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Residence Assistant Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Robert Half

Executive Assistant

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

We are looking for an Admin Assistant to support leadership operations and help keep a fast-paced ... of residence-related vendor work.KirklandAdmin * At least 1 year of administrative support ...

Residence Inn Lynnwood

Front Desk Agent

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... www.highgate.com Location Residence Inn Lynnwood 18200 Alderwood Mall PkwyLynnwood, WA ... Have knowledge of emergency procedures and assist as needed. * Handle check-ins and checkouts in a ...

Residence Inn Lynnwood

Front Desk Agent

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... www.highgate.com Location Residence Inn Lynnwood 18200 Alderwood Mall PkwyLynnwood, WA ... Have knowledge of emergency procedures and assist as needed. * Handle check-ins and checkouts in a ...

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Residence Assistant information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do residence assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for residence assistant in Seattle, WA is $18.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a residence assistant?

Residence Assistants (RAs) are student leaders who live in university or college residence halls and serve as a resource for students living on campus. They help foster a positive and inclusive community, provide support and guidance to residents, and enforce residence policies. RAs also organize events and programs, mediate conflicts, and act as a liaison between residents and university administration. Their role is crucial in promoting student well-being and creating a safe, welcoming environment in campus housing.

What are some common challenges residence assistants face when supporting residents, and how can they effectively address them?

Residence Assistants often encounter challenges such as mediating roommate conflicts, managing time between academic and job responsibilities, and responding to emergencies or crises. Effectively addressing these challenges requires strong communication skills, empathy, and a solid understanding of campus resources. Regular training, proactive engagement with residents, and collaborating with other staff members help RAs create a supportive and safe living environment while also maintaining their own well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a residence assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Residence Assistant, you need strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution abilities, and a solid understanding of campus policies, often supported by prior leadership or peer mentoring experience. Familiarity with incident reporting systems, scheduling tools, and campus safety protocols is typically required. Exceptional communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills help Residence Assistants build community and support diverse student needs. These skills are crucial for fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive living environment while effectively managing emergencies and student concerns.

What is the difference between Residence Assistant vs Resident Advisor?

AspectResidence AssistantResident Advisor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require college courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; often college students
Work EnvironmentOn-campus housing, dormitories, student residencesOn-campus housing, dormitories, student residences
Employer & IndustryColleges and universitiesColleges and universities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Residence Assistants and Resident Advisors work in college housing environments, often sharing similar responsibilities like supporting students and enforcing residence policies. The main difference is that 'Residence Assistant' is a broader term used by some institutions, while 'Resident Advisor' is more common in others. Both roles typically require similar credentials and are employed by colleges and universities to foster a safe and supportive living environment for students.

How do you become a residence assistant?

To become a residence assistant, applicants typically need to be enrolled as students at the institution, demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills, and complete an application process that may include interviews and references. Some positions require prior experience in customer service or peer mentoring, and candidates often undergo training before starting their duties.

Is it hard to get a residence assistant position?

Getting a residence assistant position can be competitive, as it often requires relevant experience, good communication skills, and sometimes prior involvement in student activities or leadership roles. Applicants typically need to complete an application process, which may include interviews and background checks, and some positions may prefer or require certification in areas like conflict resolution or first aid.

What are the most commonly searched types of Residence jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Residence jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Residence Assistant jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Residence Assistant job openings:

Residence Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Residence Assistant job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,351 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Office & Operations Manager, Residence Life

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Office & Operations Manager, Residence Life

Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community.

Housing & Residence Life plays a vital role in the student experience at SPU. We believe students learn and grow both inside and outside the classroom, and our residential communities are designed to foster belonging, personal growth, leadership development, academic success, and spiritual formation. Through intentional support, operational excellence, and student-centered service, the Housing & Residence Life team helps create a safe, welcoming, and engaging living-learning environment for approximately 1,500 residential students.

The Residence Life Office and Operations Manager position supports Seattle Pacific University's mission by contributing to a Christ-centered learning and working community committed to academic excellence, service, and engagement with the world. In this role, the employee brings their skills, gifts, and professional expertise to work that matters—serving students, colleagues, and the broader University community in ways that reflect SPU's values and purpose. To that end, all University employees are required to be aligned with and supportive of SPU's Statement of Faith and its derivative policies and lifestyle expectations.

