Director of Housing Services & Business Operations (On-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $100,700 - $125,900.

This position has a 100% on-site work modality.

Initial applicant review will take place on or around November 9, 2026. Posting will remain open until filled.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,600 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Under the general direction of the Executive Director of Resident Services, the Director of Housing Services & Business Operations is responsible for executing the University's vision for campus housing, including inventory and occupancy management, business operations, data analysis, and budgetary oversight of auxiliary revenue departments on campus.

Using student housing management best practices, the Director provides operational leadership for the administrative and business functions of UC Merced's Housing program. The position works closely with the Director of Residence Education to provide holistic residential student support, with a focus on maximizing student success and fostering a strong sense of belonging among all residents in the residence halls. This position requires responsibility for supervising, directing, and evaluating the work of subordinate employees, and exercising independent judgment in the administration of department policies and procedures.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Strategic Leadership:

   Advise senior leadership on the state of housing demand and the needs for campus housing growth. Participate in regular budget and strategic planning meetings as a member of the housing and dining senior leadership team.

   Develop strategic plans for the Housing Services department that support future growth, service expansion, and evolving student needs.

   Design Housing Services department planning on future-oriented growth and service development. Attend systemwide housing services meetings.

   Directly supervises professional and/or support staff and is responsible for the full range of supervisory activities, including recruitment, hiring recommendations, onboarding, training, work assignment, performance evaluation, employee development, corrective action, and resolution of employee concerns.

   Exercises independent judgment in personnel-related matters and ensures compliance with University policies, procedures, and applicable labor agreements.

2. Occupancy Management: Manage all aspects of the StarRez housing management system for UC Merced in collaboration with Procurement and the Office of Information Technology.

   Prepare, distribute, process, and manage housing applications and housing agreements.

   Track and update housing room inventory, as appropriate. Through use of keen technical capabilities, structure the housing room assignment process.

   Lead the planning and logistical coordination of major housing events, including move-in, move-out, intersession housing, and summer academic housing.

   Support summer group housing in collaboration with Hospitality Services.

   Track and respond to student housing eligibility. In collaboration with the Division of Undergraduate Education, structure annual room block allocations for Living-Learning Communities.

   In collaboration with Student Accessibility Services, facilitate room assignments, layout and furniture adjustments, and other reasonable accommodations to students living on campus. Represent Housing Services in recruitment events, including traveling to events when needed.

3. Business Operations & Budgetary Oversight:

   Develop and recommend housing rates based on comprehensive market research and relevant industry data.

   Facilitate the room and residential meal plan billing process.

   Oversee an annual auxiliary revenue budget of more than $65 million.

   Update and manage the Housing Services website, including management of the off-campus housing webpage, rates, and all appliable marketing materials.

   Approve housing fund purchasing requests for multiple partner departments, including Auxiliary Facilities Services and Auxiliary Custodial Services, as delegated by the Executive Director of Resident Services. Through support of direct report staff, provide outstanding public-facing service through the Housing Services Desk, the Resident Services Desk, and the Housing Mail Room, including administration of all central phone lines, email accounts, and in-person visitor response.

4. Data Management:

   Using StarRez, Qualtrics, and other critical systems, run regular reports related to housing planning and needs analysis.

   Provide occupancy updates to senior leadership.

   In collaboration with the Director of Residence Education and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, implement and analyze the annual housing satisfaction survey for use in continued improvement. Respond to University of California Office of the President requests for information.

• Bachelor's degree in related area from an accredited institution; and/or
• Advanced degree in related area from an accredited university (preferred); and
• Five years of related experience in student housing management or transferrable experience; and/or
• Nine years of related experience in student housing management or transferrable experience in lieu of degree (required).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including skills in communicating processes and policies to diverse audiences.
• Advanced knowledge of housing management systems (StarRez, Residence, eRezLife, etc.).
• Experience working with integrated student management systems and data.
• Proficient in MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook).
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize deadlines, and juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Multicultural competence: Ability to understand perspectives and experiences of multiple cultural and social identities.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of student and departmental information.
• Experience managing complex customer service operations.
• Skills in project management, social perceptiveness to be aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Three years of experience in leading and/or supervising groups of people.
• Three years of experience serving as a student affairs practitioner or equivalent.
• Three years of experience managing financial responsibilities and/or budget oversight.
• At least two years of experience as a student housing occupancy subject matter expert.
• Skills in monitoring/assessing processes or services, to make improvements.
• Ability in problem identification, reasoning, ability to develop original ideas to solve problems, persuasion, leadership, and intercultural competence.
• Knowledge of University policies, processes, and procedures.

This position will be required to complete all pre-employment requirements, including a background investigation.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/