Resident Director: Life & Career Studies

Calvin University • Grand Rapids, MI

1d • $28,000 - $30,500 • Onsite

About The Position

The Life & Career Residence Director (RD) is responsible for advancing the developmental goals of the Student Life Division by providing comprehensive leadership, support, and supervision within a traditional campus residence hall complex. This position plays an integral role in fostering student growth, supporting Life & Career Studies students, and enhancing the residential learning environment through collaboration, mentorship, and program development. The Life & Career Studies program is an inclusive postsecondary college program for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This is a live-in, benefits-eligible, 10-month position. This position will oversee a traditional residence hall of around 200 students and also support Life & Career students, some of whom live in this residence hall.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in Social Work, Psychology, Student Affairs, or Education Required
• Minimum two years of Residence Life experience (RA experience may count).
• Approved as a Community Living Support worker or the ability to complete the training within 30 days of hire.
• At least two years of experience or demonstrated passion for supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Strong time management and self-direction skills.
• Ability to handle stressful situations professionally and with empathy.
• Demonstrated leadership and role-modeling aligned with a faith-based campus community.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Social Work or Education strongly preferred.
• Previous experience as a Community Living Support worker is strongly preferred.
• Experience organizing events preferred.
• Experience in classroom instruction, support coordination, or case management strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct leadership and support to Life & Career Studies students residing on campus.
• Serve as the primary contact for Life & Career residence hall students, including conducting morning check-ins (7–8 AM) on designated days.
• Meet individually with students to address personal, social, and residential concerns, helping them successfully transition to campus life.
• Collaborate with the Life & Career Studies Program Coordinator to foster inclusive and engaging residence hall communities.
• Support and mentor Life & Career Studies Graduate Assistant(s) and undergraduate staff to promote their professional and leadership growth.
• Design and facilitate RA training sessions focused on best practices for supporting Life & Career Studies students.
• Provide 12–16 hours per week of classroom or academic support (on-campus or in-residence, as approved).
• Facilitate weekly housing-related Community Living Support (CLS) seminars tailored for Life & Career Studies students.
• Facilitate other group CLS seminars as assigned based on need.
• Teach LIFE 164 (spring) and LIFE 390 courses as assigned.
• Assist in developing Academic Course Plans and facilitate academic support sessions in collaboration with the Academic & Peer Support Coordinator as needed.
• Provide case management and referrals to address academic, and social/emotional needs.
• Provide Community Living Support coordination services for assigned private-pay students from initial setup through ongoing implementation, and assist with completing required monthly reports.
• Contribute to program documentation, reporting, and administrative projects.
• Assist with staff coverage and classroom needs as needed.
• Provide on-call coverage two days a week, with one being on-call for both Life & Career Studies and Residence Life. (8am-5pm)
• Lead the planning and implementation of co-curricular programming to enhance student engagement and learning outside the classroom.
• Foster an inclusive and supportive living environment through ongoing community-building initiatives.
• Recruit, select, train, and supervise residence hall student leaders (RAs and other staff).
• Conduct individual and group meetings with staff to provide mentorship, guidance, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Responsible for supervising Resident Assistants (RAs), student leaders and desk staff.
• Manage daily residence hall operations, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and maintenance needs are met.
• Oversee housing assignments, maintain accurate records, and support the operational efficiency of the residence hall complex.
• Participate in the residence life on-call rotation and respond to emergency or crisis situations as needed. (1 daytime shift 8am-5pm per week)
• Attend regular meetings with supervisors, Residence Life, Student Conduct, and Life & Career Studies staff.
• Maintain open communication with campus partners, students, and families to support student success and retention.
• Administer student conduct processes with fairness and developmental intent.
• Utilize intervention strategies, document incidents, and support accountability while promoting student growth.
• Engage in ongoing training, workshops, and professional development opportunities alongside other staff and graduate assistants.
• Complete required Resident Director training annually starting in July-August.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the overall mission and goals of the Student Life Division.

Benefits

• Annual salary of $28,000 - $30,500, based on experience, paid over 12 months.
• Meal plan at Campus Dining hall provided while school is in session.
• On-campus housing in a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom campus apartment provided for each 12-month contract period. Housing is not a taxable benefit, but is valued at approximately $1,700/month based on local comparisons.
• Waiver for eight Calvin credits per year and/or partial reimbursement for approved off-campus courses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and prescription coverage (employee premium share varies by plan).
• Life insurance equal to two times annual salary.
• Retirement plan contributions
• Long-term disability insurance effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Coverage includes workers’ compensation, Social Security, and unemployment benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director