Resident Director

Priority Deadline: Applications will be reviewed starting March 1st 2026 REPORTS TO: Director of Housing & Residence Life DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Housing & Residence Life, Division of Student Development SALARY CLASSIFICATION: Full Time, 10 Month Contract (42-44 weeks per year) SUPERVISION OF OTHERS: 8 + Resident Advisors Anticipated Start Date: July 8, 2026 GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Resident Director (RD) at Biola University serves as the front line personnel for a residential community. Primarily responsible for the community development and wellbeing of approximately 200 residents, the RD also facilitates an educational experience for residents as well as a student staff of 8+ Resident Advisors. As a key member of the Housing & Residence Life team, the RD is responsible for the total oversight of their Residence Hall and contributes to the departmental mission to "cultivate transformational relationships, inclusive environments, and enriching programs - emphasizing residential communities as our classroom for student flourishing." The Resident Director will also offer general counseling, care, discipline and guidance to residents as requested, give input on Housing & Residence Life departmental issues, and fulfill specific adjunct and special project responsibilities. About Biola University Biola University is a nationally ranked Christian university in the heart of Southern California. As a leader in academic quality and innovation, Biola is consistently ranked among the nation's foremost Christian universities. Founded in 1908, Biola offers biblically centered education, intentional spiritual development and vocational preparation within a unique and diverse learning community where all faculty, staff and students are professing Christians. Biola's eight schools offer more than 150 academic programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, enrolling more than 6,000 students at the La Mirada campus, online and in distance programs throughout the world. ABOUT THE DIVISION OF STUDENT DEVELOPMENT The vision of Student Development is to see Every Student: Empowered, Transformed & Thriving. The mission of Student Development is to create an integrated, Biblically-centered learning experience that promotes the whole person development of all students. Biola University affirms its value for and commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce. The division of Student Development is dedicated to being a diverse and inclusive department that will reflect the diversity of the Biola community and demonstrate intercultural proficiency. Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion Biola University affirms its value for and commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce. The division of Student Development is dedicated to being a diverse and inclusive department that will reflect the diversity of the Biola community and demonstrate intercultural proficiency. Alignment with Theological Positions Alignment with Theological Positions: The person who fills this position must be someone who personally agrees with Biola's Articles of Faith and Statement of Biblical Principles and who is supportive of the positions taken by Biola as contained in its Eschatology Teaching Position. As such, this person may not speak against or act in a manner inconsistent with these positions during the course of their employment at Biola. Required Qualifications: Basic knowledge of and ability to engage with one's own personal identity and how that informs engagement with concepts and topics surrounding diversity and inclusion Ability to engage with students through empathy, compassion and understanding Ability to respond to and manage crisis and/or conflict among residents and other students Demonstrates consistency and follow through Excellent interpersonal communication skills Preferred Qualifications: Masters Degree in Student Development or related field; if Masters is in progress, ask for equivalent years of professional experience Two or more years working in a college and/or educational setting Posture of humility and teachability Willingness to learn and apply student leadership and student affairs theory and best practices Experience with teamwork & collaboration Demonstrates self-awareness and flexibility RESPONSIBILITIES Involvement with Students Plan, supervise,and implement Residence Hall programming ( Area Programs, RA Programming ) that is primarily educational and community development oriented. Develop a familiarity with all students residing in Residence Hall; establish availability and presence in the hall through regular office hours, community programming, and weekly residence hall rounds. Supervise team of 8-10 paraprofessional staff (Resident Advisors). Orient staff to expectations, policies, and procedures. Conduct regularly scheduled individual and staff meetings. Provide ongoing professional development to paraprofessional staff through implementation of staff curriculum and informal mentorship. Actively participate in the RA selection process. Student Care & Conduct Serve as case manager for all student care and conduct cases within residential area. Understand and communicate the rationale for Biola University Community Standards and Residence Hall regulations. Serve in on call student care rotation; respond to individual student crises and campus wide emergencies/disasters as needed. Maintain timely and accurate records of all student care and conduct cases using case management systems. Building Management & Administration Manage the use and upkeep of all rooms and spaces within the residence hall. Support and manage housing processes including early arrivals, move in, room change, move out, health and safety checks, and housing selection. Communicate custodial and maintenance needs to the appropriate department. Manage residence hall programming fund; maintain accurate records of spending throughout the year, ensuring a balanced budget. Report Fines Departmental & Divisional Contributions Serve on a departmental committee and area team, and divisional or campus wide committees as opportunities present. Attend monthly divisional meetings, weekly departmental meetings, regular one on ones with supervisor, staff retreat (fall) and day away (spring). Other duties as assigned.

Created: 2026-04-15