Union University seeks a qualified individual for the position of Graduate Assistant Residence Director for Residence Life. The Graduate Assistant position is a minimum of a two year commitment, but students may take up 3 years to complete their academic program. Graduate Assistants are expected to complete a minimum of two years of service and to stay in their role through May 31 each year. Compensation includes a monthly stipend of $600 over the 10-month appointment and 18 credit tuition waiver each academic year for completion of a master’s degree at Union University. On campus housing is also provided for this Graduate Assistant.

 
Union University is a private, coeducational liberal arts-based university offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. The campus is located in Jackson, Tenn. (80 miles northeast of Memphis) with additional campuses in Germantown and Hendersonville, Tenn. Union University currently enrolls more than 3,200 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 44 states and 25 countries. Union University stands as a national leader among colleges and universities in promoting a Christian worldview and a Christ-centered approach to education. Union is consistently ranked among the nation’s premier Christian universities and has been recognized as a top tier institution each year since 1997 by U.S. News & World Report, which also recognized Union at a national level for undergraduate teaching excellence. Union was also recently recognized by the Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” one of only 30 four-year institutions to receive this honor roll designation.

Position Description:
 
The Graduate Assistant Residence Director (GA) is a 10-month, live-in position which provides support and assistance for the Residence Director (RD) in the supervision and direction of the residential learning community.  The successful candidate will help create a culture and maintain an environment that challenges students to develop academically, emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually. The candidate must also be able to work with a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff and be able to assist students in integrating their faith and living within the residence complex.  Duties include:  

• Be an active partner with the Residence Director and the Residence Life team overall.
  • Attend weekly residence life meetings and residence complex staff meetings.
  • Collaborate with RD in planning and implementing complex events.
     
• Be available for and establish a rapport with residents so as to advise and counsel them regarding areas such as adjusting to college life, issues of Christian growth, clarification of values, lifestyle choices, relationship issues, and other areas of personal growth.
  • Meet weekly with Resident Advisors to provide support, guidance, and mentor-ship.
  • Respond to residential conflict and serve as a mediator when needed.
  • Along with RD, follow up with students on judicial matters.
     
• Coordinate programs designed to provide meaningful educational, personal, spiritual and recreational activities/experiences for upperclassmen students in the residence complex.
  • Support RD in planning and delegating tasks and responsibilities to Resident Advisors.
  • Provide written highlights to Student Life team after each event.
     
• Aid RD in planning residence life staff meetings and all-staff training.
   
• Manage and update residence complex budget.
  • Collect reimbursement forms from Resident Assistants.
  • Itemize budget at the beginning of each semester.
     
• Be prepared to intervene in crisis situations by defining an emergency, responding appropriately, and discerning wisely when additional professional staff and Safety and Security personnel should be called in for support. Be familiar with established emergency protocols, and be prepared to implement them when necessary.
   
• Act as a liaison between the residence complex community and the faculty and staff of Union University.
   
• Assist the RD in the selection, training and supervision of the Residence Life student staff.
   
• Assume responsibility for the residence complex in the absence of the RD.
   
• Assist in the administrative details of the residence complex, including check in and check out procedures, key administration, room assignments, maintenance concerns and security.
   
• Attend and participate in student and college activities as often as possible.
   
• Other duties as assigned.

 
Qualifications:
 
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree and enrollment in a master’s degree program at Union University is required. Computer experience that includes MS Word and Excel is also required. In addition, this position requires excellent oral and written communication skills, attention to detail and good organizational skills. Preference will be given to candidates with prior residential leadership experience. 
 
Successful candidates must be professing Christians who are active members of a local church, enthusiastically support Union University’s Identity, Mission and Core Values, and articulate a Christian worldview in their work and life