COLLEGE PREPARATION PROGRAM
RESIDENTIAL DIRECTOR (RD)
Start/End Date: May 5 – August 16, 2025, 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/hr
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 eight 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 (ARD), and Resident Advisors (RAs), and provides regular feedback about the residential staff and participants to CPP senior staff. In coordination with the ARD’s, 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
Conduct RA orientation and training prior to program start in coordination with the ARD’s
Ensure staff equipped with required supplies, resources, and knowledge to carry out Residential Assistant duties
Provide leadership and support to RA 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
Serve as primary contact between residential staff and CPP Team (Director, Program Coordinator, and other NU departments)
Administrative/Operations Responsibilities
Serve as primary liaison for all residential and program related issues, collaborating with other NU departments.
Manage overall operation of residence hall
Coordinate move-in/move-out schedule for each session (three total)
Conduct orientation for each session (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, student conduct reports, social event records, etc.)
Coordinate assessment (program surveys) for use in future program planning
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
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
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
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.
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
Coachability: Being receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement
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:
You will need the following items (2):
A current resume and cover letter
Provide a list of three professional references and their contact information.
Contact Us: Please visit the College Preparation Program website to learn more about our programs. If you have any questions, email the CPP office at cpp@northwestern.edu or call 847-491-7239
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.
