Assistant Resident Director
The Assistant Resident Director (ARD) position is a 10-month, live-on, 20-hour-a-week, master's or doctoral-seeking student who collaborates with a Resident Director to assist with the management of a residential area. The ARD reports to a Resident Director (RD) and indirectly to the Residential Community and Support (RCS) Leadership Team.
Position Summary
Assistant Residence Directors (ARDs) work with the Residential Services team to foster an inclusive residential environment that fulfills the mission, goals, and vision of the Division of Student Affairs. ARDs are 10-month, 20-hour-a-week, master’s or doctoral-seeking students who live on campus and collaborate with a Resident Director to provide overall management of a residential area. The ARD reports to a Resident Director. This position includes working with diverse groups of students, staff, and faculty in a rigorous academic environment.
An Assistant Resident Director should be well-organized and able to work in a fast-paced, complex organization with daily priority changes. A successful ARD should possess excellent interpersonal communication, organization, administration, and supervision skills as well as a commitment to educate students, engage the community, and enrich the Northwestern experience.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Assists in the development of an inclusive community in a select area of campus consisting of multiple halls, housing from 600-1000 students
- Assists in the coordination of the overall administrative management of a residential area including but not limited to: implementation of the Residential Experience Framework, supporting residential colleges, managing occupancy and facilities, assisting with access control, supporting conduct and community standards processes, managing facilities opening/closing, and ensuring good stewardship of finances
- Directly supervise 4-6 Resident Assistant (RA) student leaders. Co-supervise and co-facilitate the recruitment, training, and development of up to 18 RAs with a full-time Resident Director
- Develop meaningful relationships with students by providing opportunities for growth and development
- Serve in the 24/7 on-duty rotation, responding to significant student issues and crises as necessary
- Serve as a student conduct administrator and adjudicate violations of residential and University policies and procedures
- Serve on at least one departmental committee
- Utilize technology including but not limited to: Maxient, eRezLife, WhenToWork, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft 365, RMS Mercury, and KeyTrak®
- Other duties as assigned
- Duties and assignments are subject to change at the discretion of the RCS Leadership Team; the amount of time devoted to each area may vary from time to time
Compensation
The ARD will receive a $1000.00 monthly stipend (10 months) plus housing accommodations and a meal plan to use when the campus dining halls are open. Please note, candidates selected for this position will not receive any additional benefits beyond the stipend, apartment, and meal plan stated above. The ARD can purchase a faculty/staff parking pass through Parking Services, but it is not provided by Residential Services. We are not able to offer a tuition waiver, health insurance, or other benefits.
Minimum Qualifications
An ideal candidate will have previous experience living on a college or university campus, or comparable boarding experience. ARDs must enroll in a graduate program for the entire 2024-2025 academic year. Priority will be given to students enrolled at Northwestern University.
The ARD position requires the ability to review written documents, manuals, and online materials; operate office equipment including computers, cell phones, printer equipment as well as being able to assist others in doing so; and lift and carry at least 10 pounds. The ARD position requires the ability to monitor social and educational activities, recognize fire alarms, and recognize facial features for security purposes. The ARD must be able to ascend stairways and have the ability to identify potential safety hazards and to be able to monitor adherence to rules and policies. The ARD must have sufficient abilities to provide clear instructions and directions in emergency situations where rapid and clear communication is essential.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with front desk operations and/or community development. Experience working with high-achieving and diverse students in an academically rigorous environment. Experience with the implementation and assessment of student learning outcomes. Experience as a Resident Assistant (RA) or similar position as an undergraduate.
Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE) program at Northwestern or a comparable student affairs/higher education program at another institution will be given priority.
Application Process
Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are closed. For questions related to the Assistant Resident Director role, please email selection@northwestern.edu. The 2025-2026 academic year applications will open in the Winter Quarter of 2025.
About Northwestern University
Recognized both nationally and internationally for the quality of its educational programs at all levels, Northwestern University is a private institution founded in 1851. The University has two campuses located on Lake Michigan: a 240-acre campus in Evanston, the first suburb north of Chicago, and a 25-acre campus in Chicago. Northwestern also has a campus in Education City, Doha. Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) offers undergraduate degree programs in communication and journalism.
Northwestern combines innovative teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment that transcends traditional academic boundaries. It has distinguished itself by encouraging innovation and integrating experiences across fields. Northwestern provides students, faculty, and staff exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth in a setting enhanced by the richness of Chicago.
Northwestern’s Residential Services program serves nearly 4,200 undergraduates and nearly 650 graduate students in more than 30 residence halls, residential colleges, and graduate apartments. Visit our website for more information about the department’s mission and operations: http://www.northwestern.edu/living/.