Career Center

Position Overview: 

Reporting to the Head of School, the Director of Residential Life provides both leadership and day-to-day management of The Knox School’s residential life program. Five dormitories house approximately 75-100 domestic and international students in grades 6-12 as well as a Residential Life team of 10-12 employees. The Director of Residential Life is a key member of the school's leadership team, interacting frequently with all students, staff, and Knox parents/guardians. A successful candidate will be energetic, and excited by the joys and challenges of living and learning in a boarding school setting.

This is a Full Time, 12 month, residential position with housing, cable and electricity as part of the compensation package beginning July 1, 2022.  Most responsibilities of this position are concentrated during the school year. Flexibility in the summer and vacation time allow for personal time to be taken as needed while attending to summer programming/hiring needs.

As a small Boarding and Day School, Knox Residential Life is a key component to the success and happiness of our students. In addition to building community and establishing a residential culture  that promotes our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Courage, Kindness and Scholarship, there are tasks that must be completed regularly to keep Residential Life running smoothly.  The components of The Knox School’s Residential Life Program are: the Dormitories, Dorm Parenting, Weekend Life, Arrival/Holiday Travel and Communication. 

Specific Responsibilities: 

• Oversee dormitory operations 
• Stay on top of maintenance of physical spaces by communicating with Facilities Department via interoffice work-order system
• Assign rooms, distribute keys, maintain operation of dorm room safes
• Schedule regular dorm meetings with agendas (Dorm Parents implement)
• Create and manage laundry and dorm chore schedule; ensure student and dorm parent compliance with both
• Create and implement a White Glove Inspection Plan;  ensure student and dorm parent compliance 
• In general, build dorm culture and maintain a safe, secure, healthy, and positive living environment that enhances student development and learning
• Act in a supervisory role for Dorm Parents and other staff members connected to Residential Life, providing support, professional development, evaluation and feedback
• Make frequent executive decisions that are in line with the School’s vision and purpose on Residential Life and student matters
• Coordinate communication and transportation for airport and train runs
• Coordinate and implement innovative and exciting weekend activity plans to enhance the boarding school experience for our students
• Promote an atmosphere of collaboration and collegiality within our school community
• Lead Dorm Parent recruitment and retention efforts when necessary
• Coordinate student orientation, room assignments, move-in and -out days and residential activities/Student Life calendar
• Work with the Director of Student Care and Compliance to ensure all aspects of Student Life are attended to
• Ensure best practices and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to the dormitory and student supervision
• Serve on Administrative Team and Emergency Response Planning Committee
• Supervise Residential Life budget and expenditures
• Act as weekend Administrator on Duty on a rotating basis
• Other duties as assigned by the Head of School

Qualifications: 

• Excellent and timely communication, organization, and time-management skills
• Creative planning and strong supervisory skills
• Ability to work efficiently under deadline pressure

Key Competencies:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including empathetic, collaborative leadership, and accountable management/coaching skills
• Ability to write, speak, and communicate effectively in an organized and inspiring manner
• Excellent organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills
• Sensitivity and skill in supporting English Language Learners 
• Joint attention to both the big picture and the minutiae of a school’s many systems
• Openness and ability to give, solicit and receive feedback
• Flexibility, work ethic, and dedication to the school and community, sometimes requiring work outside the traditional hours or typical expectations of a school
• Desire to engage fully in building a student-centered culture of collegiality, support, and respect
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all forms, as well as specific sensitivity to the unique, multi-dimensional identities of our community

How to Apply:

Applications should be submitted electronically to opportunities@knoxschool.org. No phone calls, faxes or unsolicited visits please.

A complete application consists of the following:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• 3 professional references or recent letters of recommendation.

Candidates may also submit other supplemental materials as desired.

Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. 

The Knox School is a diverse and inclusive community, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, ancestry, national origin, genetic information, or disability in its programs, activities, employment, or advancement.

About The Knox School

THE KNOX SCHOOL is a progressive, co-educational, independent, college preparatory boarding and day school located on 40 acres of serene waterfront property along the North Shore of Long Island, New York. Our small yet diverse student body represents more than 15 countries, and attracts students from local Long Island communities, the New York tri-state area, and across the U.S. Founded in 1904, The Knox School is Long Island’s oldest established private school. Our inclusive environment serves grades 6-12 and Post-Graduate, providing students with a broad world perspective and a wide range of skills to prepare them for the next phase of their journeys. At Knox everyone knows your name and each student’s potential is unlocked and maximized because of the boundless experiences a Knox education provides. We are proud of our 100% acceptance to top four-year universities. Whether you are an aspiring engineer or equestrian, artist or architect, performer or physicist, a Knox education unlocks every student’s potential and prepares them for success after high school. In addition to superior college preparatory academics, Knox provides an integrative co-curricular campus experience.... Students are supported as they explore interest-driven clubs, hands-on service learning, multidisciplinary opportunities in the Visual & Performing Arts, and a nationally-competitive Athletics program. Knox’s encouraging community gives students confidence to take risks and to strive for excellence. OUR MISSION at The Knox School is to provide the opportunity for capable students to excel within a liberal arts program infused with artistic and athletic pursuits, in preparation for higher education at selective colleges and universities. The Knox Core Values of RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, INTEGRITY, COURAGE, KINDNESS, and SCHOLARSHIP establish the foundation of a positive and trusting standard of conduct for the Knox community and for the success of our graduates.

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