Assistant Resident Director

Work type: Permanent Full Time

Location: Bellingham, WA

Categories: Enrollment & Student Services

Position Title Assistant Resident Director

About the University
Western Washington University, with over 16,000 students in seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs, students and faculty. Equity and inclusion are guiding values operationalized through strategic planning, programming, and daily practices to support students of all identities ( The campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 90,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades Mountain range. The city lies 90 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Western is the highest-ranking public, master's-granting university in the Pacific Northwest, according to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Western Washington University is committed to achieving excellence through advancing inclusive success, increasing our Washington impact, and focusing on transformational education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and based on innovative scholarship, research, and creative activity. Western's greatest strength is the outstanding students, faculty, staff, and alumni/ae who make up its community. Western supports an inclusive governance structure for all and provides a learning and working environment in which everyone can thrive. In pursuit of this excellence, individual employees are expected to establish and maintain productive and effective inclusive working relationships amongst diverse populations including staff, faculty, administration, student, and external constituents. Further, individual employees are expected to have the ability to operationalize sustainability concepts (economic, societal, environmental) into all aspects of performing their job duties.

About the Department
In support of WWU bringing together individuals of diverse backgrounds and perspectives in an inclusive, student-centered university developing the potential of learners and the well-being of communities, University Residences (UR) works towards our vision and mission:

Vision: Students living in University Residences engage in a community unlike any other, where they explore their passion, purpose, and place at Western.

Mission: Create affordable, safe, and well-maintained University housing that supports participation in healthy, inclusive, and sustainable communities, where students invest in their academic success and personal growth.

We house approximately 4,300 students in nine residential communities. Staff are organizationally structured to effectively serve students through the residence life staff consisting of one Director, three Assistant Directors, one conduct/care case Assistant Director, two support staff, two Care Specialist, three supervising Resident Directors, six Resident Directors, three Assistant Resident Directors, and approximately 100 paraprofessional staff. We seek candidates with a commitment to re-designing policies, practices, and daily operations to eradicate racism and all forms of oppression to transform the campus student experience at Western Washington University to create communities where difference is valued. Residence Life works together to build a culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse identities, backgrounds, and perspectives of our employees through supervision of staff, training, engaging students and staff in dialogue and implementing systemic strategies to create more inclusive and equitable living communities.

About the Position The Assistant Resident Director (ARD) is a full-time hourly (40 hours per week)/overtime eligible, 12-month appointment, live-in position within University Residences reporting to a Supervising Resident Director (SRD). The ARD supports the supervising resident director in the management of a residential community of 550 - 700 students in the tasks of: developing diverse and inclusive communities; enhancing student learning; developing consciousness regarding principles of equity, respect, and individual and collective responsibility; providing conduct adjudication and Residential Programming Board (RPB or hall council) advisement; and supervising and training paraprofessional staff. Over the summer, ARDs may work with summer athletic camps through University Residences Conferences and Guest Housing operations.
Assistant Resident Directors must demonstrate the ability to work with diverse populations to create inclusive communities. ARD's partner with the Supervising Resident Director of their community to lead a student staff team in the implementation of a residential curriculum which focuses on three main areas: personal wellness, inclusive community building, and career preparedness. Students learn through the curriculum how to explore their passions, purpose, and place at Western.

ARDs partner with their SRD to lead a student staff team in the implementation of the University Residences Initiative for Student Engagement (URISE), a residential curriculum grounded in Dr. Tara Yosso's Community Cultural Wealth Theory.

Position Responsibilities: The Assistant Resident Director is responsible for assisting in the coordination of all aspects of student life in a residential living environment; provides conduct adjudication and RPB advisement; assists in building inclusive residence hall communities and enhancing student learning; co-supervises and provides training for student staff and participates in residence life committees. All job responsibilities are under the direction and leadership of the supervising resident director.

The below percentages are approximate and may fluctuate based on position and community needs.

35% Student Development and Residence Education:

Plan and work with students and staff to coordinate efforts and dialogue promoting inclusive communities and ensuring the creation of a safe, welcoming environment.
Provide leadership and guidance in the implementation of Residence Life's residential curriculum through the direction of the Supervising Resident Director.
Maintain knowledge and educate self in areas of multicultural competence and apply knowledge to create actionable practices that work to promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for students and staff of underrepresented identities.
Serve as a visible and accessible resource in the residence hall community for student interaction.
Provide one-on-one intervention to students who are on academic probation, financial aid probation, or students who are academically at-risk under the direction of the Supervising Resident Director.
Serve as the co-advisor to RPB(s) in collaboration with the Supervising Resident Director. Responsibilities include:
- Meet weekly with council Chair(s) and/or executive board(s)
- Provide leadership development opportunities to achieve specified learning outcomes
- Attend all RPB meetings
- Participate in RPB-sponsored activities, particularly those occurring off campus
- Ensure RPB follows university policies and procedures
- Oversee financial procedures to ensure RPB follows university policies and procedures

Provide academic resources and referrals in collaboration with campus partners.
Communicate, educate, and follow up with residents about the Residential Community Standards and responsible decision making through the student conduct process.
- Utilize URISE learning outcomes to facilitate and evaluate student learning and reflection.

