About Luther Seminary

Luther Seminary educates leaders for Christian communities called and sent by the Holy Spirit to witness to salvation through Jesus Christ and to serve in God’s world. Our values are Gospel-centered, Student-focused, Innovative, Academically Rigorous, Inclusive, and Community Oriented. 

Luther is the largest seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We also educate students of 41 other denominations and traditions. Luther is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools. 

Luther Seminary

Position Title: Head Resident
Team: Finance & Administration
Position Status: Exempt (X) Non-Exempt
Reports To: Residential Life Program Coordinator
Date Updated: June 2026

I. Purpose

The Head Resident serves as a liaison between students living on campus and Luther Seminary staff. The Head Resident must reside on campus where Luther Seminary Residential Life happens and provides community leadership through a variety of roles and responsibilities: acting as a resource for building and maintaining a positive living and learning community, serving as a source of information on seminary policies, and providing referral services that enhance the residential experience at Luther Seminary. In constant check with the Residential Program Coordinator’s office. This position is also part of the on-call team to answer emergency calls after hours.

II. Key Result Areas

A. Staff Development and Training

• Attend initial training meetings and monthly check-in meetings throughout the year with the Residential Life coordinator.

B. Community Building

• Plan and implement community-building activities (e.g., community meals, Bible studies, prayer groups, worship, movie nights, outings) each semester utilizing the allocated academic year budget.
• Act as a liaison with the Community Life Fellows in the promotion of community-wide events.
• Ensure that every resident is upholding agreed-upon community standards.

C. Administrative Responsibilities

• Disseminate critical information to the residential community.
• Assist students in submitting maintenance and helpdesk requests.
• Keep an accurate track of hours worked.
• Discuss incidents of note with the supervisor to determine appropriate action.
• Assist with and complete administrative tasks on time, as directed by the supervisor.

D. Residential Life Team

• Be an active and respectful community leader in all facets of the Head Resident position.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with the Business Office, Campus Services, Facilities, Maintenance Staff, Student Affairs Staff, and other Luther Seminary staff members.
• Oversee initial check-ins, mid-year walk-throughs, check-outs, and housing orientations with new residents.
• Maintain mandatory on-campus presence during peak operational periods (September, January, May, and June). Coordinate any extended time away in advance with the on-call team and Residential Life Coordinator to prevent stipend deductions.
• Uphold all rules, regulations, and policies of Luther Seminary, specifically those outlined in the Housing Guide and Student Handbook.

E. Community Resource and Referrals

• Act as the primary point of contact for physical, personal, social, or environmental health concerns, providing referrals as necessary.
• Assist in and respond to emergencies involving the health, security, and safety of students.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for students concerning seminary support services, including the Seminary Pastor, Student Affairs, International Student and Scholar Affairs, and the Community Food Shelf.
• Provide crisis response and necessary follow-up coordination with appropriate staff.
• Escalate matters that cannot be resolved directly to the Residential Life Program Coordinator and/or the Dean of Students.

III. Relationships

The Head Resident reports directly to the Residential Life Program Coordinator and provides essential services for student residents at Luther Seminary.

IV. Job Specification

A. Commitment to Luther Seminary's Mission and Vision

• Students must possess an ongoing commitment to advancing the Mission and Vision of Luther Seminary through the effective use and support of technology.

B. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Maintain a professional demeanor with individuals seeking help and providing support in a clear, calm manner.
• Protect the privacy and security of confidential student information.
• Maintain full-time student status at Luther Seminary in good academic and behavioral standing.
• Maintain availability during academic breaks and through the end of the lease term.
• Resident on campus at Luther Seminary during the entire tenure of the position.

C. Desired Education and Experience

• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse constituents.
• Ability to communicate effectively across different cultures and provide positive peer support.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to provide calm mediation during conflicts.
• General knowledge of Luther Seminary services, policies, and procedures.

D. Policies

• Commit to a regular work schedule for the semester, including required evening and weekend availability.
• Coordinate all trips and breaks in advance with the on-call team and Residential Life Coordinator.
• Maintain punctuality and provide advance notice for any requested time off.

V. Disclaimer

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the primary job responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management retains the exclusive right to alter this description at any time without notice.