Resident Director, Sebastian Commons

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 33,970 - 41,519; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Furnished apartment

Unlimited meal plan

Lion's Cash

Job summary

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith seeks a Sebastian Commons Resident Director, a full‑time live‑in role reporting to the Assistant Dean of Students for Housing & Campus and Community Engagement. You will guide student welfare, implement the residential curriculum, and ensure policy adherence to enhance student growth.

You will supervise eight Resident Assistants, coordinate housing operations, and maintain facilities in collaboration with HRL leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include a bachelor's degree with at least one year’s significant experience in a student housing employment position or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge and skills related to human development, programming, conflict resolution, and the fair application of regulations.
• Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for part of these requirements.

Responsibilities

• Supervise 8 Resident Assistants through weekly staff meetings, biweekly 1 on 1s, monitoring programming and community development, and semester evaluations.
• Assist in hiring and training of Resident Assistants and other university staff as appointed.
• Coordinate the development, coordination and implementation of Housing & Residential Life procedures and programs.
• Coordinate the assignments, contract, and billing processes for Sebastian Commons residents.
• Serve as a University Conduct Administrator and conduct officer for assigned residential area.
• Serve as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) by understanding FERPA, Title IX, and the Clery Act and as a mandatory reporter.
• Supervise front desk/office operations and communication with residents and visitors.
• Coordinate move in/out times and processes with inspections, forms, and timely communication.

Skills

Conflict resolution

Budget management

Communication skills

Staff supervision

Student affairs

FERPA knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

HRIS systems

University housing software

Job description

Type of Position

Professional Staff - Student Affairs

Workstudy Position

No

Job Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day Shift (United States of America)

Sponsorship Available

No

Institution Name

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith

University of Arkansas – Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid-sized public university that’s redefining higher education. We’re on a mission to provide transformative, hands‑on learning experiences for students of all backgrounds and aspirations. Our multi‑faceted approach to education offers a wealth of opportunities, with over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. We’re committed to building a diverse community that mirrors Arkansas’s rich tapestry, reflecting our dedication to serving the state’s varied population while enhancing the quality of our institution.

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Nestled along the Arkansas River, this vibrant city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Old West at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, explore the eclectic local art scene, or take a scenic stroll along the picturesque riverfront trails. With a welcoming community, diverse dining options, and a thriving downtown, Fort Smith is the ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking modern amenities.

Department

Housing and Residential Life

Summary of Job Duties

The Sebastian Commons Resident Director is a full-time live-in position that reports directly to Assistant Dean of Students for Housing & Campus and Community Engagement. As a member of the Student Affairs staff, they are responsible for the general welfare of all students, encouraging them to maximize their intellectual growth and personal development. They are expected to positively influence, contribute to, and improve the quality of life of the residential student through the residential curriculum, implementing college policies and procedures, and by forming relationships with students in their facility.

Qualifications

Required Education and/or Work Experience

Minimum requirements include a bachelor's degree with at least one year’s significant experience in a student housing employment position or equivalent experience. The position requires knowledge and skills related to human development, programming, conflict resolution, and the fair application of regulations. Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for part of these requirements.

