Graduate Resident Director (Funded MA + Room/Board)
Simpson University, Redding, California, United States, 96001
Graduate Resident Director
Division: Student Development
Graduate Assistant: Two-year commitment from Summer 2026 to Spring 2028
Simpson University, a Christ-centered institution affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), is seeking exceptional undergraduate student leaders from across the nation who feel called to launch a career in higher education student development. We are seeking proven student leaders to be involved in Residence Life, Student Activities, Life Coaching and Retention, and Living-Learning Communities. Our goal is to prepare young professionals to go into the ministry of Student Life though an apprenticeship process.
GAs (Graduate Assistant) must qualify and be accepted into a Student Development graduate program at a CCCU institution or one of Simpson’s graduate programs in Education, Organizational Leadership, Ministry Leadership, or Divinity. GAs receive room and board, tuition reimbursement up to $15,000 annually, and a stipend of $5,000 per semester.
GA Responsibilities include: · Serving as a Resident Director for approximately 100 students in on-campus housing · Acting as a Life Coach and mentor for 20 incoming freshmen in their residence hall, including teaching in the First-Year Seminar course · Receiving focused mentorship and an annual specialty assignment in one of the following Student Development areas: missions, intramurals, student government, spiritual formation, staff hiring/training, media/yearbook, academic tutoring, or e-sports/club sports ·
One unique specialty assignment we are seeking is a Rock Climbing Coach/Outdoor Recreation Coordinator. This individual would be responsible for recruiting, player development, coaching and coordinating team participation in collegiate rock climbing tournaments. Additional responsibilities would include teaching rock climbing and other outdoor activity classes within our Outdoor Adventure Recreation major, overseeing the campus rock wall, and leading outdoor excursions for the campus community.
These apprenticeships provide hands-on experience, professional mentoring, and spiritual formation—equipping GAs to excel in higher education and student development ministry.
Spiritual & Character Qualifications · A vibrant, growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a clear sense of calling to vocational ministry in higher education · Mature Christian character evidenced by humility, teachability, integrity, and a servant’s heart · Active involvement in campus or local church ministry · Commitment to personal holiness, spiritual disciplines, and accountability · Ability to articulate their faith story and how God has led them toward student development ministry
Leadership & Relational Qualifications · Proven undergraduate student leadership (RA, student government, ministry team leader, camp counselor, missions team leader, local ministry leader, etc.) · Natural ability to connect with, disciple, and influence 18–22-year-olds from diverse backgrounds · Emotional intelligence, conflict-resolution skills, and a pastoral presence in difficult conversations · Heart for mentoring and discipling the next generation; sees college students as future church and societal leaders · Enthusiasm for creating Christ-centered community and helping students integrate faith and learning
Vocational Vision & Teachability · Clear sense of calling to full-time Christian higher education as a mission field · Eagerness to be formed and mentored; views the GA role as an apprenticeship rather than just a job or tuition benefit · Willingness to sacrifice personal comfort for the sake of students’ spiritual growth (late nights, crisis response, relational investment) · Desire to pursue lifelong learning in theology, counseling, leadership, and student development theory through graduate studies
Practical & Cultural Fit · Alignment with Simpson University’s statement of faith, lifestyle expectations, and community standards · Passion for the unique ethos of Christian residential education (chapel, floor devotions, service projects, spiritual formation programs) · Resilience and joy in a high-demand, highly visible role that blends professional work, graduate studies, and 24/7/365 availability serving on a rotational duty with 6 GAs
General Expectations: · Bachelor’s degree required and acceptance into a Student Development themed master’s degree. We do not offer Student Affairs degree at Simpson, but we do offer a MA in Ministry Leadership which will partner with this GA program well. · GAs must maintain a 3.0 GPA and be able to take classes online or on campus at Simpson during the academic year. This is a two year GA rotation and if your graduate program completed in less than two years, we will expect for you to complete the two year process with us. We are committed to helping you job search and launch into a Student Affairs job after you complete your GA. · Preferred for candidates be able to gain a California 15 passenger van driver’s license and be available to drive for Simpson driving activities. · Ability to live in on campus Residence Halls among a community of students and be able to joyfully interact with students seven days a week in residence and dining settings. · GA candidates who are married are welcome to apply, but we do not have any married housing available. Married GAs would need to find and pay for their own housing off campus, but campus dining is available for you and your spouse. · Ability to enforce community standards and university policies (quiet hours, alcohol/drug policy, guest policy, etc.) with grace and firmness, and document and follow up on conduct incidents · Meet regularly with your 20 freshmen and help teach our First-Year Seminar class with a goal of thriving, retention, and personal growth · Be visible and relationally available by participating and leading campus programming within the area you are specializing · Model mature Christian lifestyle in speech, social media, dating relationships, entertainment choices, and the expectations in the live-in GA requirements. · Show measurable growth in leadership, conflict management, cultural competency, and theological depth. · No outside employment is eligible as we want you to be all in and invest deeply into your studies and into our students. The work of a GA is rewarding but does not have much personal space or free time. · Participate in ACSD and other professional development as we want to intentionally prepare you for career / ministry at colleges after graduation.
Apply on LinkedIn 1.
Please include all leadership positions or areas of involvement you held in your undergraduate years in the experience section. 2.
Please have three posted recommendations from college supervisors/mentors/coaches on why your college experiences have prepared you for a graduate assistantship and career in student development. 3.
In your featured section, please add the following: a. Video sharing your testimony and calling into higher education b. A one-page position paper sharing your philosophy towards how you will approach a GA position aimed at community building and ministry c. Photos of your involvement and any other materials which highlight your undergraduate leadership experience 4.