Consult with the Counseling and Wellness Center, Student Health Center, and other departments to make appropriate referrals.
Provide crisis management, conflict management and mediation assistance for students.

30% Staff Selection, Training, Supervision and Performance Evaluation:

Co-supervise, train, and evaluate twelve to fifteen Resident Advisors (RA), one Residential Office Assistant (ROA), one to two Inclusion Assistants (IA).
Participate in the recruitment and selection of all paraprofessional staff.
Communicate and hold staff accountable for job expectations as outlined by Residence Life.
Conduct performance evaluations twice per year with paraprofessional staff members under the direction of the Supervising Resident Director.
Facilitate one-on-ones, weekly staff meetings, and continuous training for all paraprofessional staff in Residence Life.
Communicate staff, student, and community needs and circumstances to departmental leadership as necessary to establish and maintain effective support systems.
Serve as a risk manager for a residential community to mitigate harm to the greater campus community.

30% Administration

Participate in departmental committees including student staff selection, student staff training and development, professional staff training and development, ethics and conduct, staff affinity, and professional staff selection.
Manage tracking and evaluation of the residential curriculum, URISE.
Work with chair on departmental special projects including banquets and recognition, alumni weekend, and intramurals.
Liaise with UR Facilities as they oversee occupancy management and front desk operations in each residence.
Oversee building supplies and equipment by maintaining appropriate records and procedures.
Collaborate and communicate with UR Facilities regarding maintenance requests; assist with key control to optimize building security and resident safety.
Manage RPB and staff programming budgets of approximately $5,000-$10,000.
Serve as the liaison with University Residences Conference and Guest Housing operations over the summer months through work with athletic camps/conferences.
Maintain written and verbal communication with immediate supervisor, the Residence Life central office, and all relevant parties regarding activities and incidents that occur within the residential communities.
Perform other functions and assume responsibilities related to hall and unit management as assigned.

5% Campus-Wide, 24-Hour "On-Call" Responsibilities:

Participate in a rotating 24-hour departmental on-call system as the emergency responder for the entire residential system of approximately 4,300 students.
These duties, in collaboration with Care Specialists, respond to student staff needing direction or support, students in significant medical or psychological crisis, facility issues, and communicating/following up with appropriate staff (supervisors, police, fire, medical, counseling, facilities, etc.), parents/guardians, and students in a timely manner.

Position Assignment: The academic year and summer building assignments are based upon the needs of the entire University Residences program and are subject to change. Assistant Resident Directors will be provided and may be required to move temporarily or permanently at any time based on departmental needs. In the period between mid-June and mid-August, ARDs are assigned to a variety of ancillary projects and tasks that support the development of the department in addition to working with summer conference operations.

Required Qualifications
By position start date:

Bachelor's degree, at time of hire, from an accredited college or university
Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion, in addition to the ability to create an inclusive residence hall community (see information below regarding equity and inclusion statement, which must be submitted as part of the online application)
At least two years of experience working in a higher education setting (as undergraduate, graduate, or full-time employee)
Demonstrated ability to plan and implement large-scale events, processes, or initiatives
Demonstrated ability to fulfill administrative tasks and duties within deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with emergency response and crisis management
Experience supervising or mentoring paraprofessional staff
Experience working with a residence life program
Experience in the selection and training of paraprofessional staff

Conditions of Employment All employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60-days of hire. Please reach out to HR@wwu.edu if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations.

Salary Remuneration: a 12-month, 40 hour/week, full-time hourly/overtime eligible position with a salary of $44,244, furnished 1-bedroom apartment, staff meal plan, professional development opportunities, and a full University benefits package.

Benefits Information
Benefits Overview for Administrative Professional Position.

Application Instructions
All applicants must submit an online application which will address:

In your cover/application letter and your resume, include how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
Also required is a separate statement (max. length one page) addressing your demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion, in addition to your ability to create an inclusive residence hall community. In the statement, please include examples of your past work that demonstrate your commitment to equity and inclusion in addition to describing how you will contribute to further implement these values at Western Washington University through the position responsibilities outlined above.
Please include the names and contact information of three professional references including a current or past supervisor.

For more information/questions, call (360) 650-2960, email Denita Kelly at kellyd9@wwu.edu or visit

Closing Date Notes Application review begins March 18, 2024; position is open until filled.

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU's Policy on Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Prohibiting Discrimination and Retaliation. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu

WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3303 or 711 (Washington Relay).

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: This report is provided pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act ("The Clery Act"). It includes statistics for the previous three calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on Western's campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Western; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report in printed or alternate formats by contacting the Office of the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services at vpsa.office@wwu.edu. The report can be found at: Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU. A thorough background check will be conducted on all new hires which includes a sexual misconduct background check.

Job no: 501485

Advertised: Feb 16 2024 08:00 Pacific Standard Time

Applications close: