The Anderson University Office of Student Development invites applications for a full-time position as Residence Director. Anderson University is an innovative, entrepreneurial, premier comprehensive, liberal arts university affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. The University seeks candidates with a strong Christian value system, lifestyle, and commitment to the integration of faith and learning.
Primary Function
The Residence Director serves a leadership role within a student living area at Anderson University and reports to the Director of Residence Life. The RD works with the Dean of Students and other professional staff in the Student Life department to provide a co-curricular experience for students that supports the educational and Christ-centered mission of the University.
Essential Functions
The Residence Director collaborates with the Dean of Students, Director of Residence Life, and the Residence Director staff to develop and implement a robust residence life program that supports and serves Anderson University students. This will include living area supervision, program development, housing management, student mentorship, crisis management, and student leadership training. This live-in position requires the Residence Director to reside in university-owned housing.
The Residence Director oversees a staff of Resident Advisors (RAs) and is responsible for their training and development throughout the year. This includes facilitating a weekly team meeting and scheduling bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with each RA. The Residence Director leads the RA team in the planning, administration, and evaluation of educational and social programming within their living area. Programming should be designed to reflect the departmental values of belonging, engaging, and preparing – each value correlates with purposeful learning outcomes.
The Residence Director assists with the annual hiring and selection process of the RA staff.
The Residence Director assists with student housing selection, coordinates room changes within the residence hall throughout the year, and supervises the check-in/check-out processes in their living area. The Residence Director monitors the physical condition of their living area, including usage and condition of furniture and reports known physical damage, facility-related problems, and housekeeping concerns in a timely manner. This includes overseeing the regular Health and Safety inspections within their assigned living area.
The Residence Director is expected to be intentional about building relationships with students in their living area and should be present and available for assistance and mentorship . The RD should be knowledgeable of Anderson University resources to refer students who may be in need of additional support.
Presence on Campus and in Living Area
The Residence Director maintains a visible presence on campus throughout each semester and actively participates in university events to support AU residents. Events include sports, concerts, and other student-driven activities. Responsibilities include regularly being present in assigned living areas during weekends. The expectation is that RDs limit spending consecutive nights away from campus to once per month when classes are in session. Extended time off is taken during designated times, including Fall, Spring, Summer, and Christmas Breaks. Exceptions may be approved by the Director of Residence Life at his/her discretion.
The Residence Director meets weekly with the Director of Residence Life and professional Residence Life staff, to discuss policies, procedures, programs, resident concerns, conduct issues, and professional development.
Working with the Dean of Students, Dean of Student Support & Engagement, and the Director of Residence Life, the Residence Director helps oversee the student conduct process within the assigned living area. The RD responds to student conduct violations as they arise and provide s the appropriate response and follow up needed. The Residence Director serve s in the emergency “on call” rotation and is expected to respond to individual student and campus crises when needed. The Residence Director serves on the CARE Team and provides support to students of concern.
The RD assists with the general management of the Residence Life office, including regularly scheduled office hours, approximately 10 hours per week. The RD performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Residence Life and Dean of Students.
Essential Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge equivalent to that gained through completion of a master’s degree in Student Development, Higher Education, or closely related field is preferred. A bachelor’s degree and one-to-two years working in a college environment is required. A strong commitment to quality relationships, warmth, excellence, and Christ-like service is essential. Must have a mature and contagious Christian faith. Commitment to the academic and Christ-centered mission of Anderson University is essential. The RD must demonstrate the ability to work with diverse student populations and affirm a commitment to the holistic development of students. The ability to work in a professional and confidential manner with all staff, students, parents, and the public is essential.
Additional Information
This is a full-time, 9-month position (beginning Fall 2026) that requires residence in Anderson University housing. The position will require frequent evening and weekend hours.
Screening of applicants will begin immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Submit letter of application, completed staff application (found at https://www.andersonuniversity.edu/hr/apply), resume and names and telephone numbers of three professional references electronically to Jon Gropp at: studentlife@andersonuniversity.edu
