Resident Director

Bethel University is a leader in Christ-centered higher education with approximately 4,700 students from 50 states and 32 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Bethel offers bachelor's and advanced degrees in nearly 100 fields. Educationally excellent classroom-based and online programs equip graduates to make exceptional contributions in life-long service to God and the world.

Bethel University’s Christ-centered mission includes a commitment to equal educational opportunity and equal employment opportunity. Bethel does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, or age in its admissions, educational programs, or employment practices.

About the role

At Bethel, being a Resident Director (RD) means you aren't just managing a building—you’re building a home. We’re looking for someone who wants to do life alongside our students, serving as a mentor, leader, and a steady presence in our Christ-centered community.

The Resident Director plays a vital leadership role in shaping a vibrant, student‑centered residential experience at Bethel University. This full‑time, 10‑month, live‑on campus position provides holistic leadership for a residence hall community, fostering a living‑learning environment where students thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

Resident Directors lead through presence, mentorship, and collaboration by supporting students directly, developing student staff, managing day‑to‑day operations, and responding to emergent needs. This role requires a thoughtful and intentional integration of professional responsibilities and residential life, grounded in Bethel’s Christ‑centered mission.

This position includes on‑campus housing as part of the total compensation package, featuring a two‑bedroom, one‑bathroom apartment located within a residence hall. A meal plan may also be included, helping reduce out‑of‑pocket living expenses. The starting annual salary is $37,647, in addition to the housing and meal benefit.

What you'll do

Community Development (30%)

• Cultivate a welcoming and engaging residence hall community through intentional programming, relationship‑building, and regular visibility.
• Support students’ holistic development by fostering connections that encourage growth, belonging, and accountability.

Student Staff Supervision (25%)

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of Resident Assistants (RAs).
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and leadership development for student staff.

Student Care & Crisis Management (20%)

• Support student well‑being through advising, care coordination, and administrative follow‑up.
• Participate in a professional on‑call rotation, including emergency response and crisis management.

Administrative & Operational Leadership (20%)

• Oversee residence hall operations, including housing logistics, facilities coordination, and budget management.
• Maintain accurate housing records and ensure organized, compliant administrative processes.

Collaboration & Professional Engagement (5%)

• Meet regularly with the Director of Residence and Community Life and collaborate with the Residence Life and Student Engagement teams.
• Participate in committees, professional development opportunities, and other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Required: Bachelor’s degree
• Preferred: Master’s degree

Experience

• Required: Prior experience in residence life or a closely related student development role
• Preferred: 1+ year of professional residence life experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and administrative abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to manage confidential information.