VCUarts Summer Pre-College Program 2026 - Residence Life (Head and Assistant Head - two positions)

Virginia Commonwealth University • Richmond, VA

7d • $4,500 - $5,500 • Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Commonwealth University, School of the Arts (VCUarts) seeks a
highly responsible, driven, and organized Head of Residence Life and an
Assistant Head of Residence Life to provide supervision and leadership during
the VCUarts Summer Pre-College Program for High School Students and Counselors.
The Summer Pre-College Program at VCUarts is a three-week program that offers
rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to take one
non-credit course at VCUarts.

The Head and Assistant Head of Residence Life are essential leadership positions
in the Summer Pre-College Program at Virginia Commonwealth University, School of
the Arts (VCUarts). The Head and Assistant Head of Residence Life will oversee
all aspects of the residential experience. These professional positions will
supervise and support the Summer Pre-College Counseling team and will ensure
that the team of counselors provides a superior quality experience for each
participant. Since program participants are minors, these roles assume the
utmost responsibility for ensuring the conduct, safety, and overall well-being
of the students living on-site. These positions will enable students to
contribute to and be a part of a population of faculty, staff, and students from
all backgrounds and experiences, while also promoting VCU and encouraging
program participants to apply to an arts program. The Assistant Head of
Residence Life will also serve as backup to the Head of Residence Life.

The Head and Assistant Head of Residence Life must live on campus with the high
school students during the program date. These positions require a strong
commitment, including night and weekend shifts, as well as daytime duties. The
Head and Assistant Head of Residence Life must be team players and lead the team
of counselors in overseeing the students during the three-week program. The
ability to clearly and assertively address major and minor infractions and
misunderstandings is a must.

The Head and Assistant Head of Residence Life are expected to serve as
ambassadors of the University and of the School of the Arts to students and
their parents. These positions are required to be available for in-person
program preparation in mid-June and July and have their own transportation. The
Head and Assistant Head of Residence Life will also attend mandatory training on
July 11th.
The Residence Life positions are also required to complete all
applicable training specific to working with minors in a university setting.

The Head of Residence Life and Assistant Head of Residence Life will be
identified and determined based on the required and preferred experience and
education of the selected candidate.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Education or a related field, and/or professional training and experience that equates to a graduate degree.
• Significant training and work experience with high school students.
• Outstanding communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including a high level of patience and sensitivity, as well as a commitment to meet the needs of the students at all times
• Ability to provide leadership and to closely monitor the students throughout the program to ensure their safety
• A clear understanding of University and Residence Life policies, as well as the ability to monitor behavior and convey policies to the students
• A valid driver’s license and transportation
• The ability to walk long distances for extended periods
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Nice To Haves

• Previous substantial experience in residence life and counseling is strongly preferred, as is previous experience working in a summer arts program for high school students.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Manager