RESIDENTIAL ADVISOR (RA)
Start/End Date: June 15 – August 16, 2025 (May vary)
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston Campus
Supervised by: Residential Director and Assistant Residential Director, College Preparation Program (CPP)
Time Commitment: Residential, Full-time (up to 40 hours per week, subject to additional hours when assigned as needed). Schedule determined by Residential Director and created on a weekly basis shortly before each week begins
Compensation:
$16 per hour
Accommodation: single room and full board plan while on contract
Access to University athletic and sports 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 or 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 and offered in special topics. Please visit our website for more information.
Position Summary:
Along with the Residential Director (RD) and the Assistant Residential Director (ARD), the central responsibility of the CPP Residential Advisor (RA) is to provide mentorship and support for the academic, experiential, and co-curricular components of the College Preparation Program. You will have a unique opportunity to bridge and cultivate learning inside and outside the classroom. CPP students and RAs are housed together on campus in the program’s residence hall. RAs are expected to be engaging, visible, and accessible to students and the program on a daily basis throughout the summer. RAs will be responsible for regularly checking in with an assigned group of students and ensuring the safety of all participants. You will also create, coordinate, and implement extracurricular activities and supervise students at those and other program-related activities. In addition, upholding CPP values, policy, and procedures, and managing the duties supporting the functions of the program. RAs report directly to the Assistant Residential Director and Residential Director. They may receive further supervision from the Director of Summer Session. This is a full-time residential position.
General Responsibilities:
Build community through planning and implementing extracurricular activities for students
RAs are expected to be engaging, visible, and accessible to students and the program on a daily basis throughout the summer.
Assist with student arrival and departure on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as orientation for incoming students
Live in residence hall throughout duration of the program
Report unsafe and inappropriate behavior
Participate in after hours on-call duty rotation for emergencies and/or lock outs and to immediately address student needs
Assist with and participate in large social events and off-campus excursions (day, evening, weekends as scheduled)
Attend weekly staff meetings and one-on-one meetings with the RD or ARD
Facilitate floor meetings and roommate check-ins
Complete paperwork including: incident reports, original receipts, program proposals/ flyers, and blog content
Expected to work Holidays
Those RA’s who meet the qualifications for driving a university vehicle will be expected to do so, potentially transporting students
Cover Front of House duties
Attend mandatory training
Other duties as assigned by Resident Director and program staff
Qualifications:
Completed a minimum of one year of college by June 2025 (rising sophomore, junior, or senior)
Demonstrates initiative, energy, enthusiasm, positivity and ability to motivate others
A strong sense of responsibility, professionalism, and level of maturity
Excellent communication, coordination, creativity, and problem-solving skills
Team player with an ability to work effectively with a diverse student body and staff
Must be able to lift and/or maneuver 40 pounds
Familiarity with technology such as WhatsApp, GroupMe, WeChat, Word Press, Microsoft Suite, and other creative platforms
Preferred qualifications:
Knowledge of the Northwestern environment, preferably as a current matriculated student or CPP/NHSI/CTD alum
Previous experience working with high school students as an RA, camp counselor, tutor
Previous teaching, mentoring, and/or counseling experience is desirable
Prior residential/student affairs experience is also desirable.
Experience working with high school students
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 847-467-6703.
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.
