Resident Officer, Residential Life

Reports to: Manager, Programming and Training

Purpose:

The Office of Residential Life (ResLife) aims to provide a safe, secure, healthy, and positive living environment in AUC’s residences that enhances student development and learning. The position of resident officer is a live-in professional who is the link between the residents, the student resident advisors (RAs) and the Residential Life office. The responsibility of the officer is to manage administrative and operational functions in the assigned residence buildings or apartments and provide services directly to students, such as personal and disciplinary counseling, and social or educational events or activities. The officer should maintain a balance between administrative workload and student interactions and create an environment where students develop independence and learn to live supportively with others by providing service and programs.

Responsibilities:

Supervision and Management

• Supervises a team of RAs, playing an integral role in supporting students living at the residences
• Leads the RA team to attend to emergencies and crises 24/7, in coordination with the Manager, Programming and Training.
• Ensures that AUC and ResLife policies, rules and regulations are respected, followed and enforced
• Reports all findings and violations, and submits official reports to their direct supervisor to refer cases to the Office of the Dean of Students
• Oversees the reporting of programming best practices, challenges, as well as conduct cases, or incident issues related to vulnerable residents
• Maintains integrity in sharing information and respect confidential information
• Researches and implements various professional development opportunities to RAs, including but not limited to semester-based training, onboarding and co-curricular development
• Provides RAs with the necessary mentoring and support to work effectively and efficiently
• Establishes an efficient communication channel between the students, RAs and staff members to ensure the most effective methods of problem solving
• Develops knowledge of campus and community resources to ensure timely and efficient referrals when appropriate
• Conducts routine inspections on rooms and residents

Programming and Community Building

• Assists in the planning, design and implementation of the semester programming calendar that cater to students' living learning communities and personal development
• Conducts a needs-assessment and solicits RFPs from external vendors to provide RA training
• Designs, plans and implements orientation sessions for an average of 150-200 student residents every semester to facilitate the transition to living at the AUC residences
• In coordination with their direct supervisor, the Resident Officer establishes and maintains communication with students living in the AUC residences through individual outreach and community meetings
• Collaborates with student leaders and relevant stakeholders on campus to create engaging programs and offer resources to better serve student residents
• Manages roommate disagreements, well-being issues, personal crisis and other concerns, though direct interaction with student residents and referrals to the appropriate channels
• Plans and participates in development conferences hosted by international institutions, such as The Association of College and University Housing Officers-International, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, and others
• Partners with Student Life and non-Student Life offices and programs, such as First Year Program, Office of the Dean of Student, Office of Student Accessibility, Security Office, Faculty Housing, Office of Institutional Equity, Athletics, Center of Student Wellbeing, Peer Tutoring Center, Career Center, Office of Alumni Engagement, a
• Supports residents in adjusting to the University’s environment through various forms of spontaneous check-ins and interactions
• Oversees the reporting of programming best practices, challenges, as well as conduct cases, or incident issues related to vulnerable residents and others
• Gathers feedback and assesses success of ResLife programming and training
• Understands and fosters the culture of community living, and creates a sense of belonging, in the AUC residences, through intentional interactions, programs, and informal gatherings.
• Provides opportunities for residents to develop interpersonal and life skills, such as time management, communication, conflict resolution, health management, and more through workshops and tailored programs

Health, Safety and Well-being

• Assists the security, receptionists, and relevant campus partners in cases of emergencies and problems
• Establishes a safe and inclusive environment for all students to foster connections among residents
• Responds to residents' concerns related to residences, relocation, homesickness, and any basic well-being related matters
• Supports residents in adjusting to the University’s environment through various forms of spontaneous check-ins and interactions

Administrative Tasks

• Assists their direct supervisor in the recruitment, training and evaluation process of RAs
• Manages operational functions for the dorms such as damage assessment, reporting, maintenance requests, conducting room checks, reporting and following up on housekeeping
• Manages financial settlements and budgeting for programs and ensures collecting and submitting the proper documentation
• Supports the Management of programming and training budgets, including all Request for proposal, external vendor negotiations, excursion arrangements, and payment settlements
• Designs different promotional material like flyers and brochures, and enhances outreach and communication by promoting programs and initiatives through social media
• Co-leads the communication strategy the Office of Residential Life including signage, digital or printed promotional material and engagement through virtual social platforms such as Instagram
• Designs and implements informative and visually appealing signage throughout the residence halls, including directional signs, program posters, safety notices, and signs for communal or recreational rooms
• Initiates the adoption of recent technology and software programs that would facilitate the monitoring of resident engagement
• Assists ResLife administrators in planning for summer renovations, making recommendations for the purchase of furnishings and equipment, recommending improvements of housekeeping services, and preventative maintenance and safety measures
• Proactively and reactively responds to unnecessary or unreasonable building or apartment damages and vandalism
• Performs any other duties requested by the Office of Residential Life

Requirements:

Minimum Education Requirements:

• University degree, preferably AUC graduate

Experience:

• A minimum of seven to nine years of experience with three years in an educational or cultural institution, preferably in providing services and advising to students
• Study abroad experience is a plus

Skills:

Leadership :

• Initiative taker
• Ability to lead diverse teams in complex interpersonal environments
• Ability to make clear, informed decisions
• Demonstrated capacity to work confidently and effectively in an international environment and multicultural setting with diverse groups
• High efficiency in all aspects of crisis management, including the ability to work collaboratively with others in managing crises
• Proficiency in balancing multiple duties and responsibilities

Technical

• Excellent computer skills in word processing, spreadsheet, and media programs.
• Communication and soft skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A positive attitude, strong work ethic with the ability to multitask and prioritize
• Possess core traits of honesty, integrity, and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Creativity in problem-solving and programming and attention to details

Working Conditions:

• Lives in University residences whether on-campus or off-campus
• Responsive and available 24/7, based on their duty schedule
• Annual leave is taken during winter and summer breaks of the dorms and on a rotation schedule during the academic semesters

This position is open until filled.

Placement is based on the candidate’s experience and skills. Only candidates who make it to the shortlist will be contacted

"The American University in Cairo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply."

“We thank all individuals who have expressed interest in working at The American University in Cairo.”