Description
University of California, Santa Barbara, a public research university in Santa Barbara, California invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for its director of University & Community Housing Services. This is an on-site leadership role.
The University of California, Santa Barbara, is a public land-grant research institution. Tracing its roots to 1890 as an independent teacher's college, UC Santa Barbara joined the prestigious University of California system in 1944 as its third-oldest undergraduate campus. As a leading research institution offering a comprehensive liberal arts education, UC Santa Barbara welcomes approximately 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year to its beautiful oceanside campus. The university is regarded as a “Public Ivy” institution and is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).
The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) seeks an innovative, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as its next director of University & Community Housing Services (UCHS). Reporting to the executive director of Residential & Community Living (RCL), the next director provides visionary leadership for a dynamic residential housing portfolio that generates more than $190 million in annual revenue and supports over 10,500 students, staff, and faculty across 17 residence halls and apartment communities. The director oversees a $2.3 million budget and 15 full-time employees.
The salary range for this position is $140,000-$165,000.
Qualifications
A bachelor's degree and five years of professional experience supervising staff are required. Experience in housing operations and assignments, along with a master's degree, are preferred.
In addition to the qualifications stated above, key stakeholders identified the following capabilities and attributes of a successful candidate:
- Demonstrated success in designing and implementing student and staff services and programs within a residential housing environment.
- Broad knowledge of financial analysis and reporting practices, as well as human resources and risk management.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to lead, motivate, and influence others to foster high standards of service and care.
- Proven ability to address, manage, and resolve complex interpersonal, political, and organizational issues.
- Strong decision-making skills, sound judgment, and professional discernment.
- Exceptional leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities, manage deadlines, facilitate collaboration, and establish short- and long-term organizational goals.
- Ability to address issues proactively and creatively; translating ideas into actionable plans and successfully implementing changes that affect internal and external stakeholders.
- Technological proficiency, particularly in housing management software and integration systems.
- Experience leveraging data analytics to identify trends, inform strategic decisions, and respond proactively to evolving conditions.
Application and Nomination
The University of California, Santa Barbara has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin July 13, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/director-of-university-community-housing-services/
- Contact Julie Leos at [email protected] for confidential inquiries.
- Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email [email protected].
Visit the University of California, Santa Barbara website at https://www.ucsb.edu/
UC Santa Barbara is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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