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Resident Director: Life & Career Studies

By /
Remote
Full-time
Calvin University
Calvin University equips students to think deeply, to act justly, and to live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world.

Life & Career Studies Resident Director Position Summary

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.
Key Areas of Responsibility

1. Life & Career Studies Responsibilities Student Support and Leadership

  • 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. Staff Development and Supervision
  • 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.

2. Life & Career Classroom and Academic Support Instruction and Facilitation

  • 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. Academic, Independent Living, & Social/Emotional Support
  • 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. Administrative and Operational Support
  • 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)

3. Residence Life Responsibilities Community Development

  • 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. Leadership and Supervision
  • 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. Residence Operations
  • 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.

4. Shared and Collaborative Responsibilities On-Call and Crisis Response:

  • Participate in the residence life on-call rotation and respond to emergency or crisis situations as needed. (1 daytime shift 8am-5pm per week)
  • Collaboration and Communication
    •  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. Student Conduct and Support
  • Administer student conduct processes with fairness and developmental intent.
  • Utilize intervention strategies, document incidents, and support accountability while promoting student growth. Professional Development
  • 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.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required in Social Work, Psychology, Student Affairs, or Education Required; Master’s degree in Social Work or Education strongly preferred. 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. Previous experience as a Community Living Support worker is strongly preferred. 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. Experience organizing events preferred. Experience in classroom instruction, support coordination, or case management strongly preferred.
Compensation and Benefits Salary: 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. Housing: 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. Tuition Benefit: Waiver for eight Calvin credits per year and/or partial reimbursement for approved off-campus courses. Insurance and Retirement: â—‹ Comprehensive medical, dental, and prescription coverage (employee premium share varies by plan). â—‹ Life insurance equal to two times annual salary. â—‹ Retirement plan contributions â—‹ Long-term disability insurance effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment. â—‹ Coverage includes workers’ compensation, Social Security, and unemployment benefits.

Expected Contract Period: July 27, 2026 – May 27, 2027, with a term of 3-4 years expected. Position continuation will be assessed annually and will depend on funding availability. Additional renewal beyond this contract period will be at the discretion of the Residence Life and Life & Career Director.

 

 

 

FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT

1. Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.

2. A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

 

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.

To apply for this job please visit https://calvin.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/CalvinUniversityCareers/details/Resident-Director--Life---Career-Studies_R-4754.

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Comfort Olugbuyi

Florida Atlantic University, Associate Director for Center for Learning and Student Success and eSuccess   

Workshop: Be the Standout: Elevating your Workshop Skills

Dr. Comfort Olugbuyi comes to Florida Atlantic University with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Texas, an M.A. in Youth and Family ministries from John Brown University, and a Ed.D in Higher Education Leadership from Bethel University (MN). Comfort’s research and experience focuses on academic support for college students. She looks for opportunities to support students where they are in the ever-changing world and create partnerships and connections to close gaps and increase retention and overall sense of belonging for students. Comfort joined ACSD June 2008 and has loved the partnership, friendships, mentorships, and overall camaraderie experienced through the years. She currently serves as the Chair of the Diversity Leadership Team, and previously served as New Professional Retreat facilitator (Vice Chair and Chair).

Dr. Comfort Olugbuyi has almost two decades of higher education experience in various positions. She started as a Graduate Assistant Caterer and event coordinator at the University of North Texas, moving on to a Resident Director at John Brown University and Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA). Comfort then spent over a decade in various student affairs positions at Palm Beach Atlantic University within First Year Advising, Academic Support, and Disability Services. She had additional opportunities to invest and support employee professional development, employee health and wellness, multicultural programming, and NCAA athletics all at PBA. Currently, Comfort serves as the Associate Director of Academic Support at Florida Atlantic University, which is part of the Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) where she provides academic support and serves as a liaison to online and hybrid students to all six campuses. When she is not on a college campus you can find Comfort serving at her local church as a welcome host and greeter, volunteering at local community events, or watching local musical theater/play productions.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
Dr. Olugbuyi is excited and honored to partner with Elevate. There is tremendous value within this professional development opportunity. Comfort is excited to share her ideas through her unique perspectives. She looks forward to collaborating with this group of professionals to share information and offer support in helping to create workshops to enhance ACSD and other conferences.

