Resident Director - Ministry and Student Development

Expectation and Condition of Employment

Howard Payne University, a church-related institution affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, seeks to employ evangelical Christians who are dedicated to teaching and service as they model the principles of the Christian faith and the University’s sincere religious beliefs.

Howard Payne University (hereafter, University) is committed to the integration of learning and Christian faith in the pursuit of truth. Employees are expected to embrace the Christian Mission Statement and Core Values of the University and must support the University’s affirmation of traditional Christian and Baptist beliefs by leading lives of service through active involvement in Christian activities both on campus and through a local church.

Mission Statement

Howard Payne University is a Christ-centered academic community dedicated to excellence by developing and equipping the whole person for intellectual inquiry, personal and professional integrity, and service to God and humanity.

Core Values of Howard Payne University

We believe and affirm that the University as an institution and each individual called to serve the Lord at Howard
Payne should strive to demonstrate a commitment to these five Core Values:

• Centered on Christ   (cf. Col. 3:17, Matt. 7:24)


• Focused on Community   (cf. Eph. 4:4-6, 1 Pet. 3:8)


• Called to Service   (cf. Mark 10:45, Phil. 2:3-5)


• Committed to Excellence   (cf. Gen. 1:31, 1 Cor. 9:24)


• Dedicated to Stewardship   (cf. Gen. 2:15, 1 Pet. 4:10)

As a condition of employment, employees agree to be paid by Direct Deposit. Applicants offered contingent employment based on the University obtaining a clean background check agree the contingent offer of employment may be revoked based on the information obtained in the background check.

If offered employment, your acceptance will indicate that you have read and agree to the Expectations and Conditions above.

Application Procedure

To be considered for this position, please submit the following:

• a letter of application addressing in detail how you meet the position requirements


• a resume or CV (curriculum vitae)


• unofficial transcripts, and


• a completed HPU Employment Application

Job Summary

The Resident Director (RD) serves as a Christ-centered leader within the Offices of Student Experience and Residence Life, fostering a residential community that supports spiritual formation, discipleship, student development, a sense of belonging, and student success. Through intentional relationships, mentorship, visibility, and daily interaction with students, the RD cultivates a living-learning environment that reflects the mission and values of Howard Payne University.

The RD provides leadership for Veda Hodge Hall and Newbury Place Apartments by supervising and developing Resident Assistants (RAs), supporting student engagement and co-curricular initiatives, responding to student needs and concerns, promoting community standards, and assisting with residence life operations, student conduct processes, and housing administration.

This is a full-time, 12-month, live-in position within a women’s residence hall. The RD participates in an on-call rotation, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and University breaks, and reports directly to the Dean of Students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Staff Supervision, Development, and Evaluation

1. Supervise, mentor, and support Resident Assistants (RAs).


2. Coordinate and conduct regular staff meetings, duty schedules, and on-call responsibilities.


3. Assist with the recruitment, selection, training, development, and evaluation of Resident Assistants.


4. Design and facilitate staff training and leadership development opportunities to strengthen the skills and effectiveness of Resident Assistants.

Program Development and Student Engagement

1. Supervise the day-to-day operations of the assigned residence hall and apartment communities.


2. Foster a positive, healthy, Christ-centered living-learning environment that supports spiritual growth, personal development, community engagement, and the mission and values of Howard Payne University, the Office of Student Experience, and Residence Life.


3. Build relationships with residents through visibility, approachability, mentorship, and ongoing interaction within the residential community.


4. Support and coordinate student-sponsored events, special programs, community meetings, and co-curricular initiatives that promote spiritual, social, cultural, recreational, wellness, educational, and service-oriented student development.


5. Assist staff in identifying and responding to resident needs, concerns, and interests while encouraging meaningful student involvement and community connection.


6. Serve as a source of information and support for students, staff, parents, faculty, guests, alumni, administration, and members of the University community.


7. Maintain accurate records and reports related to residence hall programming, student engagement initiatives, and assigned residential communities.


8. Cultivate a Christ-centered residential community by providing spiritual guidance, discipleship opportunities, and programs that promote students' spiritual, personal, and leadership development.

Student Support and Community Accountability

1. Educate residents regarding University expectations, community standards, and published policies and procedures.


2. Address situations and behaviors that negatively impact the residential community and uphold community standards in a fair, respectful, and developmentally appropriate manner.


3. Assist the Vice President for Student Experience and Dean of Students with the investigation, adjudication, administration, and follow-up of student conduct cases.


4. Serve as a hearing officer or representative for the Office of Student Experience when requested.


5. Support departmental compliance with University and division policies and procedures while promoting a safe, healthy, and respectful residential environment.

Housing Operations

1. Assist with the daily operations of the residence life program and assigned residential communities.


2. Coordinate residence hall and apartment operations, including opening and closing procedures, check-in/check-out processes, room assignments and changes, and damage assessments.


3. Serve as a liaison with maintenance, housekeeping, and other University departments to support the care, safety, and functionality of residential facilities.


4. Coordinate assigned administrative and central office responsibilities related to housing operations, staff development, room selection, summer conferences, training initiatives, assessments, reports, and other residence life functions as assigned.

Research, Student Assessment, and Publications
The Resident Director remains informed of current trends, practices, and issues in higher education and student development while supporting ongoing assessment, departmental initiatives, and University representation opportunities.

1. Assist with revisions and updates to the Howard Payne University Student Handbook and other departmental publications and materials.


2. Remain informed of current trends, issues, and best practices in higher education, student development, and residence life.