Preferred Education and/or Work Experience

Candidates with a master's degree in college student personnel, educational administration, or a related field, and previous experiences supervising resident assistants, working with a residence hall association, and working with peer student conduct systems are preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to work with diverse populations effectively, and excellent customer service skills are all expected.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise 8 Resident Assistants through weekly staff meetings, biweekly 1 on 1s, monitoring programming and community development, and semester evaluations
• Assist in hiring and training of Resident Assistants and other university staff as appointed
• Participate in the development, coordination and implementation of Housing & Residential Life procedures and programs
• Coordinate the assignments, contract, and billing processes for Sebastian Commons residents
• Serve as a University Conduct Administrator. Serve as a conduct officer for assigned residential area. Inform Assistant Dean of Students for Housing & Campus and Community Engagement of any issues.
• Serve in an on‑call capacity with other HRL professional staff. Respond to all situations by answering phone, working with Resident Assistant On Call, and communicating with applicable staff such as the University Police Department, state and local emergency personnel, Assistant Dean of Students for Housing & Campus and Community Engagement and any chief student affairs officer positions.
• Supervise front desk/ office operations including supervising RAs and student workers in the office, receiving mail and packages, communicating with residents and visitors, and answering the phone
• Coordinate all move in and move out times and processes. Includes inspection of each room after the students have vacated and before it is occupied again, distribution and collection of applicable housing forms, and timely communication to residents
• Ensure that the quality and cleanliness of residential area, including outdoor property, is maintained
• Work jointly with Assistant Dean of Students for Housing & Campus and Community Engagement and Director of Facilities and Environmental Safety to ensure ongoing upkeep of facilities, custodial needs, maintenance efforts, and timely responses to work order requests
• Coordinate lock and key changes with maintenance and track all key use, loss, and theft
• Conduct quarterly Health & Safety Inspections of all rooms with the help of Resident Assistants. Document all work order needs and damage. Address any conduct violations.
• Implement, interpret, and continually develop HRL policies as stated in the Residential Handbook and Student Code of Conduct
• Serve as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) by understanding and following FERPA, Title IX, and the Clery Act as they pertain to on‑campus situations. Serve as a mandatory reporter and be trained in Title IX policy.
• Serve as first‑level contact for parents regarding student housing needs and resident concerns
• Coordinate room changes and consolidation throughout the year
• Assist in development and implementation of campus emergency and crisis management procedures, programs, and services
• Assist residents with approved ADA accommodations based on need
• Maintain residential area budget
• Maintain confidentiality of all student information
• Review and create reports on an as‑needed basis
• Establish Resident Assistant On Call schedule by ensuring staff availability for evenings, nights, and weekends
• Supervise and train summer part‑time staff
• Advise the Resident Assistant Council
• Serve as the Housing and Residential Life website editor
• Supervise the HRL Social Media Student Assistant.

Other Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Adhere to the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Employee Handbook
• Requires consistent on‑time attendance
• Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to foster teamwork and to provide leadership to subordinates.
• Identify student rooms to serve as tour rooms for Admissions and ensure those rooms are ready when needed
• Attend all University trainings, as required
• Take part in university and/or departmental committees as required by the department of Student Affairs or for professional development
• Advise a hall government system and/or Residence Hall Association
• Other duties as assigned.
• Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to foster teamwork and by providing leadership to subordinates. Requires consistent on‑time attendance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Conflict resolution
• Knowledge of university structures and governance
• Budget projections and management
• Communicate well with very diverse constituents
• Teaching and facilitating with individuals and groups
• Ability to apply conduct regulations fairly and consistently
• Ability to identify and draw on resources across campus
• Skills in conceiving, designing, and implementing educational programming
• Knowledge of laws and procedures related to university housing
• Ability to balance and respect individual rights and community rights
• Knowledge of learning processes and commitment to foster student learning
• Adaptability – adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.
• Dependability – is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.
• Knowledge of the principles of computer operations to understand the college’s information systems and services which carry out accounting, budgeting, purchasing, human resources, enrollment, and other or similar centralized institution‑wide management information functions.

Additional Information

Working Relationships: Work in a dynamic team of diverse faculty, staff, and students in a fast paced, growth‑oriented environment. Frequent contact with vendors, personnel from other agencies and institutions and the general public, student employees, resident assistants, professional staff in student affairs, housing and residential life professional staff, custodial and grounds workers, maintenance workers, faculty, parents, student residents.

List Employees Supervised: Resident Assistants (8), Social Media Student Assistant (1), Summer Housing Managers (3), Summer Facility Workers (2)

Special Job Dimensions: Modest travel required for professional development and accompanying student groups; modest physical demands and stamina needed in working with resident assistants, programming materials, move‑ins, on call, etc.; Required abilities include walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods. Visual demands include close, relatively detailed vision when focusing on a computer screen; hours are traditional office hours with evening meetings and programs and on call responsibilities in the overnight, weekends, and holidays; live‑in is required.

Background Check Requirements

• Criminal Background Check
• Financial Background Check
• Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) Check
• Position requires employee complete Arkansas Mandated Reporter training prior to employment.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and/or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary Information

$37,745.05 plus additional benefits: Furnished apartment to include utilities, wired and wireless internet, reserved parking space, unlimited meal plan, $1,000 in Lion's Cash

Required Documents to Apply

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Optional Documents

Special Instructions to Applicants

Full consideration will be given to applications received by August 14, 2026.

Recruitment Contact Information

HR

479-788-7080

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements

This position may be subject to a pre‑employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non‑discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Frequent Physical Activity:

Occasional Physical Activity:

Benefits Eligible: Yes