Residence Hall Director

Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on the ancestral homeland of the Dakota people who were forcibly exiled because of aggressive and persistent settler colonialism. 

Macalester is a highly selective, private liberal arts college in the vibrant Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, with a population of approximately three million people and home to numerous colleges and universities, including the University of Minnesota. Macalester's diverse student body comprises over 2000 undergraduates from all 50 states and the District of Columbia and 99 countries.

Since its founding in 1874, Macalester has provided students with the inspiration, insight, and experience to become successful and ethical leaders. Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, Macalester enrolls nearly 2,100 students who come from every state, the District of Columbia, and 99 countries. Macalester is a distinctive liberal arts college known for its innovation of scholarship. Macalester is proud of its longstanding commitment to social justice and creating a respectful environment for all people inclusive of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, gender, religion, age, and ability. Macalester strongly encourages applications from everyone who would add richness to our community, including people of color, individuals with disabilities, and women.

Residential Life

Residential Life at Macalester College utilizes a student-focused, learning-centered approach to foster resident development, authentic relationships, and inclusive living-communities. We do this through our implementation of the community learning model,  community standards, and housing services.

Living on campus is an important part of a Macalester student’s education. Residential Life focuses on the whole student experience as well as fostering learning beyond the classroom setting.  Students are provided numerous opportunities to learn about themselves as well as meet, interact, and develop relationships with others on the floor, building community with those who are different from themselves.  Our goal is to give students a greater understanding of their responsibility to the local, national, and global communities as citizens of the world.

Residential Life at Macalester serves approximately 1300 students in campus housing. All first-year and sophomore students are required to live on-campus.  About one fourth of the junior class and one fifth of the senior class also live on campus. Living options include traditional and suite style residence halls, theme houses, language houses, and apartments located above a Grand Avenue restaurant.

Staffing includes five professional, masters’ degree level Residence Hall Directors (RHD), an Assistant Director, two Associate Directors and the Executive Director of Residential Life. It also includes a student staff of 34 Resident Assistants and 5 Office Assistants, and 5 Programming Assistants.  The RHD staff trains, coaches, and supervises a team of undergraduate paraprofessionals (Resident Assistants) who are resources, educators, and community builders to our students. RHDs and RAs are also visible and involved members of their residential communities. All members of the staff work in collaboration with students, faculty and staff to provide opportunities, support, and a rewarding living environment to residents.  Office Assistants (OA) are students who provide a welcoming environment in the building in which they’re assigned and offer administrative support to the multiple living communities. Programming Assistants (PAs) develop programming for students in the residence halls.

The Residence Hall Director role at Macalester is a 12 month live-in position. 

• Manages the daily operation of a residence hall area including supervision of student staff members, management of facilities and hall operations, creating an inclusive community, and facilitating conflict resolution.
• Develops positive relationships with hall residents and other students through availability, counseling, and advising
• Serves as a conduct hearing officer for residential students. Maintains a presence in the residence halls and on-campus during business hours, occasional evening and weekend programming, and while on-call.
• Uses knowledge of student development theory to implement educational opportunities and foster learning in the residence halls. 
• Develops, implements and participates in Residential Life functions such as student staff recruitment, selection, and training.
• Serves as a member of the Macalester on-call team (crisis/emergency response) via rotating campus-wide duty coverage.
• Partners with campus colleagues to develop and facilitate social engagement and educational workshops for residential students.
• Completes other responsibilities as assigned. Participates as an active member of the team. Participates in department and college activities and supports implementation of shared goals and initiatives. Provides backup support to other members of the team.

• Knowledge of student learning and development, particularly in a residential living environment. Strong commitment to diversity and social justice with an understanding of how to advance a culture that is welcoming and inclusive.
• Ability to utilize or learn basic office computing software.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize.
• Demonstrated the ability to be flexible and work with ambiguity. Strong problem-solving skills.
• Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite, computer, printer, copier, scanner. 
• Ability to manage a budget and properly manage purchases/receipts. 
• Ability to communicate effectively to students, team, and partners. 
• Ability to supervise student staff.
• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred 

Compensation:

The annual salary for this position will be $41,941 - $42,872 depending on experience. 

Benefits: 

At Macalester, we are proud to offer excellent comprehensive employee benefits. Here are some highlights:

• 10% employer contributions to the retirement plan. 
• Outstanding vacation and sick time packages, plus an additional 10 holidays.
• Generous employer contribution to Health Savings Account.
• Tuition assistance which pays between 75% - 100% of eligible tuition for employee dependents at select institutions.
• Free primary care for most services through Nice Healthcare when enrolled in a Macalester health plan.
• Access to the athletics fitness facility, wellness coaching, and activities.

These are just some of the great benefits Macalester has to offer! To see our full benefits packages and options, please visit our Benefits Page.

 Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is a condition of employment.

Application Guidelines:

For best consideration, please submit your cover letter and resume through the Macalester Employment Opportunities webpage by May 30th, 2025. This position will be posted until filled. 

Jaclyn Howard

Talent Acquisition Manager

jhoward3@Macalester.edu

Founded in 1874, Macalester College provides students with the inspiration, insight, and experience to become successful and ethical leaders. Located in flourishing St. Paul, Minnesota, Macalester enrolls over 2,000 students from across the country and around the world. Macalester is a preeminent liberal arts college recognized for its student service and celebration of internationalism.

At Macalester, we look at our employees through a whole-person, holistic lens. With comprehensive benefits and well-being programs, we provide and enable our community members to grow and care for themselves, their families, and one another. Our whole-hearted fidelity to community-building and social justice exemplify these ideals. Macalester College continuously prioritizes a culturally diverse and pluralistic community. We value individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences. 

Our rich blend of people holding varied identities enhances our strong commitment to multiculturalism and global citizenship. We seek candidates who reflect and strengthen our campus environment. Macalester invites and encourages everyone to apply who would add depth to our community including those from all sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, national origins, genders, religions, abilities, and ages.