Residence Director

Union University seeks a qualified individual for the position of Residence Director.

Union University is a private, coeducational liberal arts-based university offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. The campus is located in Jackson, TN (80 miles northeast of Memphis) with additional campuses in Germantown and Hendersonville, TN. Union University currently enrolls more than 5,100 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 44 states and 33 countries. Union University stands as a national leader among colleges and universities in promoting a Christian worldview and a Christ-centered approach to education. Union is consistently ranked among the nation’s premier Christian universities and for the 15th year in a row was listed as a top tier institution by U.S. News & World Report, which also recognized Union at a national level for undergraduate teaching excellence. Union was also recently recognized by the Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” one of only 30 four-year institutions to receive this honor roll designation.

Position Description:

The Residence Director of the Heritage Complex (RD) is a female 12-month, full-time, live-in position which is responsible for the specific organization, supervision, and direction of the coed freshman residential learning community.  The successful candidate will help create a culture and maintain an environment that challenges freshmen students to develop academically, emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually. The RD will partner with a 10-month, full-time, male Assistant Residence Director and provide leadership to the First Year Experience in the residence life program. The candidate must also be able to work with a diverse population of students, faculty and staff and be able to assist students in integrating their faith and living within the residence complex.  In addition to collaborating with other members of the Student Life staff, faculty, and students, the Residence Director works with the Resident Advisors to provide a challenging and supportive environment where students can live and learn.  Responsibilities include the supervision and development of Resident Advisors, mentoring student residents, program development, and performing administrative duties.

***Note:  An apartment within the Heritage Residence Complex is provided and includes a meal plan. Salary is commensurate with the education and experience of the candidate. 

Duties include:

1. 1.    Supervision, Training and Recruitment of Staff
   
   

• Provide primary supervision, training, and assistance to 14 Resident Advisors.  Provide ongoing feedback and evaluate Resident Advisors performance.


• Work with other Residence Directors in the selection and education of all Resident Advisors.


• Provide leadership to staff and students in the development of a community based upon Union’s Community Values.

1. 2.    Work with Students
   
   

• ·         Be an active and integrated member of the residential community and campus.


• ·         Initiate contact on a regular basis with students and become personally acquainted with residents.


• ·         Serve as a role model for the Resident Advisors and residents personally, spiritually, and professionally.


• ·         Be available for and establish a rapport with students so as to advise and counsel them regarding areas such as adjusting to college life, issues of Christian growth, clarification of values, lifestyle choices, relationship issues, and other areas of personal growth.


• ·         Be available to students who have concerns and problems.  Provide counseling and referral services to individual students according to their need (i.e.: Counseling Services, Tutoring Services, Financial Aid, Campus Ministries, and Health Services). Administer intrusive care when the situation has warranted it.


• ·         Intentionally pursue students who are ‘retention risks.’  Follow up with other members of the Retention Task Team to provide supportive care for at risk students.


• ·         In a spirit of redemptive and restorative discipline, serve as the hearing officer and director of the value-based redemptive discipline process for residents.

1. 3.    First Year Experience
   
   

• ·         Organize all programmatic and educational aspects of the first year residential experience program, including promotion of programs and services that support students’ personal, social, spiritual and academic success.


• ·         Research and implement programs and policies that will aid first year students as they transition to college life.


• ·         Coordinate the residence life component of the freshman registration program.


• ·         Maintain high visibility with students in the first year residential living community.

1. 4.    Program Development
   
   

• ·         Coordinate programs designed to provide meaningful educational, personal, spiritual, and recreational activities/experiences for freshman students in the Residence Complex.


• ·         Involve Resident Advisors in the planning, development and implementation of programs that will enhance life in the Residence Complex in accordance with the Residence Life Curriculum.


• ·         Develop enthusiasm and actively encourage participation for programming in staff and students.


• ·         Utilize programming as a means of increasing interaction between residents, developing residents' interests and skills, and contributing to the learning outcomes.


• ·         Keep residents informed as to programs and events occurring on campus.

1. 5.    Administration
   
   

• ·         Participate in Student Services staff meetings and professional development activities.


• ·         Be “on-call” for 24-hour Residence Life shifts on a rotating basis with other Residence Directors.


• ·         Be prepared to intervene in a crisis situation by defining an emergency, responding appropriately, and discerning wisely when additional professional staff and Safety and Security personnel should be called for confrontation or support.  Be familiar with established emergency protocols, and be prepared to implement them when necessary.


• ·         Work with the Director of Residence Life in coordinating student room assignments, changes, as well as check-in/check-out procedure.


• ·         Monitor the condition of the Residence Complex facilities and recommend repairs and renovations as needed.


• ·         Assist in the development and implementation of all college policies and regulations.


• ·         Maintain all necessary paperwork and computer records.


• ·         Assist with other areas of Residence Life as assigned by the Director of Residence Life or Assistant Dean of Students.

Qualifications:

A Master’s degree in an area relating to student development is required. A Bachelor’s degree and significant full-time experience related to student development will be considered.  Computer experience that includes MS Word and Excel is required.

Successful candidates must be professing Christians who are active members of a local Christian church, articulate a Christian worldview in their life, and support Union University’s Identity, Mission, and Core Values.

To Apply:

Interested individuals may access an application below.  Send the completed application, resume, and a letter expressing interest to: Human Resources, Union University, 1050 Union University Drive, Jackson, TN 38305, or by fax to 731-661-5177, or via e-mail to [email protected].