Eastern Illinois University is seeking applications and nominations for a highly motivated and experienced administrator to serve as the University’s Director of University Housing and Dining Services.

The Director reports to the Vice President for Student Affairs, with Temporary Reporting to the Executive Director – Health and Counseling Services who is taking on additional responsibilities within Student Affairs. The UHDS Executive Director has primary operational responsibility for the administration of all programs in Student Housing and University Dining Services. They will advance student success by enhancing retention and graduation outcomes, fostering a strong sense of belonging and engagement, and delivering safe, affordable, and high-quality residential and dining experiences that support the holistic development of Eastern Illinois University students. The Executive Director has the authority and responsibility to lead the mission, vision, and long-term sustainability of a program that serves 2,400+ residents and 8,500+ camp visitors annually. The role requires a high level of administrative and organizational skills, leveraging relationships within the department and Student Affairs to develop vibrant communities, supporting student success, and ensuring high productivity and fiscal sustainability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•Supervises, coordinates, and administers all aspects of programs and activities associated with the University's Housing & Dining Services programs.
•Serves in the lead role of Residential Life and facilitates development and engagement of residential communities, supporting student retention and Academic Success.
•Provides the strategic direction necessary to drive innovation, excellence, and change management, particularly as it relates to the student residential and dining experiences, fostering student belonging, engagement, and well-being.
•Responsible for the career development and situational mentorship of a large, diverse department, including recruitment, hiring, training, and retention of UHDS employees.
•Responsible for escalated operational issues, including human resources and/or people management situations.
•Directs an annual multi-million-dollar operating budget. Identifies and pursues opportunities for strategic growth, environmental design, and external partnerships to enhance the vibrancy of the on-campus residential and dining experience.
•Ensures UHDS operates as a highly integrated partner within the university's broader infrastructure supporting all learners and students’ success.
•Makes recommendations to the Vice President for Student Affairs concerning budgets and assumes responsibility for the appropriate use of funds in the Housing & Dining Services area.
•Actively participates in campus-wide committees, coordinating UHDS’s efforts in alignment with divisional and university goals.
•Leads the departmental response to campus disruptions in collaboration with other campus departments and stakeholders to ensure a safe and stable environment.
•Stays up-to-date on campus housing, residential and dining standards, technologies, policies, and procedures and works collaboratively with other leaders across departments and/or campuses in determining standards, best practices, and related policies/procedures; ensures the adoption and implementation by direct reporting leaders.
•This person does not serve in a regular on-call rotation but is expected to be available to respond to phone calls and emergency situations that occur beyond traditional working hours when high-stakes incidents require executive-level intervention.
•Participates in student affairs donor development opportunities to support new and existing programmatic experiences.
•Represents UHDS in campus, regional, national, and international forums.

Requirements

• Start Date: 1/1/2027 - Approximate
• Education: Master's Degree Required
• Work Experience: 10+ years
• Part/Full Time: Full-Time

Contact / Additional Information

Closing Date: Review will begin immediately and continue until filled. Candidates are encouraged to submit materials no later than November 15, 2026, for full consideration.

Applications must be submitted through the University's “Interfolio" application system https://apply.interfolio.com/195945.
Submitted materials should include:
1) a cover letter addressing the candidate's experience and qualifications as related to the position description;
2) a resume or curriculum vitae describing the candidate's professional work history, education, and other qualifications; and
3) a list identifying the names, addresses, and contact information (phone and email) for three professional references.
For questions regarding the search, contact Sarah Daugherty, Screening Committee Chair at swdaugherty@eiu.edu