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Residence Life Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Residential Academy Coordinator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

The Residential Academy Coordinator is a full-time, live-in residence life position that is responsible for establishing and maintaining community and caring for the daily needs of the residential ...

Residential Academy Coordinator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

The Residential Academy Coordinator is a full-time, live-in residence life position that is responsible for establishing and maintaining community and caring for the daily needs of the residential ...

Posting Details Student Title Classification Information Quick Link Job Number SE216824 Position Information Department or Unit Name Residence Life Position Headcount 9 Position Title Central Office ...

Community Assistant

Oakland, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

Experience living with or working with high school or undergraduate students (residence life, student affairs, camp counselor, or similar role) * Experience working with sensitive andprivate ...

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Residence Life information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$46.5K

$68.6K

How much do residence life jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for residence life in California is $46,529.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $52,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Residence Life?

Residence Life refers to the programs, staff, and services provided by colleges and universities to support students living in on-campus housing. The goal of Residence Life is to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging living environment where students can thrive academically and personally. Staff members, such as Resident Assistants and Residence Life Coordinators, organize events, provide support, and help enforce community standards within residence halls. Residence Life also plays a key role in helping students adjust to campus life and build community connections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Residence Life?

To thrive in Residence Life, you need a background in student affairs, higher education, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with campus housing management systems, crisis response protocols, and conflict resolution tools is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion set outstanding professionals apart. These skills are crucial for fostering a supportive, inclusive, and safe living environment that promotes student development and wellbeing.

What are the most common challenges faced by Residence Life professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Residence Life professionals often encounter challenges such as managing conflicts between residents, balancing administrative tasks with student engagement, and handling emergency situations. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to remain calm under pressure. Building positive relationships with residents, fostering open communication, and collaborating closely with campus partners like counseling services and security can help address these issues effectively. Ongoing training and peer support are also valuable resources for tackling day-to-day challenges in this dynamic role.

What is the difference between Residence Life vs Resident Advisor?

AspectResidence Life
AspectResident Advisor

Residence Life professionals oversee housing programs, manage staff, and develop policies for student housing. Resident Advisors (RAs) are student staff members who provide peer support, enforce rules, and organize activities within residence halls. While Residence Life staff focus on administration and program management, RAs are primarily responsible for peer engagement and community building. Both roles are integral to student housing but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Residence Life jobs in California?

The most popular types of Residence Life jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Residence Life jobs in California?

For Residence Life jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Residence Life jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Residence Life jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Residence Life job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,529 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Director of Residence Life

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA • On-site

$100K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


California Baptist University rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

504th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Job Title
Director of Residence Life
Posting Number
S1680P
Pay Range
Compensation for this position is expected to range between $100,000 and $105,000 per year, in alignment with what California Baptist University (CBU) reasonably anticipates paying for this role. The final rate may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and prevailing market conditions. In addition to competitive wages, CBU provides a comprehensive and generous benefits package to eligible employees.
Position Summary Information
Summary
The Director of Residence Life provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all aspects of the residential experience for students in University housing. This position is responsible for fostering developmentally focused residential communities that support student success, retention, belonging, and well-being while furthering the Christian mission, culture, and heritage of the University through general leadership of the department, supervision of professional Residence Life staff, and close collaboration with Housing Services.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
include the following, other duties may be assigned.
1. Establish goals and learning outcomes as well as periodic evaluative and assessment processes and strategies for Residence Life that measure and respond to student satisfaction, engagement, and development trends.
2. Oversee the recruitment, supervision, training, and evaluation of Residence Directors, Paraprofessional staff, and Student staff.
3. Provide leadership development and promote a culture of professional development, accountability, and excellence that exemplifies the Christian culture, values, and heritage of the University.
4. Manage the overall experience of students living in University housing including community development, educational and social programming, and student conduct.
5. Oversee the design and implementation of residential communities that utilize best practices in student development and research to create engaging, learning community environments that promote belonging for residents.
6. Partner with Housing Services in application and occupancy processes, room assignments, and the seamless integration of pertinent practices to support a high quality student experience.
7. Ensure the management of residential conduct processes according the standards set by the Student Conduct office in collaboration with the Director of Student Conduct.
8. Maintain knowledge of current laws and regulations related to Residence Life and trends in the field of higher education and present recommendations to senior leadership.
9. Collaborate with other University departments, including but not limited to Safety Services, Student Mental Health, Spiritual Life, Community Life, Student Conduct, Facilities, Disability Services, and the Counseling Center in order to ensure the highest quality living experience for students.
10. Oversee the emergency on-call process for Residence Life and provide immediate support for Residence Directors to equip them to respond with professionalism and sound judgment in maintenance, physical, and psychological emergencies.
11. Manage escalated student/parent concerns related to Residence Life.
12. Serve as a representative on divisional and University committees and participate in University events as assigned.
13. Recommend and participate in the development of and ensure staff and student compliance with appropriate University policies and procedures.
14. Develop and manage Residence Life budgets, as assigned, and participate in strategic planning.
15. Abide by, understand, uphold, exemplify, defend, and enforce University and Residence Life/Housing Services policies.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Responsible for the hiring, supervision, management and training of employees including Residence Directors and Graduate Assistants, Student staff and vendors. Carry out supervisory responsibilities within the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Other Knowledge Skills and Abilities
  • A growing and dynamic Christian faith, which is naturally communicated with words and actions that reflects the Baptist theology, philosophy, and heritage of the University.
  • A sense of mission and commitment to the personal development of college students.
  • The ability to recognize and identify the talents of individuals and relate to others with a sense of caring.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to build effective interpersonal relationships and work collaboratively with a culturally diverse student body, faculty, and staff.
  • Demonstrated organizational competence and attention to detail, including supervision, programming, delegation, and the coordination of meetings and special events.
  • Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in administrative and procedural decision-making, including handling sensitive and confidential matters and interpreting, adapting, and applying policies and procedures.
  • Proven capacity to address inappropriate behavior, resolve student or customer concerns, and manage conflict with professionalism and care.
  • Proficiency in the use of personal computers and related software applications, with the resilience to successfully navigate the unique demands and intrusions inherent in a residential college environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit; and requires sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate computer keyboard, or other office equipment. Requires visual acuity to read words and numbers; and speaking and hearing ability sufficient to communicate in person or over the phone. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment, with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards.
Education and/or Experience
Master's degree (M. A.) or equivalent in a related field, and a minimum of five years progressive experience in Residence Life or student development leadership and administration.
Posting Detail Information
Open Date
Remove from Web
Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Nondiscrimination Statement
State and Federal law permit California Baptist University to discriminate on the basis of religion in order to fulfill its purpose. The University does not discriminate contrary to either State or Federal law.
Quick Link to Posting
https://jobs.calbaptist.edu/postings/10222

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