Thank you for your interest in working as a Residence Hall Director at the University of New Hampshire. We know that the concept of “fit” is very important during a job search. That is why we have loaded our website with tons of information about working and living here at UNH. So sit back and have fun learning about us.
Job Description
The Hall Director position at the University of New Hampshire is a generalist position which provides a good foundation for future work in student affairs. Hall Directors spend their time focusing on a variety of job tasks in their halls, many of which are focused on individual developmental contact with students. Overall, we strive to create an experience that is fun, diverse, challenging, autonomous and holistic. We hope that about half of a Hall Director’s time will be spent engaging in either a reactive manner (conduct, roommate conflicts, etc.) or a proactive manner (individual conduct, programming, curriculum planning, etc.). The other 50% of their time should be sufficient for the remaining job expectations. There will be times when more than 40 hours per week will be necessary (opening) and other times when less than 40 hours per week may be appropriate.
How to Apply
We anticipate having openings for the fall of 2024. In order to apply for the anticipated vacancy, please apply through the USNH site here. We will begin reviewing applications on an on-going basis and will let well-qualified candidates know when we have an official vacancy. If you have questions about the process, please contact Stephen Rivard at Stephen.Rivard@unh.edu.
On-Campus Interview Process
When we say to dress casually, we mean it! Basically, we want you to be comfortable, and we want to get to know who you really are, so if you feel like dressing up, fine... if not, that's fine too. You'll find that most of your interviewers will be dressed casually. And one last thing: UNH is a walking campus, so make sure you have comfortable shoes.
We actively recruit a diverse candidate pool for both our professional and student staff positions. We are mindful of the demographics at the University of New Hampshire, state of New Hampshire, and our staff and we work to create a diverse environment for our staff and students. We recognize the positive impact that diversity brings to all of our staff members and students.
Additionally, we know that for some professional and student staff members from minoritized social identities, it is important to know about resources in the area and support within the community. We work very closely with our staff to help them find the resources and support networks they need and want. For more information about living and working in New Hampshire, take some time to review UNH's Human Diversity Resource Guide.
Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice is transparent in the work we do and the relationships we nurture in the department, the university, and in the surrounding community. We acknowledge that we all make mistakes sometimes, but learn from those mistakes and the hurt they caused, and then we move forward together. We look forward to seeing the work our students do and seeing them grow in this diverse community.
Here at UNH, we are committed to your professional development. To that end, Residence Hall Directors have the opportunity to join specialized committees. These committees allow each Hall Director to pursue a topic they are excited about outside of the normal day to day tasks of being a RHD. RHDs can choose to serve on a second team or committee, inside or outside of Residential Life. This not only allows each RHD to share their unique talents and passions with our department and the division, but gives RHDs a chance to develop new skills as well.
Our Committees
Curriculum Committee
This committee develops delivery methods, reviews learning outcomes, and generally helps ensure that curriculum development by individual RHDs is supported with the tools they need.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee (DEIB)
The Inclusive Excellence Committee strives to bring continual Departmental support and education in the areas of social justice and multicultural education for student and professional staff.
Leadership Development
The RHDs on this committee will be challenged to understand the latest student leadership research; train-the-trainer by facilitating RHD department meeting sessions; collaborate with the office of Student Leadership and Development; and develop hall council leadership modules. RHDs may be involved with advising Campus Living Association (CLA) or other student leadership outreach roles.
RA Engagement
The RA Engagement Committee focuses on both large-scale training events such as training, as well as smaller initiatives like developing RA enrichments. They also plan fun engagement activities like our department’s annual Fall Fest and Winter Wonderland Party.
RA Selection
The RA Selection Committee works year-round to effectively recruit our 148 new and returning RAs.
It is our intention and commitment to work with each RHD individually to help identify and develop professional skills and experiences needed to be successful in the RHD position and in the field. This is done by completing the RHD Professional Development Plan each September with your supervisor. Working with their supervisor, RHDs map out goals and action steps. RHDs are asked to describe the kind of support they will need to implement their personalized plan. Their plan will indicate what professional development activities they will commit to for the year. Supervisors weave the plan into their ongoing supervision discussions throughout the year. Each RHD’s plan is different, yet concrete and clear.
We are convinced these plans and our developmental supervision approach lead to success in the RHD position and also contribute to the success of our RHDs when they move on from UNH. Many staff identify areas of specialty they want to develop while at UNH in order to launch them into their future direction. We have had staff move on to positions in Residential Life, Leadership Development, Judicial Affairs, Academic Advising and other Student Affairs Positions.
There is a new staff group that meets on a regular basis to learn UNH specific policies and procedures as well as create a strong cohort of new hall directors to our campus. It is currently coordinated by a central staff member and an experienced hall director.
- Colleague's Luncheons sponsored by the Presidents Commission Diversity Team
- Membership on Division-wide committees
- Involvement in offices other than Residential Life
- UNH non-degree Certificate Programs
- UNH Social Justice Educators Training
- Attendance at National, Regional, and local Conferences
- Presenting at National, Regional, and local Conferences
- Funds to purchase resources and join professional organizations
Each RHD is initially allotted a total of $900 to use for professional development. These funds can be used toward a professional conference or a training opportunity that is related to the field. Within this allotment, RHDs can spend up to $100 to become a member of a professional organization. RHDs are also eligible to apply for additional funding through UNH grants after having worked at UNH for one year.
Department Benefits
- Starting salary depends on experience, but starts at $33,800.
- This is a 10-month position, from late July to late May.
- A fully furnished apartment and a staff office, with a department-issued laptop computer and printer, plus wireless and ethernet access.
- A full meal-plan when school is in session. See UNH Dining Meal Plans for more information.
- Partners of RHDs are allowed to live-in, upon approval by the Director.
- Free parking permit for an RHD-authorized parking space.
University Benefits
- Full University benefits are provided (which include but are not limited to Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance, and participation in retirement programs, etc.).
- Medical benefits are effective on the first day of the month following date of appointment.
- Tuition benefits include up to five courses per year (eligible after six-month probationary period). Spouses and eligible same-sex partners 50% tuition waiver (eligible after one year).
- Retirement benefits.
- Full Explanation of University Benefits
Additionally
- The State of New Hampshire has no broad-based sales or income taxes... so you keep more of what you earn.
- Access to Campus Recreation facilities at The Hamel Recreation Center, a recreational facility on campus. Although there is a membership fee for staff, some University HMOs will cover this expense.
- All of this is located, of course, in the quaint New England town of Durham, New Hampshire, just over an hour north of Boston and ten miles west of the Atlantic Ocean!
If you want to learn a little about the flavor of coastal NH, try these sites:
