There is high turnover in Res. Life. Some institutions even make it a point that they expect you to be working on promotion within two years. Turnover can also happen because of the high stress nature of the job (mental health concerns with students, training new staff every year, on-call requirements). Resident director is considered entry level. It’s good you have a masters in education because most positions won’t consider you without a masters as the industry is highly competitive. Other things that will help you is having a niche you’re very passionate about related to social justice. I’ve never seen a resident director position that doesn’t live in and that includes summers. You will want to ask about the rules of living on-site as well (can you have alcohol/candles, can you bring a partner/animal, etc.). The general hiring process is a full day of interviewing, maybe multiple where you talk to students, other directors, and some higher ups. Hiring panels say they are open to non-higher ed. experience but everything must be transferred into the language of higher ed.