This position serves as a key member of the Housing & Residence Life team, overseeing office operations, departmental systems, student employee supervision, communications, technology platforms, budget support, and administrative processes that support the residential experience. The Office & Operations Manager serves as an important resource for students, families, campus partners, and Residence Life staff while helping ensure the smooth operation of one of the university's most visible student-facing departments.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, technologically savvy, and committed to providing exceptional customer service. This role requires someone who enjoys managing systems and processes while also building positive relationships and supporting student success.

This position may be filled in one of two ways:

  • As a traditional Office & Operations Manager position based on campus; or
  • As a live-in Office & Operations Manager who also participates in the Residence Life on-call rotation and emergency response program.

Candidates interested in the live-in option will receive additional information regarding housing accommodations and on-call responsibilities.

Office & Operations Leadership
  • Provide overall operational management and coordination for the Office of Housing & Residence Life
  • Serve as a member of the Housing & Residence Life administrative leadership team
  • Coordinate departmental processes and operational initiatives that support residential students and staff
  • Support professional staff transitions, onboarding, and department operations
Administrative Support
  • Provide administrative support to the Director of Housing & Residence Life
  • Coordinate calendars, meetings, travel arrangements, correspondence, agendas, and event logistics
  • Assist with departmental meetings, reports, projects, and administrative workflows
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for students, families, campus partners, and external constituents
Office Management & Student Employee Supervision
  • Manage the day-to-day operations of the Housing & Residence Life office
  • Oversee office reception, phones, shared email accounts, records management, and supply inventory
  • Hire, train, schedule, supervise, and support student office employees
  • Maintain departmental calendars, staff directories, and operational resources
  • Foster a welcoming, professional, and responsive office environment
Technology & Systems Management
  • Serve as the primary coordinator for departmental technology systems and software applications
  • Support department use of systems including StarRez, Confluence, Banner, EMS, SharePoint, Formstack, Workday, and Argos
  • Coordinate system access, technology projects, equipment management, and process improvements
  • Assist in maintaining accurate records and supporting departmental reporting needs
Communications & Website Management
  • Manage Housing & Residence Life website content and updates
  • Maintain the residential section of the Student Handbook
  • Coordinate department communications and announcements
  • Manage Housing & Residence Life social media platforms and digital communications
Budget & Administrative Support
  • Assist with departmental budget tracking, purchasing, and financial processes
  • Process university financial, payroll, personnel, and administrative documentation
  • Support effective stewardship of departmental resources

Optional Residence Life On-Call & Emergency Response

Candidates who elect the live-in option may:

  • Participate in the Residence Life on-call rotation throughout the academic year
  • Respond to student incidents, emergencies, and after-hours situations involving residential students
  • Serve as a Building Emergency Coordinator for assigned residential areas
  • Support university emergency response efforts as needed
What You Bring
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Two or more years of professional office, operations, administrative support, student services, or related experience
  • Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated ability to learn and utilize technology systems and software applications
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a variety of campus partners
  • Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment
  • Commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives
  • Ability and willingness to participate in live-on responsibilities and emergency response functions
  • Mission Alignment: A personal commitment to Christian faith; enthusiasm for supporting SPU's mission; alignment with the University's Statement of Faith; and willingness to uphold the lifestyle standards of our Christian community
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, or a related field
  • Two to three years of experience in Housing, Residence Life, Student Affairs, or a higher education office environment
  • Experience supervising student employees
  • Experience with StarRez or similar housing management software
  • Experience supporting budgets, administrative operations, or department-wide systems and processes
Compensation & Position Details
  • Salary: $25.96-$26.92 per hour, depending on experience
  • Status: Full-time, non-exempt
  • Department: Housing & Residence Life
  • Location: On-campus position located at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, WA

Benefits: SPU pays employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance; provides HSA/HRA contributions; contributes 7% to a retirement account with immediate vesting (as eligible); and offers a tuition discount program for employees and qualified dependents.

In addition, this position includes a university-provided residence if employee chooses to include the on-call responsibilities associated with the role.

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