Position Summary:

The Director of Residential Life provides leadership and oversight of the school’s boarding program and is responsible for creating a safe, supportive, and engaging residential experience for students. This role manages the day-to-day operations of student life outside the classroom while building a strong sense of community and belonging.

The Director works closely with students, families, faculty, and residential staff to support student well-being, accountability, and personal growth.

This is an exciting and important moment in the residential life program with the opening of a fully renovated wing expanding the program to up to 100 residential students.

Director of Residential Life –12 Month Exempt

Essential Functions:

Residential Program Leadership

• Oversee all aspects of the boarding program, including daily operations and student life
• Establish clear expectations for student conduct and community standards
• Develop and implement programs that support student engagement and leadership
• Develop, review, and maintain the Student Resident Life Handbook and Employee Resident Life Handbook, ensuring policies are clear, current, and consistently applied
• Set clear expectations for student behavior and community standards, and ensure they are communicated, understood, and consistently enforced

Student Support and Supervision

• Build strong relationships with boarding students and maintain a visible presence in the residential community
• Support students’ social and emotional development
• Partner with counselors, advisors, and school leadership to support student success

Staff Leadership and Management

• Hire, train, and supervise dorm parents and residential staff including an associate director.
• Provide clear expectations, feedback, and ongoing support
• Create and manage duty schedules to ensure appropriate coverage

Operations and Logistics

• Oversee residential facilities to ensure they are safe, organized, and well maintained
• Coordinate student arrivals, departures, and weekend programming
• Manage residential budgets and resources

Safety and Risk Management

• Ensure appropriate supervision and adherence to school policies
• Respond to student concerns, disciplinary issues, and emergencies
• Maintain accurate records and documentation

Community and Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for boarding families
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians
• Maintain close partnerships with teachers, coaches, counselors, and learning support.
• Partner with school leadership to support a consistent student experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Experience working with high school students in a residential or school setting
• Leadership and team management experience
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Sound judgment and the ability to manage sensitive situations

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout campus and residential facilities, including walking between buildings and navigating stairs
• Ability to respond to student needs and emergencies at any time, including evenings and overnight.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move items up to 25 pounds, such as luggage or supplies
• Ability to remain active and engaged during events, activities, and extended workdays
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of the role

Work Environment and Expectations

• This is a 12-month, live-in position with on-campus housing and meals provided
• Requires evening and weekend availability and participation in an on-call rotation
• The Director is expected to be an active and visible presence in the school community including convocations, senior events and in athletics.

The residential program is a central part of the student experience. The Director of Resident Life helps create an environment where students feel supported, connected, and prepared for life beyond school.

About The Bolles School

Bolles proudly employs over 500 full-time, part-time, and seasonal faculty, staff, coaches, and administrators. Serving more than 1,800 students across four campuses in Grades Pre-K through 12, Bolles has a rich history of tradition and achievement that extends to our hiring practices and the professionalism and respect earned within the independent school community.

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