About Sacred Heart University
As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
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To apply
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions.
Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.
Position Summary
As a live-in staff member for Sacred Heart’s residential community in Dingle, Ireland, the Residential Support Staff (Dingle RHD) serves as a key support for students living in university housing, fostering a supportive residential environment that promotes learning beyond the classroom, holistic student development, and academic success. Through proactive community engagement and responsive on-call support, this role maintains a consistent presence, assists students in navigating a range of personal, social, and academic needs, and helps ensure that community standards and university policies are upheld.
The Residential Support Staff (Dingle RHD) supports students in understanding their responsibilities as members of the residential community, encouraging respect, accountability, and positive community engagement. As an integral member of the Residential Life team, the Dingle RHD works directly with the Dingle team, the mission of the department, and the University, respecting its Catholic values while contributing to a safe and connected residential community.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
Student Life Experience and Engagement
- This role requires a high level of responsibility, including independent decision-making, crisis response, and consistent visibility to ensure student safety and wellbeing.
- Will serve as the primary on-call emergency response administrator from Monday 5pm through to Friday morning at 9am, and every second weekend. The Dingle team will assume on-call coverage every other weekend according to the shared schedule.
- Directly interact with students and assist with success planning and support
- Build meaningful connections with students, staff, and support services to create a well-supported and responsive residential community.
- Oversee the development of their assigned area through intentional programming and community-building initiatives.
- Maintain visibility and promote individual contact via student-centered office hours
- Utilization of the retention software and cohort retention approaches
- Submit one formal check-in during the fall and spring semester to highlight their experience and any resources or support that the students need
- Support the development of all students, including those who may be students from other universities
- Supporting and training residence success students.
Student Conduct and Emergency Response
- Perform conduct hearings for residents in assigned areas through SHU Handbook Policies
- Assist in addressing behavioral concerns and uphold University Community Standards
- Participation in campus on-duty coverage rotation
- Respond to a range of urgent student needs, including medical, mental health, behavioral, and facility-related concerns.
- Exercise sound judgment in responding to student situations and escalate concerns to appropriate staff when necessary.
- Communicate and document incidents appropriately and participate in regular staff debriefs
Residence Hall and Departmental Administration
- Prepare and facilitate the opening and closing of residential facilities
- Monitor and track facility and operational needs within residential facility
- Hire and manage (2) RSA’s to work directly with Dingle RHD to assist with evening on-call oversight on semester programs.
- Manage and train the RSS support staff for short term programs.
Additional Position & Departmental Responsibilities:
- Weekly office hours set by direct Supervisor
- Maintain permanent, full-time on-campus residency in the assigned area.
- Provide support to students which may include transporting students to local emergency services per the stipulations set forth by the Program Director
- Other related responsibilities as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes
- Bachelor’s degree
- Live-in residence life experience strongly preferred
- Previous Study Abroad Experience Strongly Preferred
- Direct experience with retention related efforts and initiatives
- Experience in student development and leadership
- Must have a clean and valid driver's license and willingness to drive in Ireland
Unusual Working Conditions
Will require nights, weekends, and some holiday work hours, which may include work on Irish National Holidays.
This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.
Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.
