We’re currently experiencing technical difficulties. Our team is working hard to restore full functionality as soon as possible.
Please note that the “Careers” tab is still under maintenance. Thank you for your patience. For further questions, email webmaster@acsd.org

Linkedin Instagram Flickr Envelope
Search
Sign-In
Search

Residence Life Educator

By /
Mechanicsburg, PA, United States
Full-time

Description:

This full time, 10 month, RLE position educates to impact student’s intellectual, spiritual and personal development by teaching foundations for learning, leadership competencies, self-awareness, faith development and social responsibility. 

The RLE actively promotes a safe living-learning environment. They are also responsible for the recruitment, selection, teaching, supervision, assessment of learning and evaluation of 9 – 12 undergraduate student staff members, administration of up to 385 residents in residential spaces, and serving as an active member of the Residence Life team. 

Responsibilities

Primary Duties

1. Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula and co-curricula for first year students in alignment with Messiah university undergraduate learning outcomes (ULO’s) and Student Success and Engagement Educational Plans. This includes teaching students to: 

  • Develop knowledge and skills common to liberal arts education such as research, analysis, reflection and communication. 
  • Develop knowledge common to the liberal arts in the fields of arts and sciences, humanities, natural and social sciences. 
  • Develop informed and mature convictions about Christian faith and practice. 
  • Gain an awareness of identity, character and vocational calling. 
  • Demonstrate a commitment to service, reconciliation, and justice, and to teach students to effectively and ethically respond to the complexities of an increasingly diverse and interdependent world.

2. Deliver curricula and co-curricula in daily sessions with first class undergraduates as a follow up to expressed needs for their success, engagement and retention in addition to regular residential programming; daily one on one sessions and weekly meetings with individual and collective RA leaders; and weekly meetings with members of SSE division’s Touching Base team.

3. Communicate, promote, and hold students accountable to Messiah University community standards.

4. Facilitate educational conduct meeting weekly for students who violate the Code of Conduct by delivering and assessing curricula aimed at developing their Engagement, Personal Development, Interpersonal Development and Community membership (E.P.I.C.).

5. Prepare and deliver Resident Assistant leadership education in alignment with student leadership curriculum. This includes teaching RA’s to grow in competencies of: Self-Awareness, Leadership and Emotional Intelligence Team Development, Cultural/InterCultural AwarenessTrust, Psychological Safety, and Coaching, Utilizing Feedback, Managing Conflict, Making Decisions, and Action Planning.

6. Implement and perform assessment of curricula and staff to ensure excellent service, educational effectiveness and progress on student learning outcomes.

7. Academically advise undeclared students.

8. Teach HDFS-205 Principles of Peer Relationship

9. Teach SSE’s Becoming U extended orientation.

10. Develop professionally by keeping current in Student Development field, by continuing study, holding membership, participating in professional organizations and sharing with the department.

11. Evaluate students’ performance

12. Maintain student attendance and required records

13. Maintain regularly scheduled hours to advise and mentor students.

14. Provide administrative oversight:

  • Complete administrative responsibilities within the residence hall including housing paperwork, student conduct meetings and related paperwork, reporting and following up on maintenance and custodial concerns, and hall budget management.
  • Recruit and select student staff in collaboration with colleagues.
  • Facilitate the opening and closing of residence halls.
  • Actively contribute to Residence Life and SSE Divisional meetings. Identify, maintain, and publish 5 office hours per week.

15. Foster safe, hospitable, holistic living-learning environments that promote a sense of belonging for all students, encouraging ownership of student learning, engagement, development and well – being.

16. Coordinate and assist with retention 

17. Partner with campus-wide retention efforts in meeting with and supporting students, directing them to important campus resources, tracking their progress and responding to tasks in our software related to student care, engagement in student conduct, persistence, academic updates from faculty, and retention.

18.Respond as required/requested to student crises.

  • Serve on the On-Call Response rotation of Residence Life personnel and work in cooperation with Safety, Counseling staff, medical staff and On-Consult Administrator as needed.
  • Make intentional efforts to get to know your residents.
     

19. Complete special tasks and projects assigned by the Director of Residence Life.

20. Partner with the Director of Residence Life in department-wide initiatives.

Secondary Duties

1. Participate in various committees through membership in the Community of Educators.

2. Work collaboratively with other campus offices. This includes an optional collateral assignment with another campus office for 5-8 hours per week beginning in one’s third year of employment.

3. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education Required

Bachelor’s Degree in related field.

Education Preferred

Master’s degree in student affairs, higher education, counseling or related field

Experience Required

1 year of post undergraduate residence life experience.

Skills, Characteristics Required

• Ability to see student learning as a central mission to Residence Life and to fully engage students in meeting desired learning outcomes.
• Demonstrated mastery of Student Development subject matter
• Demonstrated mastery of disciplinary methods for acquiring and expressing knowledge sufficient to initiate students in the search for new knowledge.
• Commitment to the development of delivering education in both curricular and co-curricular contexts.
• Ability to deliver undergraduate learning outcomes via creative pedagogies.
• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to service, reconciliation, and justice, and to teach students to effectively and ethically respond to the complexities of an increasingly diverse and interdependent world.
• Teaching ability, curriculum development and delivery, and assessment in in both curricular and co-curricular contexts.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the stages of student development and the importance of holistic education
• Ability to teach skills which promote analysis, reflection and communication.
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching an appreciation for aesthetic dimensions of life and promoting the process of learning as a life-long pursuit.
• Ability to educate students on how to make connections between faith and learning.
• Ability to teach students to develop the intellect and character necessary to express Christian commitments in responsible decisions and actions.
• Ability to increase students’ ability to discern their vocation.
• Demonstrated commitment in encouraging students to gain awareness of options for employment, voluntary service, and or graduate education.
• Ability to model Christian faith journey
• Ability to work collaboratively within the department and other departments
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong administrative skills
• Supervisory and decision-making abilities
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities

Special Working Conditions

1. Live-in position; 40 hours a week, with some hours during nights, weekends, and occasional holidays.

2. After hours and on weekends, the Residence Life Educators are a critical component of the Institution’s risk management model. RLEs are expected to respond as an adult neighbor in the event of a major crisis such as a natural disaster or fire; minor crises and issues are handled after hours by the On-Call RLE. 

3. In the spirit of the RLE position being live-in no more than four of the eight RLEs can be away from campus overnight at any given time when classes are in session.

Specific Terms of Employment: 

The position is renewed each year based upon needs of the Institution and the performance of the incumbent Residence Life Educator. 

Employment as a Residence Life Educator has a five year term limit.

Driving Requirements

N/A

About Us

Messiah University’s commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence draws inspiration from its mission “to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.” The university has pursued this vision through a strategic planning process that encourages diversity through employee and student composition, campus climate, and an educational program that seeks to equip and enable educators and students to embrace diversity. Candidates should clearly articulate why diversity and inclusive excellence matter to them as persons of faith as well as in their profession. Candidates will speak to how as a potential employee, they will contribute to the advancement of this vision through their teaching-learning, research, institutional service, and public engagement.

To apply for this job email your details to humanres@messiah.edu.

Scroll to Top

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 Simmons

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?
Placeholder

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!