JOB SUMMARY
The Department of Residential Living and Education at the University of Connecticut plays a vital role in shaping the student experience by creating living environments that foster belonging, well-being, and academic success. Housing over 14,000 students across the Storrs, Hartford, and Stamford campuses—representing approximately 64% of the undergraduate population—The Department of Residential Living and Education designs, maintains, and operates spaces that serve as extensions of the classroom and catalysts for personal and community development.
Through intentional facility management, innovative programming, and collaboration with campus partners, we provide safe, sustainable, and inclusive residential environments that directly enhance students’ academic and personal growth.
The Assistant Director of Residential Facilities plays a pivotal role in shaping the physical and environmental conditions that define the student living experience. Reporting to the Director of Residential Living and Education, this position ensures that every aspect of the residential environment—from building systems and furniture to emergency planning and sustainability—supports student success, safety, and well-being. The position is full-time, in-person and on-campus.
The Assistant Director manages the daily operational needs of more than 90 residence halls and residential properties across 18 residential areas, serving as the key liaison between Residential Living and Education and University Facilities Operations, University Planning, Design and Construction, and Public Safety.
Recognizing that the spaces where students live profoundly influence their learning, engagement, and community connections, this role ensures that our residential facilities are responsive to the evolving needs of students and contribute meaningfully to the University’s mission.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Environmental Experience Leadership
- Ensure that all residential environments at each of our campus environments promote belonging, safety, accessibility, and student engagement.
- Align facilities operations with the department’s curricular and developmental goals, recognizing the residence hall as a vital learning environment.
- Collaboration with the Center for Students with Disabilities to ensure the communities meet the physical and social needs of our students.
- Facilities Liaison and Project Oversight
- Serve as a key point of contact for Facilities Operations Directors, University Planning, Design and Construction (UPDC) Project Managers, and other partners on all maintenance, renovation, and capital projects.
- Oversee routine and deferred maintenance to minimize disruption and maximize student comfort and satisfaction.
- Support regional staff on relationships with property management and development teams to ensure the student environment meets our students’ needs.
- Health, Safety, and Sustainability
- Ensure residential spaces meet or exceed university standards for health, safety, and risk management.
- Support emergency preparedness and response to natural disasters, system failures, and environmental hazards.
- Promote sustainable practices in building management, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.
- Space and Resource Management
- Lead planning, ordering, receiving and management of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) across residence halls, apartments, and common areas.
- Develop and maintain multi-year replacement and renewal plans that reflect student use patterns and long-term sustainability.
- Data-Informed Decision Making
- Collect and analyze facilities and environmental data to assess how physical conditions impact the student experience.
- Make evidence-based recommendations for facility improvements and resource allocations.
- Provide training and guidance to professional and student staff on facilities use, maintenance processes, sustainability, and safety protocols.
- Collaborate with staff to ensure events and programs adhere to risk management and environmental standards.
- Emergency and Crisis Management
- Coordinate immediate and follow-up responses to major facilities issues such as floods, outages, and structural failures.
- Partner with Public Safety and Facilities Operations to maintain compliance with fire codes and emergency equipment standards.
- Staff and Administative Space Oversight
- Manage the condition, access, and readiness of staff apartments, office space, and shared administrative facilities, ensuring they support productivity and wellness.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Five (5) years of full-time professional experience in a residential life, facilities operations program, or related field.
- Demonstrated understanding of building systems and facilities management as they relate to student well-being and experience.
- Knowledge of current trends in student housing, facilities sustainability, and environmental design.
- Proven commitment to working with diverse populations and fostering inclusive environments.
- Interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits, please visit UConn Health Benefits and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves and Engagement & Learning headers. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499643 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on July 20, 2026.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.
