Download a PDF of the complete job description for the Act Five Resident Leader Position.

Introduction to Act Five

Act Five facilitates the Christian discipleship of young people, preparing them for rooted & engaged lives, helping them discern next steps. Through intentional community, thoughtfully crafted travel and courses, engagement in the city and more, we are excited by how young people have been shaped through this place over our first seven years.

Based out of Hamilton, ON, Act Five is moving toward its 8th program year starting September 2026. Act Five operates out of a large home in a downtown Hamilton neighbourhood, running a Gap Year Program for 18-20 year olds and a Residency Program for those aged 21 and up.

The Resident Leader (RL) position works specifically with our 8-month Gap Year program, which is geared toward rooting emerging adults (18-20 year olds) in a community home, while leading them into new places and new experiences that are facilitated to deepen their walk with Christ, grow their understanding and practice of the Christian life, and prepare them for future pathways. Students, staff and residents live together in community, while students work through courses, complete field placements, engage missionally in the city, go on several trips, and benefit from intentional mentorship.

What is the Act Five Resident Leader Program?

The Act Five Resident Leader (RL) role is a unique live-in position for someone looking for a formational experience & opportunity to disciple young adults aged 17-20 in an intentional Christian community while learning and adventuring alongside students and residents. In this, RLs develop a range of soft and hard skills: leadership skills, program planning and facilitation, conflict resolution, pastoral care, community building, hospitality, discernment, and mentorship.

This role is carried out as part of a Program Team with a high level of support offered. RLs do life alongside Act Five students through the ordinary days of living in intentional community, while also experiencing – and facilitating elements of – all that the Act Five program offers.

When does this take place?

• A preferred move-in date during the summer of 2026* so as to
  (a) make 75 Blake St home,
  (b) become immersed in Act Five’s rhythms, and
  (c) participate in the planning of the Act Five year.
  *This is TBD for 2026 given summer renovation plans.
• A required participation in a Staff & Board Retreat from May 7-9, 2026 (Location TBD). There may be further requirements to join 1-2 orientation dates/weekends throughout the summer.
• Latest move-in date is August 16, 2026 to allow a week to settle in before the work begins.
• Full-time work begins with staff training on August 24, 2026.
• The minimum commitment for this position is from August 16, 2026 through to May 31, 2027*. RLs may be invited to continue for an additional year.
  *There are extended follow-up commitments with graduates through to September 2027.

What does this role include?

Resident Leaders assist in running the Gap Year program by living in community at 75 Blake St, mentoring students, facilitating rhythms of the Act Five home, participating in select program activities, attending to critical situations, and having opportunities to lead elements of the program. In this, RLs encourage students’ personal, vocational, and spiritual growth.

Residence at the Act Five home is required for the position, as is shared overnight and select weekend on-call responsibilities, and travel on various trips including but not limited to 3 wilderness trips & a 3-week cross-cultural trip during second term.

The role is unique in that it involves entering into the shared life of a community and learning alongside students throughout the year. While the role is intensive by nature, care is given to provide extended times off over Thanksgiving, Christmas, the month of May as well as planned times away in coordination with the Program Team.

RLs work in coordination with the rest of the Act Five staff team and receive significant support in their role. The role is an essential part of Act Five, and it is filled with unique opportunities and challenges.

Compensation Details

Considering the unique opportunity for a young leader to learn, travel, and grow through Act Five, your compensation package will consist of the following:

• Free housing through the duration of the contract (this is a taxable benefit)
• All program costs including food, travel, a portion of cell phone use, and program resources
• Monthly spiritual direction, 2-4 personal retreats per year
• Monthly stipend
• Access to rich learning & development experiences

Qualifications and Skill Requirements

• You are committed to the Christian life and have experience in guiding the spiritual life of others.
• You can demonstrate at least a basic understanding of the Act Five mission and vision and are committed to upholding these in your work. 
• You are eager to learn new skills, willing to grow and be stretched through your immersion in the Act Five community as you care for the needs of the students.
• You are open to living with ~12 students (18-20 year olds) and other young adults over the duration of your contract.
• You enjoy being around young people and are able to support rhythms of life ranging from cooking and cleaning to times of worship and prayer.
• You have relevant experiences: completion of Act Five as a student or resident, camp ministry, residence life experiences, community living experiences, overseas travel experience, and/or involvement in various Hamilton ministries.
• You might have experience working in crisis or conflict situations and are willing to learn emergency response protocols. You are willing to take any combination of CPR and First Aid Training, Mental Health First Aid, and/or SAFETalk training as is required.
• You have strong communication skills, including being able to listen well. You are gifted in developing rapport with young people.
• You might have knowledge about what resources are available for young people who are intentionally stepping into an intensive environment – resources for personal wellness, difficult questions, interpersonal conflict management, etc.
• You have a full driver’s license, 4 years of driving experience, are able to drive rental vehicles with groups of students and do not have any restrictions on being able to travel internationally.

To see a full job description for the Act Five Resident Leader position, click the link below!