Graduate Resident Director

Position Summary: The Graduate Resident Director (GRD) at Gardner-Webb University is a vital leadership role within the Department of Housing and Residence Education. This 12-month position is designed for graduate students who will oversee and support Resident Advisors (RAs) and residents, fostering a positive living and learning environment. GRDs are responsible for staff supervision, community building, policy enforcement, and administrative duties. The GRD position requires living on campus, maintaining academic and behavioral standards, and participating in an on-call rotation to address student needs and emergencies. Successful candidates will demonstrate leadership experience, a commitment to student development, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

• University Representative:
  • Act as a role model.
  • Support the academic mission.
  • Maintain a professional social media presence.
  • Serve all students inclusively.
  • Refer media inquiries to the Director of Housing and Residence Education.
  • Uphold university conduct standards.
• Staff Supervision:
  • Supervise and evaluate 3-7 Resident Advisors (RAs).
  • Conduct weekly staff meetings and one-on-ones.
  • Maintain performance logs and conduct evaluations.
• Staff Development:
  • Participate in RA training and selection.
  • Engage in ongoing professional development.
• Community Building:
  • Lead programming efforts and manage the budget.
  • Foster a sense of community among residents.
• Policy Enforcement:
  • Educate about and enforce university policies.
  • Process policy violations and lead safety inspections.
• On-Call Duties:
  • Participate in a campus on-call rotation.
  • Respond within 15-20 minutes during on-call periods.
  • Conduct night rounds and provide support during anticipated misconduct.
• Administrative Support:
  • Maintain office hours and assist with student concerns.
  • Manage building operations including key control and work orders.
  • Partner with university staff to address policy issues and emergencies.
  • Accept regular or special assignments or projects from the Housing and Residence Education professional staff and/or Student Development. Complete other duties as assigned.
• Occupancy Management:
  • Assist with room changes and ensure proper use of space.
  • Maintain updated student rosters.

Additional Requirements:

• Previous experience in residence life, student affairs, or a related area.
• Acceptance and full-time enrollment in a graduate program at Gardner-Webb University.
• Strong organizational and programming skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in conflict resolution and conduct management.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive residential community.

Availability to live on-campus and participate in an on-call rotation. Note: Employment is subject to satisfactory performance in all outlined duties.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should complete the application and include a letter of interest, résumé, and names and contact information for at least three professional references with their submission.

Gardner-Webb University (gardner-webb.edu) is a coeducational, residential, private, historically Baptist, Christian institution, located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and Greenville-Spartanburg. The University offers 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 3,000 students. GWU is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral/Professional University. In 2023, Gardner-Webb was home to students from 93 counties in North Carolina, 44 US states, and 43 foreign countries. GWU is a NCAA Division I institution with 22 athletic teams and 460 student-athletes.