Resident directors must demonstrate the ability to work with diverse populations to create inclusive communities. RDs are educators who develop and implement a residence life program centered on engaging students through intentionally designed lesson plans to reach specific learning outcomes guided by theory and effective educational strategies. RDs - supervise resident advisors/apartment advisors (RA/AA), inclusion assistants (IA), residential office assistants (ROA), and student leaders in the implementation of the University Residences Initiative for Student Engagement (URISE), a residential curriculum grounded in Dr. Tara Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth Theory.

Position Responsibilities: The resident director is responsible for the coordination of all aspects of student life in a residence hall/apartment area of 300-550 students; provides leadership and education in developing educational strategies to enhance student learning; engages in dialogue, education, and action focused on promoting the values of equity and inclusion; provides conduct adjudication and residential programming board (RPB) ; performs administrative duties in support of each area of responsibility; supervises and provides training for student staff, and participates in departmental committees and assessment efforts.

Position Assignment: The academic year and summer building assignments are based upon the needs of the entire University Residences program and are subject to change. Resident directors will be given a 1-2 bedroom, furnished apartment. In the period between mid-June and mid-August, RDs are assigned to a variety of ancillary projects and tasks in preparation for the upcoming academic year.

Remuneration: A 12-month, full-time overtime-eligible position including salary, furnished apartment, staff meal plan, professional development opportunities, and a full University benefits package.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

35% - Student Development and Residence Education:

• Provide leadership and guidance in the implementation of Residence Life’s residential curriculum.
• Plan and work with students and staff to coordinate efforts and dialogue promoting inclusive communities and ensuring the creation of a safe, welcoming environment.
• Maintain knowledge and educate self in areas of multicultural competence and apply knowledge to create actionable practices that work to promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for students and staff of underrepresented identities.
• Support initiatives and programs designed to serve underrepresented student populations living in the residence halls
  • Serve as the primary advisor to RPB during the academic year with responsibilities including Meet weekly with council Chair(s) and/or executive board(s) 
  • Provide leadership development opportunities to achieve specified learning outcomes 
  • Attend all RPB meetings 
  • Participate in RPB-sponsored activities, particularly those occurring off campus 
  • Ensure RPB follows university policies and procedures 
  • Oversee financial procedures to ensure RPB follows university policies and procedures 
• Serve as a visible and accessible resource in the residence hall community for student interaction.
• Provide one-on-one intervention to students placed on academic probation, financial aid probation, or students who are academically at-risk.
• Provide academic resources and referrals in collaboration with campus partners.
• Support and implement assessment to measure student progress toward learning outcomes, and the effectiveness of training and other processes.
• Communicate, educate, and follow up with residents on Residential Community Standards violations and responsible decision making through the student conduct process.
  • Utilize URISE learning outcomes to facilitate and evaluate student learning and reflection
  • Assign educational sanctions, up to and including eviction from University Residences.
• Consult with the Counseling and Wellness Center, Student Health Center, and other departments to make appropriate referrals.
• Provide crisis management, conflict management, and mediation assistance for students.

35% - Staff Selection, Training, Supervision and Performance Evaluation:

• Directly supervise, train, and evaluate 6 to 12 resident advisors/apartment advisors, 1 inclusion assistant, and 1 residential office assistant.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection of all paraprofessional staff
• Direct and support resident advisor/apartment advisor and inclusion assistant staff in the implementation of educational strategies to meet the learning goals of URISE.
• Communicate and hold staff accountable for job expectations as outlined by Residence Life in the position agreement.
  • Execute all forms of job action, up to and including termination.
• Conduct performance evaluations twice per year for paraprofessional staff members.
• Facilitate one-on-ones, weekly staff meetings, and continuous training for paraprofessional staff in residential community.    
• Engage in dialogue and coordinate training focusing on accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and actionable strategies to work toward creating equitable, safe, welcoming, and engaged communities.

25% - Administration

• Participate on departmental committees including, but not limited to: Student Staff Selection, Student Staff Training, Professional Staff Selection, Professional Staff Training and Development, Ethics and Conduct, Affinity Group Initiatives, and URISE.
• Manage tracking, assessment, and evaluation of URISE.
• Liaise with UR Assignments and UR Facilities in oversight of occupancy management and desk operations in the residential communities.
• Oversee building programming supplies and equipment by maintaining appropriate records and procedures.
• Collaborate and communicate with UR Facilities regarding maintenance requests and managing physical assets; assist with key control to optimize building security and resident safety.
• Facilitate fire drills, emergency procedures, and general health and safety protocols for the residential community.
• Manage Residential Programming Board and staff programming budgets of approximately $5,000-$10,000.
• Apprise supervisors and department leadership of significant circumstances and impact to student health and well-being, work environment, efficient organization operation, and appropriate risk mitigation. Effectively train and supervise staff to this standard.
• Perform other functions and assume responsibilities related to hall and unit management as assigned.

5% - Campus-Wide, 24-Hour “On-Call” Responsibilities:

• Participate in a rotating departmental 24-hour on-call system as the emergency responder for the entire residential system of approximately 4,300 students.
  • These duties, in collaboration with Care Specialists, respond to student staff needing direction or support, students in significant medical or psychological crisis, facility issues, and communicating/following up with appropriate staff (supervisors, police, fire, medical, counseling, facilities, etc.), parents/guardians, and students in a timely manner.

• Date of Hire:
  • Master's degree, at time of hire in student affairs, higher education leadership, college student development, or similar field from an accredited college or university
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in addition to the ability to create an inclusive residence hall community (see information below regarding equity and inclusion statement, which must be submitted as part of the online application)
  • One-year professional, full-time experience in higher education at the time of hire, or two years graduate-level experience at the time of hire, working in a higher education setting
  • Experience in the supervision of paraprofessional student staff (Resident Advisor, Apartment Advisor, etc.)
  • Experience in the selection and training of paraprofessional staff

• Experience with emergency response and crisis management
• Ability to innovate and implement new initiatives
• Experience advising student leadership organizations
• Experience in the development of student learning initiatives, living learning programs, and/or experience working with a residential curriculum model
• Graduate or professional experience working in housing or residence life

This position requires a fingerprint background check.

Benefits Overview for Administrative Professional Position.

All applicants must submit an online application which will address:

1. In your cover/application letter and your resume, include how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.

2. Also required is a separate statement (max. length one page) addressing your demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion, in addition to the ability to create an inclusive residence hall community.  In the statement, please include examples of your past work that demonstrate your commitment to equity and inclusion in addition to describing how you will contribute to further implement these values at Western Washington University through the position responsibilities outlined above.

3. Please include the names and contact information of three professional references including a current or past supervisor.

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU’s Policy on Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Prohibiting Discrimination and Retaliation. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu

WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3303 or 711 (Washington Relay).

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: This report is provided pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act ("The Clery Act"). It includes statistics for the previous three calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on Western's campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Western; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report in printed or alternate formats by contacting the Office of the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services at vpsa.office@wwu.edu. The report can be found at: Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU. A thorough background check will be conducted on all new hires which includes a sexual misconduct background check.