Department: Temp Center
Salary/Grade: TMP/01
JOB DESCRIPTION
COLLEGE PREPARATION PROGRAM
Residential Director (RD)
Start/End Date: May 5 - August 1, 2026, potential earlier part-time start
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston Campus
Supervised by: College Preparation Program (CPP) Main Office 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 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 sitewide activities each session
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 vehicles 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 to 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:
Click to Apply
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 Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.
Northwestern University
Jan 08, 2026