University of Illinois
Phi Sigma Sigma | Champaign, IL
Welcome to a Home Away from Home
Phi Sigma Sigma at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign is seeking a warm, caring, and organized Sorority House Director to serve as the heart of our chapter house. This is a full‑time, live‑in leadership role for the 2026–2027 academic year, ideal for someone who enjoys mentoring young women, creating a welcoming home environment, and partnering with a highly supportive Housing Corporation to manage all aspects of house operations.
This role is far more than facilities management — it is about fostering belonging, safety, and pride in a vibrant sorority community.
About the Role
As House Director, you will oversee the daily operations of the Phi Sigma Sigma chapter house while serving as a trusted, steady presence for our members. You will collaborate closely with a very engaged and supportive Housing Corporation Board, chapter leadership, vendors, and the University to ensure the house runs smoothly and feels like home.
You will live on‑site in a private suite and be an integral part of the chapter’s success — balancing operational responsibilities with relationship‑building and community care.
About the House
The Phi Sigma Sigma chapter house at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign is an active, residential sorority facility that serves as both a home and a community hub for members. The house operates at full capacity during the academic year and supports a dynamic calendar of daily living, meals, chapter activities, and special events. The House Director plays a central role in maintaining stability, consistency, and a welcoming environment amid the normal pace and energy of a collegiate sorority house.
Decision‑Making & Authority
The House Director is empowered to make day‑to‑day operational decisions related to safety, facilities, vendors, and resident issues. Clear escalation paths exist for higher‑risk, non‑routine, or financial matters, with the Housing Corporation serving as a collaborative partner rather than a bottleneck. This role is designed for someone who is comfortable acting independently while knowing when and how to engage the Board for support and guidance.
Existing Vendors & Support Structure
The chapter works with established vendors for food service, cleaning, maintenance, and other key services. The House Director’s role is to manage and coordinate these relationships, ensure service quality, and raise concerns or improvement opportunities — not to build systems from scratch. The Housing Corporation supports vendor selection, contracts, and major decisions, allowing the House Director to focus on effective day‑to‑day management.
After‑Hours & On‑Call Expectations
As a live‑in role, the House Director serves as the primary on‑site point of contact for urgent issues involving safety, facilities, or resident well‑being. True emergencies are infrequent but require calm, confident response when they arise. The Housing Corporation and established vendors provide backup and support for escalation, ensuring the House Director is not managing critical situations in isolation.
What Success Looks Like in This Role
Success in this role is reflected in a well‑run, safe, and welcoming house; strong working relationships with vendors and student leaders; clear, proactive communication with the Housing Corporation; and a community where members feel supported and proud of their home. A successful House Director is viewed as a trusted professional partner whose presence brings stability, confidence, and continuity to the chapter.
What You’ll Do
Create a Safe, Welcoming Home
Establish a warm, inclusive, and respectful living environment where members feel supported and valued
Promote a culture of shared responsibility, community, and pride in the chapter house
Serve as a professional, approachable resource for members, parents, alumni, and guests
Oversee House Operations
Ensure compliance with health, fire, and safety protocols in alignment with City of Champaign, University of Illinois, and Housing Corporation guidelines
Act as the primary point of contact for University Housing notifications and communications
Coordinate regular cleaning, repairs, and preventive maintenance for the house and furnishings
Schedule and manage seasonal and outside maintenance projects
Partner With a Supportive Housing Corporation
Work hand‑in‑hand with an engaged and collaborative Housing Corporation Board that provides guidance, support, and shared accountability
Attend scheduled meetings with chapter leadership and the Housing Corporation as needed
Communicate proactively regarding maintenance needs, safety issues, and house operations
Manage Vendors & Services
Source quotes, evaluate vendors, and manage ongoing vendor relationships
Partner with the food service provider on meal planning, special events, and execution
Ensure service quality and responsiveness across all house services
Financial & Administrative Responsibilities
Review, track, and facilitate timely payment of house invoices
Manage petty cash responsibly
Maintain clear, timely communication with all stakeholders
What Makes You a Great Fit
We’re looking for someone who brings professionalism, warmth, and confidence to the role. You may be an excellent fit if you:
Enjoy mentoring and working with college‑aged women
Are proactive, organized, and comfortable managing multiple priorities
Communicate clearly, diplomatically, and professionally
Are confident problem‑solving and making sound day‑to‑day decisions
Are proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and Zoom
Are comfortable using a smartphone and general office equipment
Can lift up to 30 pounds and navigate stairs as needed
Experience & Education
High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
Prior property management or house director experience is a plus, but not required
Working & Living Details
Live‑in position with a private suite
Room and board provided, including meals
On‑site presence required 7 nights per week during the academic year, with limited off‑site time
Smoke‑free, drug‑free, alcohol‑free, animal‑free, firearm‑free, and open‑flame‑free environment
Compensation & Schedule
Competitive salary: starting at $48,000, plus room and board
Cell phone stipend provided
Full‑time role with weekday schedule and weekend availability
Virtual interviews available for initial stages of recruitment
Why You’ll Love This Role
A Note on Experience, Commitment, and Fit
This role is best suited for candidates who bring prior house director, residential life, hospitality, or property management experience. Managing a large, lived‑in home with 24/7 responsibility requires sound judgment, comfort with facilities and vendor coordination, and confidence making day‑to‑day decisions. Candidates without this background may find the scope and pace challenging, and we encourage applicants to thoughtfully assess their experience before applying.
