HRL Recruitment Guide - CD/GRD

Explore your next adventure as a Graduate Residence Director or Community Director here at Mississippi State University!

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TEAM

HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE MISSION In support of the mission of Mississippi State University the Division of Student Affairs, the Department of Housing and Residence Life cultivates an on-campus environment that promotes student success, engages students through intentional interactions, and challenges them to learn and grow beyond the classroom.

VISION To create a “home away from home” where students are individually and collectively challenged and supported in the journey to become mature, contributing citizens in a global community.

GOALS Our residents will live in contemporary, flourishing, and highly sought-after residential facilities and are well in their MSU home.

Students will live, learn and grow to create a sense of belonging in their residential experience for themselves, the community and the greater society.

HRL staff team members will embrace and exhibit integrity, excellence, leadership characteristics, and professionalism in their roles.

HRL will be a leader and partner within the MSU community and beyond.

Graduate Residence Director Graduate Resident Director

Herbert Hall

POSITION OVERVIEW As a Graduate Residence Director (GRD), you’re stepping into a ten-month, live-on role that’s all about creating a vibrant, supportive community for 300 to 600 students. Reporting to a Community Director, you’ll dive into everything from advising and crisis response to leading events and fine-tuning your administrative game. This isn’t your typical Graduate Assistant job—it’s hands-on, heart-in, and packed with opportunities to grow your communication, team building, and leadership skills in a way that genuinely impacts students. Plus, every day brings something different, so you’ll never be bored!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS ROLE FREE APARTMENT & MEAL PLAN: Live where you work, in a fully furnished apartment.

Snag a meal and plan to connect with students over lunch, dinner, or even midnight snacks.

GET PAID TO GROW: Earn an annual stipend, plus tuition remission, which covers up to thirteen credit hours each fall and spring semesters. This is a big head start on your career and your education!

EMERGENCY RESPONDER & COMMUNITY BUILDER: Step up as a leader with crisis response duties, a community desk, and advise hall council C.O.R.E. Every day is different -- one moment you’re solving problems, the next you’re organizing events that bring the whole neighborhood together.

SKILLS FOR THE REAL WORLD: From conflict resolution to event planning, you’ll gain hands-on experience in the kind of skills everyone needs -- emotional intelligence, critical thinking, problem solving, and next-level communication.

“I love getting to know the resident advisors and the residents! I have gained so many skills such as administration, decision-making, and communication.”

-Stephanie S.

Community Director

R I

POSITION OVERVIEW As a Community Director (CD), you’re stepping into a dynamic, year-round, live-on role in the Department of Housing and Residence Life, supervised by an Assistant Director. You’ll be the go-to leader in a vibrant residential community, guiding both grad and student staff members and bringing your supervision and leadership skills to life. Think of yourself as the backbone of an inclusive, growth-focused environment where you’ll help implement educational programs that set students up for success. This role is a four-year gig with the chance to extend, all based on stellar annual reviews. It’s more than just a job—it's a mission to create a thriving, welcoming community where students feel right at home. And yes, there’s more to the role, but every day will be packed with new experiences, challenges, and opportunities to grow!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS ROLE LIVE WHERE YOU WORK, FOR FREE: Forget rent and utility bills! You’ll get a fully furnished, two-bedroom apartment on campus with all essentials--fridge, dishwasher, laundry facilities--and live right in the heart of it all. Plus, you’ll have privacy, as we place Community Directors away from the communities they oversee.

GROWTH THAT’S GOT YOUR BACK: You’ll get hands-on leadership experience by supervising and mentoring graduate and undergraduate student staff, managing crises, and building a team. Plus, there are professional development funds to attend conferences, webinars, and more!

REAL COMMUNITY IMPACT: Dive into meaningful work that shapes student life. You’ll organize events, develop a residential engagement model, and create an inclusive environment where every resident feels valued and supported.

ENDLESS LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: From advising student organizations to leading departmental committees, you’ll have opportunities to step up, be a leader, and make a real impact.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? SOLID BENEFITS PACKAGE: Competitive pay, full benefits, and twice-a-month paychecks.

Want to bring a pet or a partner along? They can live with you (background check required).

Mississippi State University is a place to truly call home!

BE A CAMPUS CONNECTOR You’re the go-to person for students, faculty, and campus partners, making you a vital part of the Bulldog community.

DIVERSITY CHAMPIONS WELCOME Join a team that celebrates individuality, inclusion, and diversity in every way.

“I love that there is variety in the work I do. I am supporting student residents and student staff, while supporting my professional team and department as a whole. This position is extremely fulfilling because of that.”

-Hannah m.

STARKVILLE voted Best Small Town in the South.

Come experience Starkville, Mississippi’s College Town, and you’ll be greeted with warm smiles as you experience all that we have to offer.

MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY named ‘Great College to Work For’ for ninth consecutive year.

Apply today!