TITLE: Graduate Assistant for Residence Life
FLSA STATUS: Exempt | $11,000 stipend (11 months) + 6 credit hours per academic semester (summer not included), room, board
DEPARTMENT: Office of Residence Life
REPORTS TO: Residence Life Professional Staff
PRIMARY PURPOSE / POSITION SUMMARY
The Graduate Assistant for Residence Life is a live-in, part-time professional who contributes to the holistic development of residential students through supervision, crisis response, student engagement, marketing, and programmatic initiatives. This position supports and enhances students’ social, educational, and personal development, while advancing the mission of Dominican University to promote truth, compassionate service, and justice. The position includes supervision of resident assistants, development of community-building programs, marketing and communication efforts, and active participation in department operations, training, and on-call response. This position contributes to student safety, wellness, and the success of all residential students through leadership in key operational and community-focused functions within primary Leadership, Programming, and Marketing/Housing Service. Each graduate student will serve in a specific concentration once hired. Those concentrations are marketing, programming, and operations.
The Graduate Assistant for Residence Life is a live-in, part-time professional who contributes to the holistic development of residential students through supervision, crisis response, student engagement, marketing, and programmatic initiatives. This position supports and enhances students’ social, educational, and personal development, while advancing the mission of Dominican University to promote truth, compassionate service, and justice. The position includes supervision of resident assistants, development of community-building programs, marketing and communication efforts, and active participation in department operations, training, and on-call response. This position contributes to student safety, wellness, and the success of all residential students through leadership in key operational and community-focused functions within primary Leadership, Programming, and Marketing/Housing Service. Each graduate student will serve in a specific concentration once hired. Those concentrations are marketing, programming, and operations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervision and Student Leadership
- Supervise a team of Resident Assistants and/or student leaders.
- Conduct regular one-on-one and staff meetings; provide feedback, coaching, and evaluations.
- Serve as an advisor to a student leadership group (e.g., RSA, RA Advisory Board, etc.).
- Assist in hiring, onboarding, training, and ongoing development for new and returning student staff.
Community Engagement & Programming
- Implement, support, and assess residential programming aligned with departmental goals such as leadership, diversity, wellness, and community building.
- Oversee and support RA programming efforts, ensuring alignment with the departmental programming model.
- Assist with coordination and marketing of large-scale events and departmental initiatives.
- Coordinate and support RA programming, including logistics, marketing, and budget tracking.
Marketing & Communications
- Create and manage marketing content for Residence Life, including flyers, digital displays, newsletters, departmental social media platforms, and shared drives.
- Collaborate with campus partners (Dining, Physical Plant) on integrated communication strategies.
- Maintain and organize marketing resources and content within shared drives.
- Encourage resident participation in events and foster a welcoming, safe, and respectful community culture.
- Represent Residence Life at SOAR, Discover Dominican, Admitted Student Days, and other outreach events. (including weekends)
Operations, Logistics, and Administration
- Maintain departmental records, timelines, and procedural documentation including duty logs, room assignments, and opening/closing processes.
- Assist with housing operations including assignments and room changes via eRezLife.
- Oversee use and maintenance of duty supplies, office furnishings, and departmental equipment.
- Support and/or manage front desk operations Welcome and Information Desk (WID) Managers.
Key Management & Access
- Manage key distribution, inventory, and audits.
- Issue and track temporary door access cards and maintain records in coordination with Campus Safety.
Departmental Engagement
- Attend weekly/biweekly staff meetings, training sessions, and committee work as required.
- Represent the department at university functions including banquets, student trainings, and collaborative events.
- Collaborate with partners such as Campus Safety, Physical Plant, Wellness Center, Student Involvement, and Athletics.
Crisis Management & On-Call Response
- Participate in a 24/7 rotating on-call system as first-responder to student crises and facility emergencies. (nights | weekends | holidays | school closures)
- Provide follow-up support and referrals post-crisis.
- Document and report incidents in accordance with departmental protocol.
Student Conduct & Policy Enforcement
- Serve as a conduct hearing officer for minor policy violations.
- Promote community standards and support behavioral education efforts.
Operations & Administration
- Assist with key operational processes such as student staff hiring, training, room selection, opening/closing, and facility reporting.
- Maintain office hours (approximately 20 hours/week separate from duty/on-call hours) for staff support and student engagement. Must serve three days in office per week.
- Attend departmental staff meetings, training sessions, and university events as a representative of Residence Life.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Enrollment as a full-time student in a Dominican University graduate program
- Ability and willingness to live on-campus in assigned housing.
- Availability to serve the full academic year (August–May), with possible summer opportunities.
Preferred:
- Previous experience in residence life, student affairs, or related leadership roles
- Supervisory or advising experience.
- Crisis management or conflict resolution training
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Highly organized and capable of managing multiple responsibilities.
- Demonstrated leadership and mentoring abilities.
- Skilled in marketing, social media, and content creation (preferred)
- Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and building welcoming communities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Stipend: $1,000/month (July - June 11 months)
- Tuition Remission: 6 Credit hours per semester
- Housing & Dining: On-campus housing and meal plan included.
- Health Insurance: Student plan coverage provided.
- Professional Development: Training, mentorship, and opportunities for summer employment
APPLICATION NOTES
Employment is contingent upon a successful background screening. Must be eligible to work in U.S. The role is renewable for a second academic year based on performance and departmental needs.
Employment is contingent upon a successful background screening. Must be eligible to work in U.S. The role is renewable for a second academic year based on performance and departmental needs.