Job Information
Suffolk University Associate Director of Off-Campus Housing Services in Boston, Massachusetts
Associate Director of Off-Campus Housing Services
Staff Exempt Boston, Massachusetts
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Description
The Associate Director of Off-Campus Housing Services is responsible for the support of off-campus housing search processes, resources, and student support to Suffolk University students in the Boston metro neighborhoods. The position is responsible for providing assistance to students seeking off campus housing accommodations and those who are transitioning to off campus housing from University sponsored housing. This includes the coordination of all resources, proactive presentations, housing fair and programs to support students in their search for and maintaining off campus housing. The position provides free confidential housing related mediation services for students living off campus. The position becomes a key role in coordinating with various university stakeholders, landlords, local post-secondary institutions, town and gown association, and our off-campus housing website vendor.
Primary Responsibilities:
Off-Campus Services Student Support:
Under the general direction of the Director of Residence Life and Housing Services support the overall support process of the Suffolk University student off-campus housing search
Work collaboratively with student associations and University departments to establish an awareness for services offered
Partner with undergraduate, graduate and law admissions office to assist admitted students in finding off-campus housing
Partner with off-campus and external partners to create off-campus housing sources fair and housing fair for Suffolk University students
Create comprehensive off-campus housing resources including digital resources, websites, webinars, and in person off campus housing fairs and presentations
Develop and maintain the off-campus housing website, social media, and email accounts
Develop educational programs to inform students on transitions to off-campus housing and their rights and responsibilities as tenants find safe and affordable housing
Develop and maintain relationships with other Boston and surrounding neighborhood institutions to assist with service and network development
Create a long term strategy for off-campus housing efforts for students and potentially work with neighborhoods to provide a targeted off-campus cluster for students
Provide one on one consultation and housing support to students
Provide support to any students on residence waitlists
As needed, coordinate with Suffolk CARES, Title IX and student affairs on student cases that involve off-campus housing issues or needs, including emergency off-campus housing
External Relations:
Coordinate all responses to inquiries and post requests from landlords, and seek potential new relationships with apartment complexes and landlords
Create partnerships with local Suffolk University alumni housing brokers to extend an resource for students
Provide roommate/landlord mediation services and referrals to community services where appropriate
Develop and maintain relationships with other Boston and surrounding neighborhood institutions to assist with service and network development
Create a long term strategy for off-campus housing efforts for students and potentially work with neighborhoods to provide a targeted off-campus cluster for students
Work collaboratively with local landlords and real estate agents to support student referrals
Attend city events and housing related committees to establish relationships with area landlords, developers, municipal staff, external community partners and real estate agents
Identify changing local factors and communicate trends and action plans to the Division of Student Affairs; this includes analysis of data and drafting reports
Participate in the planning and execution of move in/out processes and other major housing initiatives while working collaboratively with the Residence Life and Housing Services team
Be knowledgeable of emergency response procedures and implement as required
Serve as a member of the 24/7/365 on-call rotation team
Provide assistance to the Residence Life and Housing Services main office when needed
Participate in departmental meetings and committees as required
Other duties as required
Requirements/Qualification:
Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree or JD preferred.
Two years of experience related to the delivery of housing education or housing services required. Experience with off campus housing services preferred.
Knowledge of the Landlord and Tenant Rights, as well as the Fair Housing Act.
Knowledge and experience with writing techniques to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences.
Familiarity with ADA and accessibility standards.
Excellent organizational and planning skills to manage multiple projects and shifting
Excellent interpersonal skills and written/spoken communication skills, tact, and patience.
High degree of enthusiasm, and customer service orientation.
Superior skills working with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Zoom. Comfortable learning and using database and other platforms.
Strong understanding of student and/or residence life in a university environment.
High degree of accuracy, efficiency skills; patience with auditing and repeated review of details.
Good communication skills; experience in customer service and dealing with difficult customers.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability and willingness to do public presentations.
Availability to participate in On-Call duty rotation providing coverage 7 days a week, 24-hours a day, including holidays.
Suffolk University does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, genetic information, or status as a veteran in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs, activities, or employment. Suffolk University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. The University is dedicated to the goal of building a diverse and inclusive faculty and staff that reflect the broad range of human experience who contribute to the robust exchange of ideas on campus, and who are committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment. We strongly encourage applications from groups historically marginalized or underrepresented because of race/color, gender, religious creed, disability, national origin, veteran status or LGBTQ status. Suffolk University is especially interested in candidates who, through their training, service and experience, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the University community.