Syracuse University
Alpha Xi Delta - Syracuse, NY
Position Summary
Alpha Xi Delta is seeking a proactive, organized, and community-minded House Director for the 2026–2027 academic year, with the opportunity for extension. Based at the Alpha Xi Delta chapter house serving Syracuse University, the House Director is the heartbeat of the home—creating a safe, welcoming, and well-managed environment where members can live, study, and build meaningful connections.
This is a live-on-premises position responsible for the daily operation, care, and presentation of a residential facility housing approximately 27 residents and serving an additional 150 chapter members. The House Director partners closely with the House Corporation Board, chapter leadership, advisors, university partners, vendors, and volunteers to ensure the chapter house remains a safe, supportive, and thriving living-learning environment.
The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, trusted mentor, skilled organizer, and thoughtful problem-solver who enjoys working with college students while overseeing the operations of a busy residential property.
Key Responsibilities
Resident Experience & Advising
● Foster a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment that feels like a home away from home.
● Serve as a visible, approachable, and professional adult presence within the chapter house.
● Encourage community engagement, personal responsibility, and peer accountability among residents.
● Build positive relationships with residents while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
● Support chapter leadership in communicating house expectations and promoting shared responsibility for the home.
● Maintain regular visibility through office hours, house meetings, and informal interaction with residents.
● Serve as a resource and referral for students experiencing personal concerns or challenges.
● Help mediate resident conflicts and collaborate with chapter advisors and leadership to resolve community concerns.
● Maintain an environment that supports academic success, personal well-being, and safety.
Leadership & Chapter Partnership
● Oversee the day-to-day operation of the chapter house and support a positive residential experience.
● Serve as the primary liaison between residents, chapter leadership, advisors, the House Corporation Board, university staff, and the chapter's management partners.
● Exercise sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and impartiality when addressing resident and operational issues.
● Partner with chapter officers and advisors to support leadership development, organizational success, and effective communication.
● Welcome parents, alumnae, volunteers, guests, and community partners to the chapter house.
● Assist with chapter programs, recruitment activities, and special events as appropriate.
● The House Director is a mentor and operational leader and is not expected to serve as the chapter's disciplinary authority.
House Operations & Administration
● Coordinate opening and closing procedures for each semester, academic breaks, summer, and special events.
● Manage resident check-in and check-out processes, including documentation and security deposit coordination.
● Maintain organized records related to maintenance requests, inspections, invoices, reimbursements, inventory, keys, furnishings, equipment, vendor contracts, and service schedules.
● Coordinate resident housekeeping or proctor schedules to promote cleanliness and shared responsibility.
● Manage household supplies, inventory, and approved operational purchases within established budgets.
● Maintain accurate records of approved house expenditures and reimbursement requests.
● Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and resident experience through thoughtful planning and process improvement.
Facilities & Vendor Management
● Conduct regular interior and exterior walkthroughs to identify maintenance, cleanliness, safety, security, and repair needs.
● Coordinate repairs, preventative maintenance, housekeeping, landscaping, pest control, inspections, and other property services with the property management company.
● Serve as the on-site contact for vendors by providing access, overseeing work, verifying completion, and communicating concerns or recommendations to the House Corporation Board.
● Monitor vendor performance and compliance with service agreements and communicate service issues promptly.
● Ensure grounds, landscaping, and exterior appearance are maintained to promote strong curb appeal.
● Oversee access control systems, cameras, security systems, fire safety equipment, and related building technologies.
● Monitor vendor and contractor access while work is being completed.
● Option to provide on-site oversight during summer months and capital improvement projects as needed.
● Notify the House Corporation and management partners of inspections conducted by university officials, insurance representatives, fire departments, or government agencies, and distribute inspection reports as appropriate.
Safety, Risk Management, & Crisis Response
● Help maintain a safe, secure, and orderly living environment for residents and guests.
● Support compliance with Alpha Xi Delta policies, House Corporation expectations, Syracuse University requirements, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
● Respond calmly and effectively to emergencies, following established protocols and coordinating with university officials, emergency personnel, or law enforcement when necessary.
● Serve as the primary on-site contact during emergencies and communicate promptly with appropriate stakeholders.
● Document significant maintenance, safety, security, or resident concerns and ensure timely follow-up.
● Coordinate required building inspections and monitor compliance with fire, health, and safety standards.
● Address emergency maintenance issues immediately and notify the appropriate House Corporation representatives.
● Because this is a live-in position, the House Director is expected to reside in the chapter house and remain available overnight except during approved absences when alternate coverage has been arranged.
Qualifications
● Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
● Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining professionalism and attention to detail.
● Experience in residential life, facilities/property management, hospitality, higher education, office administration, or a related field is preferred.
● Comfortable working with budgets, invoices, spreadsheets, calendars, email, online purchasing, and recordkeeping systems.
● Ability to build positive working relationships with students, parents, volunteers, vendors, university personnel, and alumnae.
● Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to respond effectively during challenging situations.
● Ability to conduct regular property walkthroughs and perform light physical tasks associated with household operations.
● Successful completion of required background screening and other employment requirements.
Position Details
● Term: August 2026 – May 31, 2027, with opportunity for extension.
● Location: Alpha Xi Delta Chapter House serving Syracuse University.
● Schedule: Part-time, live-in position with regular evening availability, occasional weekends, and on-call responsibilities for emergencies and chapter operations.
● Benefits Include:
○ Furnished private House Director ensuite
○ Chef-prepared meals during the academic year
○ Reserved on-site parking
○ Utilities included
○ Healthcare stipend
○ Cell phone stipend
○ Paid time off