SAVY Organized Recreational Activities Assistant

Programs for Talented Youth, Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Organized Recreational Activities (ORA) Assistant supports the ORA Instructor and students in Vanderbilt’s Summer Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young (SAVY), a summer day program for academically advanced students in rising grades 1–8. Students attend one course per week, with a 25–30-minute daily PE or structured-recess period provided as non-academic time. The assistant helps students and instructors throughout the program and supports the safe, smooth operation of each SAVY day.

The position is in person in Nashville, Tennessee, and reports to the Director, Day Programs. Staff training is June 2–4. Assistants should be available for at least three sessions; start dates are flexible, and staff may work multiple sessions without committing to all seven weeks. Preference is given to applicants available for multiple summer weeks. The standard schedule is approximately 7:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m. Mondays and 8:15 a.m.–4:15 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Compensation is $16.00 per hour. The role is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive and the Master’s Degree/Educator or Counselor Certification incentive.

Requirements

• Experience and interest in working with children.
• Successfully pass Vanderbilt University’s criminal background check.
• Complete online training for working with minors.
• Agree to and follow all duties outlined in staff materials before, during, and after the program.
• Be able to work in a fast-paced, demanding environment requiring flexibility, adaptability, collaboration, and compassion.
• Demonstrate professionalism, a strong work ethic, and integrity.
• Be willing to work toward the collective goals of the SAVY program and contribute as an enthusiastic team player.
• Show cultural and personal awareness of the community.

Nice To Haves

• Teaching experience.
• Experience working with academically gifted students.
• Availability to work multiple weeks during the summer.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a role model for student participants and colleagues.
• Supervise students and support accountability for program schedules and policies.
• Help facilitate SAVY arrival and dismissal car lines.
• Adhere to and support compliance with program and university policies, including protection-of-minors requirements, guidelines, and regulations.
• Provide additional program support as determined by administrative staff.
• Set up ORA activities and perform other duties needed for the smooth operation of the program day.
• Assist with time management and class schedules.
• Support and lead student transitions around campus.
• Assist with classroom materials as needed.
• Assist with classroom management and student engagement during ORA time.
• Coordinate with ORA instructors before the program, as needed, to prepare session activities.
• Communicate students’ social-emotional needs to appropriate staff.
• Work with K–8 students, establish ORA expectations, and support students in meeting them.
• Follow PTY confidentiality policies and SAVY community values, regulations, expectations, and staff-material duties before, during, and after the program.

Benefits

• Returning PTY seasonal staff incentive eligibility.
• Master’s Degree/Educator or Counselor Certification incentive eligibility.
• Competitive compensation.
• Opportunity to invest in the lives of gifted and high-achieving young scholars.
• Work on the campus of a nationally known institution.
• A unique experience to add to a résumé.
• Join a team of staff passionate about developing talent in gifted and high-ability students.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed