Job Description

JOB TITLE: Residence Hall Director (Ludlow Residence)

JOB UPDATED: August 4, 2026

DEPARTMENT: Residence Life

REPORTS TO: Associate Director of Residence Life

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:  Non-Exempt (Hourly)

COMPENSATION: $50,000 Annually / $27.47 Hourly

SCHEDULE: Full-Time, Onsite; Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; On-Call Availability Required 

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the direction and supervision of the Associate Director of Residence Life, the Residence Hall Director is responsible for the development, implementation, and overall administration of the residence life program for the Ludlow Residence. The Ludlow Residence houses approximately 350 students, including non-SVA lessees and subtenants.

The Residence Hall Director serves as a key student-facing leader and operational administrator, overseeing day-to-day building management, supervising student staff, facilitating conflict mediation, and serving as a primary emergency responder. This role requires living on-site in the allocated residence hall apartment to provide primary emergency response coverage and foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging living-learning environment. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Staff Supervision & Team Leadership

• Recruit, select, supervise, and evaluate a team of 12-15 Resident Assistants (RAs). 
• Facilitate weekly staff meetings and organize ongoing professional development activities. 
• Conduct regular one-on-one supervision and mentoring meetings with student staff. 

Building Operations & Facility Administration

• Oversee building maintenance and repair requests, facility inventory, and key logs. 
• Implement, manage, and oversee seasonal building check-in and check-out processes. 
• Organize and conduct annual room inspections, establish student billing standards for damages, and coordinate cleaning and facility upkeep needs. 
• Execute in-person hall management duties, including vacant room inspections, turnover processes, building rounds, and compliance with health and safety guidelines. 
• Utilize StarRez software to manage student communications, housing assignment management, and implementation of conduct processes.
• Serve as the liaison and administrative designee for non-SVA leasees and subtenants residing in the Ludlow Residence.

Student Conduct, Crisis Management, & Residential Community

• Meet with students in person regarding various components of residential operations and experience. 
• Serve on an on-call rotation to respond to crisis, health, and emergency situations in the residence halls.
• Provide crisis intervention, conflict mediation, and regulated follow-up procedures for residential issues.
• Develop and enforce standard-of-living policies and community standards across the residence hall. 
• Serve as an official hearing officer for student judicial and disciplinary cases. 
• Perform other job-related duties, administrative tasks, and special projects as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education and Experience:  A Bachelor's degree is required, along with a minimum of two (2+) or more years of relevant professional Residence Life experience.
• Supervisory Experience: Demonstrated experience supervising student staff or residential teams. 
• Technical Skills:  
  • Computer literacy, with proficiency in standard office software, database management, and Google Workspace. 
  • Proficiency in the use of StarRez software for student communications, housing assignment management, and conduct processes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in Higher Education/Administration preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated leadership ability with strong conflict resolution, mediation, and crisis management skills.
• Ability to quickly, calmly, and effectively respond to emergency situations and high-stress events.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse populations.
• Strong leadership and supervisory capacity to effectively train, mentor, and direct residential staff.
• Strong understanding of student development theory, residential community building, and student conduct processes.
• Proven organizational abilities with strong attention to detail in managing complex operational logistics, budgets, and building inventories.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OR WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office Location: Ludlow Residence (101 Ludlow Street, New York, NY 10002) and Office of Residence Life (340 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010). 
  • Travel to the central Residence Life office is required once a week, or as needed, for team meetings and other on-site events.
• Residential Requirement: Must reside in the allocated residence hall apartment as the primary residence for emergency response duties and on-site community supervision.
• Schedule: Standard office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, onsite. 
• On-Call & Emergency Response: Required to serve on an on-call basis to respond to after-hours crises and emergency situations.
• Remote Work Policy: This is a fully in-person position. There are no remote work capabilities for this role.
• Physical Demands: Capacity to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods; ability to lift and move office equipment weighing up to 15-20 lbs; ability to travel between buildings. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To be considered for this position, candidates must submit the following:

• Cover Letter: Expressing your interest in the position and outlining how your background aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications.
• Résumé or CV: Highlighting relevant experience, supervisory background, and key achievements.
  

WORKING AT SVA

The School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals for more than seven decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum, and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprising over 7,000 students at its Manhattan campus and over 41,000 alumni from 128 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For more information about the College's 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Click here ( to learn what it's like to work at SVA.

The School of Visual Arts is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion is a core principle of the College. SVA enjoys a community that represents a significant number of historically underrepresented communities, ethnic and religious backgrounds, gender identities, diverse abilities, and foreign countries, and all are encouraged to apply.

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