Send a personalized connection request to Dr. Brian Dawson, Simpson Vice President of Student Development and Chase Rossman, Director of Internships and Career Development
Division: Student Development
Graduate Assistant: Two-year commitment from Summer 2026 to Spring 2028
Simpson University, a Christ-centered institution affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), is seeking exceptional undergraduate student leaders from across the nation who feel called to launch a career in higher education student development. We are seeking proven student leaders to be involved in Residence Life, Student Activities, Life Coaching and Retention, and Living-Learning Communities. Our goal is to prepare young professionals to go into the ministry of Student Life though an apprenticeship process.
GAs (Graduate Assistant) must qualify and be accepted into a Student Development graduate program at a CCCU institution or one of Simpson’s graduate programs in Education, Organizational Leadership, Ministry Leadership, or Divinity. GAs receive room and board, tuition reimbursement up to $15,000 annually, and a stipend of $5,000 per semester.
GA Responsibilities include: · Serving as a Resident Director for approximately 100 students in on-campus housing · Acting as a Life Coach and mentor for 20 incoming freshmen in their residence hall, including teaching in the First-Year Seminar course · Receiving focused mentorship and an annual specialty assignment in one of the following Student Development areas: missions, intramurals, student government, spiritual formation, staff hiring/training, media/yearbook, academic tutoring, or e-sports/club sports ·
One unique specialty assignment we are seeking is a Rock Climbing Coach/Outdoor Recreation Coordinator. This individual would be responsible for recruiting, player development, coaching and coordinating team participation in collegiate rock climbing tournaments. Additional responsibilities would include teaching rock climbing and other outdoor activity classes within our Outdoor Adventure Recreation major, overseeing the campus rock wall, and leading outdoor excursions for the campus community.
These apprenticeships provide hands-on experience, professional mentoring, and spiritual formation—equipping GAs to excel in higher education and student development ministry.
Spiritual & Character Qualifications · A vibrant, growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a clear sense of calling to vocational ministry in higher education · Mature Christian character evidenced by humility, teachability, integrity, and a servant’s heart · Active involvement in campus or local church ministry · Commitment to personal holiness, spiritual disciplines, and accountability · Ability to articulate their faith story and how God has led them toward student development ministry
Leadership & Relational Qualifications · Proven undergraduate student leadership (RA, student government, ministry team leader, camp counselor, missions team leader, local ministry leader, etc.) · Natural ability to connect with, disciple, and influence 18–22-year-olds from diverse backgrounds · Emotional intelligence, conflict-resolution skills, and a pastoral presence in difficult conversations · Heart for mentoring and discipling the next generation; sees college students as future church and societal leaders · Enthusiasm for creating Christ-centered community and helping students integrate faith and learning
Vocational Vision & Teachability · Clear sense of calling to full-time Christian higher education as a mission field · Eagerness to be formed and mentored; views the GA role as an apprenticeship rather than just a job or tuition benefit · Willingness to sacrifice personal comfort for the sake of students’ spiritual growth (late nights, crisis response, relational investment) · Desire to pursue lifelong learning in theology, counseling, leadership, and student development theory through graduate studies
Practical & Cultural Fit · Alignment with Simpson University’s statement of faith, lifestyle expectations, and community standards · Passion for the unique ethos of Christian residential education (chapel, floor devotions, service projects, spiritual formation programs) · Resilience and joy in a high-demand, highly visible role that blends professional work, graduate studies, and 24/7/365 availability serving on a rotational duty with 6 GAs
General Expectations: · Bachelor’s degree required and acceptance into a Student Development themed master’s degree. We do not offer Student Affairs degree at Simpson, but we do offer a MA in Ministry Leadership which will partner with this GA program well. · GAs must maintain a 3.0 GPA and be able to take classes online or on campus at Simpson during the academic year. This is a two year GA rotation and if your graduate program completed in less than two years, we will expect for you to complete the two year process with us. We are committed to helping you job search and launch into a Student Affairs job after you complete your GA. · Preferred for candidates be able to gain a California 15 passenger van driver’s license and be available to drive for Simpson driving activities. · Ability to live in on campus Residence Halls among a community of students and be able to joyfully interact with students seven days a week in residence and dining settings. · GA candidates who are married are welcome to apply, but we do not have any married housing available. Married GAs would need to find and pay for their own housing off campus, but campus dining is available for you and your spouse. · Ability to enforce community standards and university policies (quiet hours, alcohol/drug policy, guest policy, etc.) with grace and firmness, and document and follow up on conduct incidents · Meet regularly with your 20 freshmen and help teach our First-Year Seminar class with a goal of thriving, retention, and personal growth · Be visible and relationally available by participating and leading campus programming within the area you are specializing · Model mature Christian lifestyle in speech, social media, dating relationships, entertainment choices, and the expectations in the live-in GA requirements. · Show measurable growth in leadership, conflict management, cultural competency, and theological depth. · No outside employment is eligible as we want you to be all in and invest deeply into your studies and into our students. The work of a GA is rewarding but does not have much personal space or free time. · Participate in ACSD and other professional development as we want to intentionally prepare you for career / ministry at colleges after graduation.
Apply on LinkedIn 1.
Please include all leadership positions or areas of involvement you held in your undergraduate years in the experience section. 2.
Please have three posted recommendations from college supervisors/mentors/coaches on why your college experiences have prepared you for a graduate assistantship and career in student development. 3.
In your featured section, please add the following: a. Video sharing your testimony and calling into higher education b. A one-page position paper sharing your philosophy towards how you will approach a GA position aimed at community building and ministry c. Photos of your involvement and any other materials which highlight your undergraduate leadership experience 4.
Send a personalized connection request to Dr. Brian Dawson, Simpson Vice President of Student Development and Chase Rossman, Director of Internships and Career Development