Assistant Resident Director
The ARD position is a 10-month, live-in, 20 hour a week, master's seeking student who collaborates with the Resident Director to assist with overall management of a residential area. The ARD reports to a Resident Director and indirectly to an Area Coordinator and Assistant Director in Residential Services.
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 seeking students who live-in and collaborate with the 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 competitive 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 opening/closing, and ensuring good stewardship of finances
- Directly supervise 4-6 student staff members. Co-supervise and co-facilitate the recruitment, training, and development of up to 18 student staff members with a full-time Resident Director
- Develop meaningful relationships with students by providing opportunities for growth and development
- Co-advise the Area Council
- Serve in the on-duty rotation responding to significant student issues as necessary
- Opportunity to serve as a student conduct administrator and adjudicate violations of Residence Hall and University policies and procedures
- Serve on at least one departmental committee
- Utilize technology including but not limited to: Maxient, eRezLife, When to Work, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft 365, RMS Mercury, and KeyTrak®
- Other duties as assigned
- Duties and assignments are subject to change at the discretion of the department Director, Assistant Director, Area Coordinator or Resident Director; 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, the candidate selected for this position will not receive any additional benefits, other than the stipend, apartment and meal plan stated above. The ARD can purchase a faculty/staff parking pass through parking services, but is not covered by the department. We are not able to offer a tuition waiver, health insurance, or other benefits.
Minimum Qualifications
A successful candidate will have the following qualifications: Undergraduate experience living on campus. Enrolled in a graduate program at Northwestern University or other local institution for the entire 2023-2024 academic year.
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 a fast-paced environment. Experience with the implementation and assessment of student learning outcomes. Experience as a Resident Assistant (RA) or similar position as an undergrad.
Enrolled in the Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy program at Northwestern or comparable program at another local institution.
Application Process
Applications for the 2023-2024 academic year are closed. Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year will open in January 2024.
Please direct questions about the ARD application process to:
Travis D. Schilla
Assistant Director, Residential Services
travis.schilla@northwestern.edu
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/.