Position Summary: The Area Coordinator of the McNair First-Year Living and Learning Center at Columbia College will work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to envision and implement a dynamic residential program for first year students that is linked closely with the first year student success initiatives of the college. In this live-in position, the Area Coordinator will serve as a supervisor, educator, counselor, and administrator, as well as a visible, active leader on campus in fostering a vibrant first year residential community characterized by diversity, active involvement, and engaged learning. She or he will apply knowledge of student development theory to the first year population in a way that encourages their academic, personal, and social transition to Columbia College. The Area Coordinator will report to the Director of Residence Life and Housing, supervise nine undergraduate Resident Academic Advisors and coordinate the staffing and supervision of approximately 40 Desk Assistants, and serve as part of the Student Affairs team with involvement in programs and events sponsored by other departments in Student Affairs, the Center for Engaged Learning, as well as relevant institutional committees. We are seeking an energetic candidate with a strong interest in women’s development, learning, and leadership, as well as commitment to the values and philosophy of a small, private, religiously-affiliated liberal arts college for women.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Supervise, train, and evaluate student staff. Directly supervise nine Resident Academic Advisors.
2. Recruit, hire, train, and supervise forty student work study positions referred to as Desk Assistants for the Residence Life Department
3. Oversee the daily operations of the McNair Center front desk operations.
4. Provide leadership in residence hall programming designed to create a community atmosphere with a focus on academic, social, diversity, and wellness programs.
5. Work collaboratively in planning and implementing programs and events which involve faculty and administrators in living-learning experiences for students.
6. Coordinate the Monday Nights in Asbury Series for the LA 100 First-Year Seminar.
7. Make appropriate referrals of students with personal and/or academic issues.
8. Respond proactively to student and parent concerns.
9. Conduct mediation interventions with students in conflict as needed.
10. Engage students in the process of developing an academically and socially supportive community and addressing community issues as they arise.
11. Manage all aspects of the first year living environment including room assignments, room changes, damage assessments, etc.
12. Adjudicate student conduct issues.
13. Work closely with campus constituents to address facilities or safety issues.
14. Conduct regular Health and Safety Inspections.
15. Successfully complete administrative assignments and tasks (i.e. submitting work orders, programming reports, etc.).
16. Serve on various campus committees including, but not limited to: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Education, Diversity, Orientation, and the First Year Student Success Team.
17. Participate collaboratively in staff selection and training, the spring room selection process, Orientation programs, and other large scale processes.
18. Support the efforts of the Residence Hall Association.
19. Serve on the on-call staff rotation and crisis response team.

Management retains the discretion to add or change the duties of the position at any time.

Education, Experience, And Skills Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, or Counseling preferred
• Previous work or involvement experience in residence life or student affairs is required
• Experience living and/or working in a multicultural college or university residence hall preferred
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to make sound judgments and think critically about issues that arise

Compensation:

This full-time position includes a competitive salary – commensurate with experience, full college benefits including medical and dental insurance, an on-campus apartment, and a partial meal plan.

The College:

Located in Columbia, South Carolina, Columbia College is a private liberal arts women's college with a legacy of developing women leaders with the courage, commitment, confidence, and competence to build a better world. Established in 1854, the College embraces its affiliation with the United Methodist Church. In addition to the Women’s College, coeducational evening and graduate programs are also offered. Columbia College enrolls 1300 students from 23 states and 20 countries. At Columbia College, we value excellence in teaching and a close rapport among students, staff, and faculty. To learn more about Columbia College, visit www.columbiasc.edu.

If interested in applying, submit a resume, cover letter, contact information for three references, and the Columbia College application to Nick Shrader, Chair of the Area Coordinator Search Committee by mail at Columbia College, 1301 Columbia College Drive, Columbia, SC 29203 or electronically at ncshrader@columbiasc.edu. Also, for Federal and State reporting purposes only, please complete the attached Affirmative Action form and send to Nick Shrader. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a successful candidate is identified. For more information, call (803)786-3602 or email ncshrader@columbiasc.edu.

EOE M/F/D/V

Application and Affirmative Action form