Vanderbilt Pre-College Residential Proctor (Summer 2027)

Programs for Talented Youth, Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN

13d • Onsite

About The Position

A Residential Proctor serves as an in-residence counselor and leader for a group of 6-14 middle through high school students during Vanderbilt Precollege, a residential program on Vanderbilt’s campus that serves academically advanced students. A Residential Proctor's primary responsibility is creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive residential community where students feel connected, supported, and valued. Successful Residential Proctors help students build friendships, navigate social and emotional challenges, and gain confidence while living in a college residential environment. Through leading creative and meaningful evening activities, facilitating daily team building and intentionally cultivating community, Residential Proctors are critical to enhancing academic and social experiences for students. This is a residential position that requires flexible weekend hours on Check-in/Check-out Days and during the weekends of program operation. Typical hours during Check-out days are from 6:30AM to 12:00PM. On Sundays, typical hours are from 11:00AM to 11:00PM with breaks included. Residential proctors can expect to work approximately 55-65 hours during an average week. Because students consistently identify their Residential Proctor as one of the most influential aspects of their PTY Precollege experience, Residential Proctors are expected to be actively engaged, visible, approachable, and invested in cultivating a positive residential experience for students throughout the session.

Requirements

• Current undergraduate or graduate student.
• Demonstrate ability to establish rapport and build positive relationships with adolescents.
• Strong interpersonal communication, active listening, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to balance student support and relationship-building with the consistent enforcement of policies and expectations.
• Comfort leading icebreakers, small group discussions, team-building activities, and community-building experiences.
• Experience in mentoring, teaching, advising, counseling, coaching, leading, or supporting adolescents in a youth development setting.
• Embody a strong team player ethic and sense of humor.
• Able to successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.
• Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors.
• Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials.
• Must be able to traverse distances of at least one mile, including stairs, with or without accommodation.
• Must be able to lift and/or maneuver at least 40 lbs. with or without accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Residential life, orientation leadership, camp counseling, peer mentoring, student affairs, or related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, mentor, and support a group of 6-14 students while intentionally fostering student belonging, engagement, and community.
• Maintain visibility and availability throughout assigned shifts so students know how and when to access support.
• Model empathy, professionalism, inclusiveness, integrity, healthy communication, and respect with both students and colleagues.
• Communicate policies clearly, explain expectations respectfully, and consistently enforce program rules while maintaining positive relationships with students.
• Create a physically safe, emotionally supportive, welcoming, and inclusive residential environment where students and colleagues feel known, respected, and connected.
• Learn student names quickly and make intentional efforts to help each student feel welcomed.
• Facilitate daily opportunities for community-building, friendship development, and meaningful social interaction.
• Actively engage with students during meals, floor time, free time, activities, and informal community-building opportunities.
• Facilitate Proctor Group Meetings (PGMs), icebreakers, reflection activities, and group discussions that build trust and connection.
• Share insights with students about college life including academic pathways, leadership opportunities, strategies for success, among other topics suitable for a Precollege setting.
• Remain in the residence hall overnight for each and every night Vanderbilt Precollege is in session with the exception of agreed upon 24-hour time-off periods (applicable only to 2-week sessions).
• Ensure student safety and accountability through attendance verification, headcounts, room checks, sign-out procedures, check-in/check-out processes, and supervision of residential and recreational spaces.
• Communicate schedules, program updates, weather-related changes, and policy reminders through approved communication channels.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, weather events, student health concerns, behavioral incidents, and other situations requiring staff intervention (and escalate issues to leadership as necessary).
• Co-create and implement age-appropriate and unforgettable recreational activities.
• Enthusiastically adapt and pivot as needed to ensure optimal, engaging, and safe student experiences.
• Collaborate with other Residential Proctors to ensure a positive community culture.
• Remain in frequent communication with the leadership team regarding student well-being and engagement.
• Assist with various administrative duties and processes to ensure smooth operations.
• Adhere to PTY Precollege policies related to confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with meals and private room in residence hall included.
• Gaining significant experience in student development, residential life, mentorship, community building, and youth leadership.
• Making a difference through investing in the lives of gifted and high achieving young scholars.
• Working at one of the most prestigious universities in the nation.
• Loving what you do while building your resume.
• Joining a team of dedicated staff who are passionate about developing talent in academically advanced students.
• $16.00/hr (plus housing and meals while Pre-College is in session)
• Eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
• Eligible for the Master’s Degree/ Educator or Counselor Certification incentive.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed