Residence Director

Notice: If you are seeing this position posted on a job board other than the official Meredith College career posting page, please know that any pay range included is not authorized or approved by Meredith College and may not reflect the actual pay rate for the position.

The Residence Director (RD) position provides residents with professional guidance and supervision in a living-learning environment as they develop during their time at Meredith. The RD is a professional staff member (live in) responsible for the overall functioning of their assigned residential areas. The primary responsibilities include initiating, implementing, maintaining, and evaluating efforts in the residential area that will result in educational, social, and cultural growth for the individual student and the entire living community. RDs at Meredith College are responsible for fulfilling various tasks across the areas of staff supervision, community development, crisis management, administrative duties, and facilities management. This position serves as a catalyst for student engagement in the residence hall communities and role models daily interactions with students for student staff. This is a full-time, 10-months per year, live-in position.

The information below details general responsibilities for the Residence Director position. Modifications of the position description may be made during the academic year at the discretion of the Office of Residence Life.

Responsibilities of the Residence Director position include:

I. Staff Selection, Training, Supervision, and Evaluation

• Supervise a staff of RAs (3-8).
• Participate in marketing the RA position during the recruitment cycle.
• Serve as main interviewers for individual RA interviews.
• Hire RAs for the following academic year.
• Assist with Resident Assistant selection through interviews and evaluation.
• Assist in coordinating and presenting staff training throughout the academic year.
• Lead weekly staff meetings and conduct bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with RA staff.
• Design and facilitate professional development activities for the RAs.
• Assist with the resolution of roommate conflicts by providing guidance to the RAs, intervening when necessary, and referring cases to the appropriate offices/personnel as appropriate.
• Conduct annual evaluations of RA staff.

II. Community Development

• Develop meaningful relationships with students by providing opportunities for growth and development and by serving as an active presence in the community.
• Connect students to campus resources and provide support for those who need additional assistance.
• Understand Meredith’s Honor Code in the Student Handbook and residence hall policies in the Guide to Community Living to promote a healthy and respectful living community.
• Assist residents in their understanding of College policies, the Honor Code, and the Guide to Community Living.
• Maintain an office that is welcoming and inviting to residents.
• Provide oversight of RA programs and events to ensure residents’ needs are being met.
• Identify and encourage student involvement in campus leadership opportunities.
• Maintain a level of visibility on campus by frequenting the dining hall and attending events/programs on campus.
• Support the campus community by attending college traditions and volunteering for campus events throughout the academic year, as work time permits.

III. Crisis Management and Duty

• Participate in the Residence Life on-call duty rotation (approximately once every five weeks for one week at a time) for all campus residents and be able to respond within 30 minutes. Immediate in-person response will be covered by Campus Security as needed in the case of campus emergencies.
• Support RAs on duty with questions, concerns, and incidents requiring attention.
• Serve as the first responder to residents in crisis when currently available and actively working on campus.
• Assess crisis situations and develop a plan for resolution contacting the Director of Residence Life, Dean of Students, or other members of campus leadership as necessary.
• Meet with and assist residents with conflicts including roommate and personal conflicts.
• Accompany residents needing medical attention to the hospital as required.
• Follow-up with residents who have exhibited signs of crisis, depression, or stress and those reported through the Director of Residence Life, Dean of Students, Assistant Dean of Students, or other notification avenues and student support services.
• Communicate resident concerns and updates in a timely manner to the Director of Residence Life, Dean of Students, Assistant Dean of Students, and other appropriate College personnel.
• Maintain and foster relationships with Campus Police, the Counseling Center/Disability Services staff, Campus Dining, and Facilities Services.
• Submit incident reports by 9 am the next business day.

IV. Administrative Duties

• Coordinate overall administrative management of a residential area that may include, but is not limited to: occupancy, facilities, key card access, opening/closing, and budget.
• Maintain a minimum of 10 office hours per week in the residence hall (four days per week).
• Work in the Office of Residence Life one afternoon per week from 1pm – 5pm.
• Attend departmental and campus meetings.
• Complete paperwork and administrative tasks as requested.
• Check the RD Residence Life Office mailbox regularly.
• Check email at least twice daily for announcements, updates, and resident concerns and prioritize response within 24 business hours.
• Distribute information to RAs in a timely manner.
• Represent Residence Life for Admissions Open Days, Experience Meredith, and other prospective student events as requested.
• Provide assistance in retention and assessment initiatives.
• Plan a weekly schedule one week in advance with the Director of Residence Life to manage projected hours worked scheduled and scheduled tasks.

V. Facility Management

• Complete weekly inspections of assigned areas of responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the residence halls and residents.
• Promptly notify Facilities Services of safety and/or maintenance concerns.
• Oversee the health and safety room inspection process conducted by RAs each semester.
• Maintain effective working relationships with Housekeeping and Maintenance personnel.
• Assist residents in communicating with Facilities Services to ensure room repairs are completed in a timely manner.
• Regularly monitor the door access system to ensure security and notify appropriate personnel if malfunctions occur.
• Track and communicate items of concern to ensure proper communication and resolution in coordination with the Facilities Services team.

VI. Professional and Career Development

• Resident Director Training & Development are framed by the ACPA/NASPA Competencies.
• Identify areas of interest and work with appropriate offices to gain new skills, knowledge, and experience as desired.
• Take an active approach toward career development such as participating in professional organizations, advising student organizations, assisting with college events, presenting workshops, and attending college-sponsored professional development opportunities.
• Participate in fall training and Professional Staff In-Service sessions offered twice each semester.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited higher education institution by the date of hire. Master's degree in Higher Education or similar program preferred.
• 1-3 years full or part time experience in residential life, housing, student activities, or student affairs. Undergraduate experience as a Resident Assistant, Residence Hall Association leader, and other roles related to campus student life are acceptable.
• The Resident Director must be able to work independently, demonstrate initiative, display strong commitment to student learning, communicate effectively, work collaboratively with stakeholders inside and outside of the college, and have the proven ability to effectively work with diverse populations.
• Supervisory experience of paraprofessional staff in residential life, housing, student activities, or student affairs preferred but not required.

The position is full-time, 10-months generally starting the last Monday in July through a week after Commencement. Dates may be modified as needed based on the Academic Calendar. This position includes:

• 15-meal per week + $200 declining balance meal plan while school is in session;
• A furnished apartment including local phone, cable and utilities, a laptop computer with internet access;
• Free campus parking; and
• Professional development opportunities

Questions about the position may be addressed to Amanda Morales, by either calling 919-760-8633 or sending email to [email protected].

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Contact Information

1st Floor Park Center
(919) 760-8898
Fax: (919) 760-8164
[email protected]