Resident Director, Study of the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders on Women’s Leadership Program, Boston MA

Posted February 28, 2014

Looking for a fulfilling, life-changing, cultural exchange experience without leaving the U.S.?

Apply to become the Resident Director for the Study of the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders on Women’s Leadership program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

For the third summer in a row, Simmons will host a five week leadership program for 20 women undergraduates from Cote D’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Sudan, and Liberia and five Simmons students selected to participate as Richardson International Fellows. Additionally, three Simmons College Program Assistants will work to assist the faculty, staff, and Resident Director of the program. Together you will create an open exchange of ideas between students of different nationalities and cultures.

Program runs June 23 – August 3, 2014 – Resident Director will have 24/7 on-call responsibilities.

• June 23 – 25: Orientation and Cultural Training on the Simmons College campus.
• June 28 – July 2: Travel to Washington, D.C. helping the five Simmons College faculty and staff escorts supervise the 25 students while visiting historical sites, preparing the students for an International Cultural Festival, and assisting in one day conference at U.S. Department of State.
• July 2 – 29: Return to Boston – See full list of responsibilities below.
• July 29 – August 3: Travel on educational tour to Seneca Falls, New York and New York City assisting the five Simmons College faculty and staff in all activities.

Resident Director will:

• Arrive in advance of students for training and planning purposes.
• Have 24/7 on-call responsibilities.
• Reside on campus for the duration of the (four week) program around the clock and travel to Washington D.C. and New York.
• Live in a residence hall with the 20 African students, five Richardson International Fellows and three Program Assistants.
• Foster a welcoming, safe, supportive, and monitored environment that also ensures adherence to the U.S. Department of State guidelines.
• Manage all logistical concerns in residence and provide logistical support for the program assisting in the coordination and execution of co-curricular activities.
• Facilitate community building activities (for example, ice breakers and team building)
• Supervise Program Assistants.
• Serve as the primary emergency contact person and respond to all emergent matters in consultation with the Assistant Dean for Student Life

• Create an inclusive and supportive environment through individual connections with students and by encouraging connections between the exchange students and the Simmons students.
• Share knowledge of Simmons and Boston area resources.
• Serve as a mentor to all program participants.
• Be responsible for guiding the peer mentoring of the African students, working closely with the Program Assistants and the Simmons community
• Coordinate excursions for African students accompanied by Program Assistants.
• Conduct office administrative tasks in support of the program as needed.
• Not be permitted to hold other concurrent employment or class obligations during the program.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s and Master’s degree preferred (Individuals with nontraditional academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.)
• Residential life experience
• Experience with international students preferred
• Demonstrable appreciation and understanding of diversity
• Strong organizational skills
• Management experience
• Effective communication skills
• Team building skills
• Conflict resolution/mediation skills
• Crisis management skills

Selection for the Resident Director will be based on a completed application and interview with strong consideration of a candidate’s experience in residential life, student staff supervision, and a demonstrated positive work ethic.

The Resident Director will report to Raymond Ou, Assistant Dean for Student Life.

Compensation includes a generous salary, room & board, free travel to Washington D.C. and New York, and access to campus facilities (e.g. library, sports center, etc.).

Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, please submit by March 14th, 2014. A decision will be made on or before March 28th.

To apply: https://simmonscollege.wufoo.com/forms/resident-director-application/