You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.
Email

Start/End Date: May 5 – August 1, 2026, potential earlier part-time start   
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston Campus
Supervised by: College Preparation Program (CPP) staff
Time Commitment: Residential, Full-time (40+ hours per week)
Compensation:  

  • $20 per hour
  • Travel Stipend if relocation is needed
  • Accommodation: single room and full-board plan while on contract
  • Access to University athletic and sport facilities while on contract
  • Significant professional opportunity in area of leadership development

Program Description:

The Northwestern College Preparation Program (CPP) offers academically advanced high school students from across the US and abroad the opportunity to enroll in one of two academic program options: undergraduate courses for credit,and noncredit IN FOCUS (on campus) seminars. Participants experience college life and academics in a safe and supportive environment, which prepares them for college success in their first years. As either residents or commuters, CPP students may take a variety of 100-and 200-level Northwestern courses to earn college credit, which may be transferred to the university in which they ultimately enroll. Our noncredit courses, IN FOCUS seminars are small, discussion-based offered in special topics. Please visit our website for more information. 

Job Summary  

The Residential Director (RD) is the highest-level residential position for the Northwestern College Preparation Program. The RD communicates with members of the College Prep team on a daily basis. The RD supervises the day-to-day residential experience of the pre-college summer program to assure a safe, enjoyable experience for all participants and staff. The program includes a combination of residential students and commuter students for a duration of six weeks. The RD takes a lead role in resolving higher-level participant issues and ensures that all problems are promptly addressed. Reporting to the Director of Summer Session, the RD supervises the CPP Assistant Residence Directors (ARDs), and Resident Advisors (RAs), Front of House (FOH) and provides regular feedback about the residential staff and participants to CPP Main Office. In coordination with the Main Office and the ARDs, the Resident Director conducts training for RAs one week prior to the start of the program and directly supervises them throughout its duration. The RD works closely with other University departments (Residential Life, Housing, Dining, Health Services, University Police, and Facilities) to foster a campus environment of academic achievement and personal development, and ensures the physical safety and comfort of all CPP participants. 

General Responsibilities

 Supervision/Training Responsibilities

  • In coordination with the Main Office and ARDs: conduct RA orientation and training prior to program start
  • Ensure staff is equipped with required supplies, resources, and knowledge to carry out duties
  • Provide leadership and support to residential staff
  • Conduct one-on-one meetings with each ARD
  • Conduct weekly all-staff meetings
  • Evaluate staff and provide leadership and guidance, addressing any personnel issues
  • Utilize personnel resources (Main Office, ARDs, RAs, TAs, FOH)

Administrative/Operations Responsibilities

  • Manage overall operation of residence hall
  • Coordinate move-in/move-out schedule for each session (three total)
  • Conduct orientation for each session (residential and commuter students)
  • Enforce University residential policies and procedures
  • Submit and maintain accurate records and reports (room condition reports, check-in logs, on-call logs, incident reports, social event records, etc.)
  • Coordinate assessment (program surveys and final report) for use in future program planning
  • Update and send arrival and departure letters to students and parents
  • In coordination with the CPP Team, create and maintain a budget and expense report tracking
  • Responsible for ensuring all staff and students obtain access to University resources and work with University departments to resolve any issues
  • Expected to work holidays

Community Building & Staff Development Responsibilities

  • Create and coordinate one group activity each session for all students
  • Identify and carry out team building/bonding activities for staff
  • Oversee blog submissions including pictures
  • Willingness to embrace responsibilities through enthusiastic leadership

Facilities Management Responsibilities

  • Serve as primary program representative in coordination with Front of House Staff working with University Facilities Management staff
  • Responsible for reserving and maintaining motor vehicle during program (mail pick-up and delivery)
  • Report and follow up damages to Facilities Maintenance
  • Report and follow up any safety and security issues with Housing
  • Maintain communication with housekeeping staff to resolve issues and turn around rooms at the end of each session
  • Keep Main Office informed of all NU departmental communications and concerns

Minimum Qualifications (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

  • A bachelor's degree or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired
  • Prior experience in residential life for similar programs
  • Previous experience working with high school students as an RA, camp counselor, tutor, or other capacity
  • Previous supervisory experience with demonstrated leadership skills
  • Organizational and Budget Management skills
  • Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work effectively in groups or independently
  • Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse student body and staff
  • Experience implementing programs and services geared toward meeting the needs of students from many diverse backgrounds
  • Experience working with academic professionals in a higher education organization
  • Provide a high level of discretion and confidentiality.
  • Coachability: Being receptive to feedback, willing ot learn, embracing continuous improvement
  • Ability to create a positive environment for students and staff 

Preferred Qualifications (Education and experience)

  • Master's degree in higher education/student affairs/management or a related field
  • Facilitation, staff management, or teaching experience
  • Experience working in international contexts or with international students
  • Bi- or multi-lingual, with international travel or living abroad experience
  • Knowledge of the Northwestern environment, preferably as a current matriculated graduate student or program alum

Preferred Competencies (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

  • Energy, enthusiasm, positivity, and ability to motivate others
  • A strong sense of responsibility, professionalism, and high level of maturity
  • A genuine interest in working with high school students
  • Comfortable exploring issues of equity and social justice
  • Familiarity with NU or higher education CRM systems (SES, CLSS, RADIUS, etc.)

Important Dates 

  • While the deadline to apply is April 15th, qualified candidates are hired on a first apply, first hired basis. Early candidates have an advantage as some positions are filled early in the application cycle.
  • Applicants will be notified via email if they have been selected for an interview

To Apply:

Please complete this google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctrzlS2fjYO2jVpcEYw7fjzst1s37dDOdWQLFjlJYMDuoHGQ/viewform?usp=header 

You will need the following items (2):

  • A current resume and cover letter
  • Provide a list of three professional references and their contact information