Community Director, Department of Residence Life and Housing

Wake Forest University • Winston-Salem, NC

214d

About The Position

The Community Director (CD) is responsible for establishing and sustaining positive residential communities that embolden the motto and mission of Pro Humanitate through practices of experiential learning, community service, and student behavior management. The Community Director is an educator who works to develop and coordinate residential communities of approximately 400 - 600 undergraduate students. The CD works to expand and heighten the intellectual climate and culture of Wake Forest through co-curricular initiatives, mentorship, faculty engagement, curriculum implementation, and the management of a comprehensive residence life and housing program that serves 4000+ on-campus students. As a live-in staff member, the CD is a full-time, twelve-month position that reports directly to an Assistant Director of Residence Life and supervises 15 to 26 Resident Advisers. Due to CDs being the primary professional staff members available in the residence halls for student contact, some evening and weekend time working with students is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of one year of full-time (or equivalent, such as two years of part-time graduate work) experience working in Housing and Residential Programs (Residence Life), Student Activities or other position working closely with students in a university setting required.
• A commitment to foster student learning and development, passion for creating inclusive student communities and global citizens, and strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• A demonstrated track record of initiative, collaboration, and the ability to bring innovation to improve workflow, internal processes, and projects within the office and with other departments on campus.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse constituents, both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of systems and current practices in developing or managing programs designed to increase student success and retention.
• Knowledge and experience with the principles and practice of employee supervision, selection, training, and leadership.
• Ability to coordinate the daily activities and operations of campus residence halls and/or apartments.
• Ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures as well as contemporary best professional practices that align with goals for student development and retention.
• Skilled in using computer programs, including spreadsheets, calendar (Google), and web-based applications.
• Ability to handle sensitive information, maintain confidentiality and respond effectively and appropriately in emergency and crisis situations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively and efficiently.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, Education, or related field.
• Previous supervisory experience in a university Housing and Residence Life program.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise and facilitate the development of 15 to 26 Resident Advisers (RAs).
• Create and implement an area vision encompassing a team development plan, including but not limited to individual meetings, weekly staff meetings, and team bonding activities.
• Guide the team in supporting the departmental mission and vision to cultivate communities focused on a sense of belonging, inclusivity, well-being, academic success, and engaged citizenship.
• Attend community development initiatives hosted by student staff.
• Conduct meetings with individual RAs bi-weekly and provide the framework for weekly staff meetings.
• Assess the needs, interests, and expectations of all student staff members through ongoing feedback, development, and job action if needed.
• Assist Residence Life with fall and mid-year training, RA and grad staff selections, staff recognition initiatives, and first-year and upper-class programs.
• Serve as an instructor for the Resident Adviser course during the fall and/or spring semesters.
• Implement & oversee community development initiatives, including primary oversight of The Link and other processes as orchestrated by the Assistant Director for Residential Engagement and Academic Initiatives.
• Develop academically supportive communities alongside faculty members, Residential Engagement Communities, and the Assistant Director for Residential Engagement and Academic Initiatives.
• Ensure that community development initiatives from student staff align with the community area vision and needs.
• Develop and lead community-wide programs and activities that contribute to the academic and personal development of residents and that create a positive atmosphere for residents.
• Serve as a role model, provide visibility, and be available to residents by advertising and completing a minimum of 10 open office hours a month for residents to get to know you, share feedback, or ask questions.
• Serve as a department liaison to parents and students by mediating disputes and conflicts pertaining to student development as well as department and university policies.
• Assess student development needs and concerns; work in partnership with the Assistant Director of Residential Conduct and Dean of Students Office to interpret, communicate, and enforce University policies, rules, and regulations.
• Utilize Maxient for all case management, including but not limited to CARE, Title IX, bias, and other student-of-concern reports.
• Adjudicate residential housing cases and assign appropriate outcomes through an informal resolution meeting.
• Coordinate the overall administrative management of a residential area and prepare for administrative processes such as community opening in the fall and closing at the end of each semester.
• Conduct a weekly walk-through of their area of responsibility to monitor the physical condition of the buildings.
• Manage damage accountability, billing, and ensure work orders are submitted for health and safety inspections and closing processes.
• Participate in on-call rotation with other Residence Life and Housing staff; work cooperatively with the Office of the Chaplain, University Police, Deacon Health, Counseling Center, and other campus and community resources to assist in emergency and/or crisis situations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree