population. To support this expansion, TUJ is establishing a new Director of Residence Life position to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for its student residences across the Tokyo area. The Director of Residence Life will support the daily operations of the dorms, community programming, and administrative functions of TUJ occupied student residences. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Student Services, the Director plays a pivotal leadership role in ensuring the quality, safety, and development of student life in TUJ Residences. The Director will lead the housing team including Assistant Director of Residence Life, Dorm Managers (DMs), Resident Assistants (RAs), and Community Builders (CBs). They will be responsible for leading the housing team, responding to housing related emergencies and crises, overseeing operations, and engaging with residential communities. The Director serves as a primary liaison between property management companies, TUJ facilities, and the OSSE. About the Office of Students Services and Engagement (OSSE): OSSE provides high-quality services to TUJ's diverse student population to support their success and well-being as they become members of the university community. OSSE assists incoming students with student visa applications, financial aid, housing, and organizes orientations to help students adapt to the academic and social life at TUJ. OSSE also oversees student activities and events both on and off campus and works with various student groups to encourage social interaction among students. As a member of OSSE, the Director of Residence Life will have the opportunity to support off-campus student activities and excursions. Primary Responsibilities: Residence Life Leadership & Operations Supervise the TUJ housing team, including hiring, training, and ongoing professional development for the Assistant Director of Residence Life, Dorm Managers, Resident Assistants, and Community Builders Ensure quality across all TUJ-managed residences by communicating and collaborating with property management companies on safety and security protocols and residence life initiatives Work with the university’s conduct office to manage community standards and student conduct within the residences Monitor and report on residence occupancy, maintenance needs, and student community engagement outcomes Assist with residence tours, orientation sessions, and visits from prospective students, families, and institutional partners Respond to and manage student crises and emergencies, including mental health concerns, conduct violations, and facilities incidents; make appropriate referrals to TUJ departments Maintain regular communication and collaboration with internal TUJ and Main Campus departments Perform additional duties as assigned by OSSE Leadership Community Development and Student Engagement: Organize and lead the dorm teams’ execution of events, initiatives, and social engagement opportunities to enhance residential experience at the TUJ residences Design and implement sustainable programming at the dorms that encourage students’ personal growth and holistic development, facilitates communication between residents and the university, and help to detect struggling students so that early intervention and outreach can take place Support outreach and visibility of residence life activities across the TUJ community Solicit and collect feedback from residents regarding their experiences and preferences to enhance programs and services Qualifications & Experience: Bachelor’s degree 5+ years of professional experience in a higher education or relevant residence life work experience Business-level proficiency in both verbal and written English and Japanese Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications (particularly Excel), with experience using CRM systems, student information systems, or other administrative databases Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment Demonstrated ability to evaluate and improve processes with an equity, inclusion, and student-centered approach Strong teamwork and collaborative mindset with demonstrated ability to work effectively across cultures Preferred Qualifications & Experience Experience managing staff or leading a team Experience in student development or student leadership Application Process Review of applications will begin immediately with a desired start of October 2026 or shortly thereafter. Required application materials to be submitted: a cover letter resume or CV contact information for two references; Only those applicants who make it past the initial review will be contacted. Temple University, Japan Campus is committed to equal opportunity employment, and to increase diversity and inclusivity in both its community and curricula. All qualified applicants shall receive full and equal consideration for employment. The university does not discriminate against candidates and employees because of their disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law. Candidates who can contribute to the institution's goals are strongly encouraged to apply.