Shino Simons

Keck Graduate Institute, Dean of Students

Workshop: Strategic Planning: How to Create a Multicultural Strategy in Your Area of Influence

Shino was born in Japan and raised in Hawaii. Shino has served in higher education for the past 27 years, and she felt the call to raise up the next generation of leaders through higher education. She began her career as a resident director but quickly rose to various leadership positions, including associate director of residence life, directorship in various offices, Title IX Coordinator, associate dean of students, Vice President for Student Affairs, and currently the Dean of Students at Keck Graduate Institute.

Shino received her B.A. in Psychology and M.Ed. in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University. She continued her education at Claremont Graduate University and received her Ph.D. in Higher Education, where she learned from scholars such as Dr. Daryl Smith, Dr. Linda Perkins, and Dr. Susan Paik.

Shino has been married for almost 26 years to Eric, and they have two beautiful, fun, strong, smart, and crazy kids (Kayla, 17 and Travis, 13). She loves having great conversations over a good cup of coffee (and dessert). She especially enjoys seeing the next generation of leaders be trained, equipped and developed so that they can continue to lean into what God is calling them to do.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
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Kevin Villegas

Baylor University, Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives

Workshop: Starting with You: Self-awareness and Sustainability

Dr. Kevin Villegas serves as the Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives. In his role, Dr. Villegas is responsible for leading a comprehensive approach to empower all students and Division of Student Life staff in the creation of a more vibrant, inclusive, and supportive campus environment as an expression of the Baylor University mission. He has more than two decades of demonstrated leadership experience in a variety of roles within higher- and secondary-education settings, which includes working in or overseeing areas such as campus ministries, student leadership development, new student orientation, student activities, international student programs, athletics coaching, and public relations. He has also led international service trips, co-led a cross-cultural course, and taught strategic leadership in higher education, and leadership and first-year seminar courses for undergraduate students. 

Dr. Villegas is an active member of the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD) and served for several years on the executive committee as the chair of the Diversity Leadership Team. He was a recipient of ACSD’s Jane Higa Multicultural Advancement Award in recognition of his significant contributions toward increased understanding and promotion of multiculturalism in ACSD and at Messiah University, where he worked for 17 years. Beyond the realm of education, Dr. Villegas also worked in the entertainment industry and in pastoral ministry. 

A native of New York City, Dr. Villegas is a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served on active duty for four years before going on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Messiah College, his Master of Arts degree in Christian Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
I’m excited to be a part of Elevate because equipping our professional members to better serve and develop multicultural student populations on our respective campuses is vital work. In an increasingly diverse society, knowing how to navigate differences of all sorts with conviction and compassion is needed now more than ever.

Leah Fulton

Trinity Christian College – Palos Heights, IL, Vice President of Student Success

Workshop: Development: Institutional Partnerships and Operational Efficiency

Leah comes to Trinity with a B.A. from Ball State University, an M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education with a minor in African American Studies from the University of Minnesota. Leah’s research explores the historical and contemporary motivations and barriers facing African Americans in foreign missions, the history of Black women in doctoral education and the experiences of Black mother doctoral students. She also studies the experience of students and adjunct faculty of color in leadership education.

Leah has over a decade of higher education experience, primarily in student affairs, beginning at Wheaton College where she was a founding member of the Shalom House- a living learning community for students to explore racial reconciliation. She has served as Assistant Dean of Students for the University of St. Thomas and as Associate Dean for Intercultural Student Programs and Services at Bethel University where she launched the Act Six program and the Cultural Connection Center- a campus affinity space designed to cultivate understanding, friendship, and shalom in the way of Jesus. She is also the founder and principal consultant for Project 51, which serves leaders and not-for-profit organizations seeking to grow in their approach to justice, to belonging, to equity, and to diversity.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
Dr. Fulton is excited to be part of Elevate because of how important it is to support professionals of color in Christian higher education. She benefited from the wisdom and experience of professionals before her and is eager to invest in other professionals to support their ability to navigate the industry, care for students, be well, and effectively make lasting change.

