Community Director, Department of Residence Life and Housing

About the role

The Community Director (CD) is responsible for establishing and sustaining positive residential communities that embody the motto and mission of Pro Humanitate through practices of experiential learning, community service, and student behavior management. 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.

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.
• In conjunction with other members of Residence Life, serve as an instructor for the Resident Adviser course during the fall and/or spring semesters.
• Serve on committees at the direction of the Assistant Director team.
• Implement and 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 community development initiatives from student staff align with 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.
• As applicable, serve as a community liaison to the assigned building Faculty Fellows or faculty, staff, or student leaders within Residential Engagement Communities and partner with them on residential initiatives to further enhance the faculty and student out-of-classroom engagement within the residence hall.
• Leadership and Supervision
• Behavioral Management, CARE Assistance, Student Conduct
• 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.

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; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
• A commitment to fostering 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.
• Skilled in excellent professional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to work effectively and harmoniously with students, parents, co-workers, and others contacted in the course of work.

Qualifications

• 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.