Area Coordinators | University of Portland

Area Coordinators

Resident advisors assist new Pilots at the dorm on move in day at UP.

Area Coordinators

What are Area Coordinators?

Area Coordinators are live-in, mid-level professionals who provide leadership for a group of residence halls (a residential quad) and help shape a cohesive, mission-driven student experience. This is a newly created role as the department transitions to a new residential model, so you won’t currently find Area Coordinators listed among our existing staff.

What Does an Area Coordinator Do?

Area Coordinators lead and support multiple residence halls by supervising and mentoring Hall Directors and Assistant Hall Directors. They build strong, connected communities while directly supporting students in one assigned hall. They respond to student needs—including conduct, well-being, and crisis situations—with an educational and student-centered approach. They collaborate with campus partners to ensure students have access to resources and support. They also contribute to departmental strategy, staff development, and the overall residential experience across campus.

Area Coordinator Recruitment & Hiring

The Office of Residence Life looks for Area Coordinators who are thoughtful leaders and skilled mentors, capable of supervising staff, navigating complex situations, and shaping a cohesive residential experience. Successful candidates are collaborative, student-centered, and committed to inclusive, mission-aligned community building, and typically bring a master’s degree, prior experience in residence life roles such as Hall Director, and a demonstrated ability to supervise professional staff. This position is live-in and 12-month. Scroll down for more information about working as an Area Coordinator and how to apply. 

UP offers a rich benefits package for full-time employees including a retirement contribution, low-cost health and dental insurance, tuition remission, and home-buying assistance. See the Human Resources Benefits page for full details. 

Some of these are specific to the Area Coordinator role and the Office of Residence Life:

  • Fully-furnished, 1-bedroom apartment with separate office and all utilities included
  • A full meal plan to use in our on-campus award-winning eateries
  • A monthly phone stipend
  • The opportunity to earn an EdD from UP
  • An opportunity to be a part of a fun and supportive team
  • Living on a beautiful campus located in popular Portland, Oregon
  • Professional development funding and conference support
  • Opportunity to shape a newly designed residential model
  • Meaningful supervision of professional and graduate staff
  • Experience in a "teaching office" environment with graduate students in HESA programs

  • Supervision of professional Hall Directors and Assistant Hall Directors
  • Building and hiring a team of paraprofessional Resident Assistants
  • Overseeing student-leadership positions like Community Assistants, Hall Council Members, and Hall Ambassadors

In addition to receiving an annual professional development budget from the Office of Residence Life, Hall Directors can:

  • participate, coach, and teach through the University's Leadership Certificate Program
  • teach a 1-credit course for RAs on residential leadership 
  • serve on University-wide committees (HDs currently or have recently served on committees for orientation/FYE, sophomore experience, DEI, food insecurity, Title IX, and Green Dot Bystander Intervention)
  • lead RA recruitment, selection, training, formation, and development 
  • work alongside and gain experience from other University offices/services for student care and behavioral intervention, student activities, campus ministry, service and justice, health, counseling, career development, disability support services, FGEN support, dining, facilities, DEI, admissions, international student services, athletics, recreation, and more

Our Hall Staff also benefit from opportunities for growth within the University. Former Hall Staff members are currently serving or have served in other roles at UP including: 

  • Dean of Admissions
  • Director of the Shepard Academic Resource Center
  • Associate Director for Community Standards
  • Associate Director for Housing
  • Associate Director for Student Support
  • Director of Campus Ministry
  • Assistant Director for First Year Experience
  • Associate Director of Student Activities
  • Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  • Starting salary at $49,310; commensurate with experience

Potential applicants can email questions anytime to the Associate Dean of Students & Director of Residence Life, Andrew Weingarten, at weingart@up.edu.

To Apply

We are hiring three Area Coordinators for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year. The Area Coordinator position is currently posted on our University Job Board. Click 'Staff' and the select 'Residence Life' in the department selection box.

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