Jerry Woehr

Wheaton College, Director of International Student Programs

Workshop: International Students: Your Role in Their Flourishing

As Director of International Student Programs at Wheaton College, Jerry empowers international students (F-1 visa, MKs & TCKs) to flourish by advising student organizations,  advocating for international student needs, mentoring students, and providing leadership for the F-1 visa student program. Partnering with his office staff and student leaders, Jerry seeks to fulfill a vision of developing students that follow Jesus, as members of God’s global kingdom, through relationships that foster belonging, active learning experiences, and meaningful engagement with their communities. He considers it a privilege to know God more deeply through his experience, and support of, a vibrant and multicultural community at Wheaton.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
I hope to encourage the Elevate cohort with the experiences and lessons God has given me in higher education, just as so many have done (and still do) for me! I also had the unique privilege of being a part of the team that created the Elevate certificate and returning as a workshop presenter is a gift.

Nii Kpakpo Abrahams

Butler University, Senior Director, Student Experience and Engagement

Workshop: Programming: Innovative Approaches to Multicultural Programming

Nii Kpakpo Abrahams serves as the inaugural Senior Director of Student Experience and Engagement at Butler University. While reporting through Academic Affairs, the office sits between university divisions to partner with and collaborate across campus to cultivate a relationship-rich, high-impact, and seamless student experience that fosters a sense of belonging for all students. He is extremely passionate about helping college students discover, develop, and deploy their giftings and passions. In addition to his work at Butler, Nii is a church planter in the Indianapolis metro area. He holds both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Communication from Missouri State University. In his downtime, you can find him spending time with his wife and daughter, playing Monopoly Deal, and searching for the best donut shops in Indianapolis.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?

As a Ghanaian-American, I uniquely understand the weight multicultural practitioners carry cultivating belonging on campus. It’s an honor to help develop and encourage leaders who are making an impact across the country!

MORE FAq's

Elevate is geared toward higher education professionals serving in a student-facing, multicultural role and are either (or both) a department of one or are early in their higher education career. Those in positions of directors, coordinators, specialists, or similar titles should consider applying and participating.

ELEVATE is aimed at professionals who are student-facing and oversee programming. We want to equip our student development professionals who are working to make a more welcoming compass experience for students.

Elevate applications will be reviewed by the ACSD Diversity Leadership Team and participants will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Applicant is eager for new learning and support (department of one, early career professional in this field)
  • Applicant is interested in learning more about best practices within multicultural (higher ed) work
  • Applicant currently serves in student facing multicultural role (part time or full time)
  • Applicants have the support and institutional backing to participate in 2 ASCD conferences, all Elevate workshops, and to eventually use their learning to strengthen the impact of their department/role/institution.
  • Applicant will document how they will contribute to the cohort and shared learning experience

The Diversity Leadership Team will award 2 Elevate scholarships that cover the cost of the Elevate Certification (value of $300). To be considered for an Elevate Scholarship, indicate your interest in the Elevate application and complete the short answer question about financial need.

Yes, Elevate applicants and/or participants are eligible for both the ACSD Multicultural Scholarship and the Elevate Scholarship. The ACSD Multicultural Conference Scholarship covers the amount of the annual conference registration fee.

Yes, either a supervisor or a senior colleague must complete a professional reference form confirming their support of your participation in Elevate and a desire for you to return with lessons (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) that will positively influence your department and work.

No. A supervisor or senior colleague approval is required to ensure that participants have departmental support to implement what they are learning (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) in their department and/or role as a multicultural practitioner.

Participants will continue networking and fostering relationships with their Elevate cohort members in addition to receiving continued support from the ACSD Multicultural Collaborative and the Diversity Leadership Team. 

Elevate participants will be asked to participate in recruitment videos, photos, and provide written testimonials sharing their experience with Elevate.

The Diversity Leadership Team understands department budgets or personal changes may occur between conferences and will work with you to ensure attendance is possible for both conferences.

Yes. The Diversity Leadership Team understands professional changes happen and they will work with you to continue towards completion of the certification.

ACSD Executive Committee voting is now live!