The House Director role is also physically and mentally demanding. It includes frequent walking throughout the house, navigating stairs, lifting and moving items, and being consistently present and responsive. While the role can feel “always‑on” during the academic year, many House Directors find this deeply rewarding — offering variety, connection, and the satisfaction of keeping a vibrant community running smoothly.
Importantly, this commitment is balanced by meaningful time off aligned with the academic calendar. Extended breaks during university holidays and school recesses provide opportunities for rest, travel, and personal time, which many candidates find especially appealing.
Taken together, these elements make this role especially well‑suited for individuals seeking meaningful, people‑centered work and who bring the maturity, judgment, and resilience needed to manage a busy residential environment.
Who This Role May Be Ideal For
This role tends to be a strong fit for individuals who:
Have proven, hands‑on experience as a house director or in residential life, hospitality, or property management — including coordinating vendors, handling maintenance issues, and overseeing day‑to‑day operations in a lived‑in environment
Are physically able to walk multiple flights of stairs daily and regularly lift, move, or carry 30 pounds or more as part of routine house operations — these are minimum requirements of the role
Enjoy being a steady, on‑site presence and understand the responsibility that comes with a live‑in, always‑available role
Value structure, routine, and community, and take pride in keeping operations running smoothly
Are energized by relationship‑based work, mentoring, and supporting college‑aged women
Appreciate a role that is demanding during the academic year but balanced by predictable time off aligned with university breaks
For candidates who enjoy hands‑on responsibility, meaningful relationships, and a strong sense of purpose, this role can be both challenging and deeply rewarding.
No matter where you are in your career journey, this position offers the chance to do work that truly matters — in an environment where collaboration, respect, and community are at the center.
What Sets This Role Apart
In a market where experienced sorority House Directors are in high demand, Phi Sigma Sigma at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign offers a role that is intentionally designed to be more supportive, more stable, and more fulfilling than many traditional house director positions.
A truly supportive Housing Corporation. You will partner with an engaged, collaborative Housing Corporation Board that is hands‑on, responsive, and respectful of the House Director role. You are not expected to “figure it out alone” — decisions, priorities, and challenges are shared.
Clear expectations and strong governance. This role benefits from well‑defined responsibilities, established vendors, and proactive planning, reducing burnout and last‑minute crisis management that is common in similar roles.
A balance of responsibility and appreciation. While the role is demanding, your work is recognized, valued, and supported by students, alumni, and the Housing Corporation.
Predictable rhythm and meaningful time off. Unlike many residential roles with year‑round intensity, this position aligns with the academic calendar, offering extended breaks during university holidays and recesses.
A community that values relationships. Phi Sigma Sigma members, parents, and alumnae view the House Director as a trusted leader and partner — not just a facilities manager.
For the right candidate, this is not just another housing director job — it is an opportunity to step into a well‑supported, respected role where your experience, judgment, and presence truly matter.
Why This Role Is Special
This is a unique opportunity to become part of a close‑knit sorority community while working alongside a thoughtful, supportive Housing Corporation that values partnership, communication, and shared success. If you’re looking for meaningful work, strong relationships, and the chance to positively impact young women during their college years, we would love to hear from you.
Phi Sigma Sigma is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful environment for all members of our community.