3. Assist with departmental assessment, research, and evaluation efforts related to student development, residence life, student engagement, retention, and student involvement.


4. Represent Howard Payne University and the Office of Student Experience through professional involvement, conferences, committees, partnerships, and related opportunities as available.


5. Seek opportunities for continued professional growth through involvement in professional organizations, training programs, conferences, and related activities.

Administrative Responsibilities
The Resident Director is a member of the Office of Student Experience professional staff team and supports student development, departmental initiatives, and effective residence life operations.

1. Participate in an on-call rotation and be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, University breaks, and other assigned responsibilities as needed.


2. Participate in University and departmental committees, projects, workshops, campus-wide activities, and other student life initiatives, providing leadership and support as appropriate.


3. Assist with student group advising, publications, preview weekends, summer pre-registration, orientation programs, chapel, and other assigned Student Experience initiatives.


4. Assist with the recruitment of prospective students and the retention and re-recruitment of current students through relationship-building, community development, campus involvement, and support of University recruitment and enrollment initiatives.


5. Monitor assigned budgets, complete required reports, and maintain appropriate administrative documentation.


6. Respond appropriately and promptly to crises, emergencies, and student concerns affecting the residential community.


7. Develop collaborative relationships with University departments and maintain professional relationships with colleagues and professionals within the field of higher education.


8. Complete additional duties, projects, and responsibilities as assigned by the Dean of Students or Vice President for Student Experience.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises Resident Assistants (RAs) within assigned residential communities and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with University policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include recruitment and selection recommendations; training and staff development; assigning and directing responsibilities; performance evaluation and accountability; and addressing concerns, complaints, and conflict resolution.

Required Competencies

1. To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
   Modeling Christian Faith – Must be committed to modeling the Christian faith; displays a proven record of modeling the Christian faith in business operations, management roles, customer service functions, and interactions with others; is committed to continuing to model Christian faith in a manner consistent with the University’s mission Statement and core values


2. Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely and thoughtful manner; gathers and analyzes information effectively; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem-solving situations; uses sound judgment when addressing sensitive or emotional situations


3. Student Support and Care – Responds promptly, compassionately, and effectively to student and community needs; manages difficult situations professionally; seeks feedback to improve service and support; follows through on commitments


4. Interpersonal Skills – Demonstrates professionalism, empathy, and respect in relationships with others; maintains confidentiality; listens effectively; manages conflict appropriately; remains open to feedback, collaboration, and new ideas


5. Oral Communication – Communicates clearly and effectively in individual and group settings; listens and responds appropriately to questions and concerns; demonstrates confidence and professionalism in presentations, meetings, and conversations


6. Teamwork – Works collaboratively with others to support departmental and University goals; contributes to a positive team environment; values accountability, encouragement, and shared success; supports and respects the contributions of others


7. Staff Leadership and Development – Provides guidance, support, accountability, and regular feedback to student staff; encourages leadership development and personal growth; fosters responsibility, professionalism, and teamwork among staff members


8. Ethics – Treats others with respect, compassion, integrity, and professionalism; keeps commitments; inspires trust; works ethically and responsibly; upholds and supports the University’s Christian mission, values, and community standards


9. Mission and Institutional Support – Supports the mission, goals, values, policies, and procedures of Howard Payne University and the Office of Student Experience; completes administrative responsibilities accurately and responsibly; contributes positively to the University community


10. Planning and Organization – Prioritizes responsibilities effectively; manages time and resources efficiently; coordinates projects and schedules; develops realistic plans and follows through on assigned responsibilities


11. Professionalism – Conducts oneself in a professional, tactful, and respectful manner; responds appropriately under pressure; accepts responsibility for actions; demonstrates dependability, maturity, and follow-through

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each Essential Duty and Responsibility listed above satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities.            

1. Education and/or Experience - Bachelor’s degree required. Graduate study in student development, counseling, ministry, theology, biblical studies, Christian leadership, higher education, or a closely related field is preferred. Previous experience in residence life, student development, ministry leadership, mentoring, discipleship, or related student support areas preferred


2. Communication Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional materials, policies, procedures, and regulations. Ability to write reports, correspondence, and administrative documents and effectively communicate with students, parents, faculty, staff, administrators, and the public in both individual and group settings


3. Mathematical Skills – Ability to perform basic mathematical functions and interpret basic charts, reports, and statistical information


4. Reasoning Ability – Ability to exercise sound judgment, solve practical problems, manage sensitive situations, and interpret written, oral, and procedural instructions


5. Computer Skills – Proficiency in commonly used computer systems and software, including internet applications, word processing, spreadsheets, email, and student information or housing management systems


6. Certificates and Licenses – Must maintain a valid Texas driver’s license


7. Other Qualifications – Only female candidates may apply for Resident Director positions within women’s residence halls at Howard Payne University. Demonstrated commitment to Christian ministry, discipleship, mentorship, and student development required. Strong leadership, communication, relationship-building, group facilitation, and organizational skills preferred. Previous experience supervising paraprofessional staff, mentoring college students, leading student groups, or supporting Christian community development preferred. Understanding of student assessment and research practices is helpful. Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call rotations is required


8. Physical Abilities – The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to climb stairs; use hands to handle or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; talk, hear, taste, or smell. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk and occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.


9. Normal Work Environment - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the Essential Duties and Responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; the risk of electrical shock; toxic or caustic chemicals; fumes or airborne particles; and caustic cleaning or landscaping chemicals used to maintain campus property. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.