Residence Director Position, Pre-First Year Program (Temp Non-Exempt Co-op/Non-Penn Student Worker)

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

Residence Director Position, Pre-First Year Program (Temp Non-Exempt Co-op/Non-Penn Student Worker)

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee – Co-op Worker

Job Description Summary

During summer 2024, this is an eight-week, ‘live-in’/residential position. Commitment dates for the 2024 Pre-First Year Program are Friday June 21st -Saturday August 17th. This is a Temporary Non-Exempt Co-op position intended for Non-Penn Student Workers

Job Description

During summer 2024, this is an eight-week, ‘live-in’/residential position. Commitment dates for the 2024 Pre-First Year Program are Friday June 21st -Saturday August 17th.  This is a Temporary Non-Exempt Co-op position intended for Non-Penn Student Workers

Overview :

The Pre-First Year Program (PFP) is an academically rigorous and intensive four-week summer program preceding New Student Orientation (NSO). Program participants receive comprehensive support services that begin with PFP and continue throughout the students’ undergraduate experience at Penn. PFP is a chance for participating students to get an academic and social edge, while quickly becoming familiar with campus resources and the Penn community. The program, while academic in nature, encourages students to form lasting bonds of friendships through regular social and cultural activities.

Reporting to the Pre-First Year Program (PFP) Director,

The Residence Director (RD) is responsible for working closely with the program Director to ensure that the Pre-First Year Program (PFP) runs smoothly and effectively by monitoring the daily activities of PFP in the residence halls and providing direct supervision to peer mentors during co-curricular programs. The RD must be willing to enforce program rules and policies. The RD must also be able to handle crisis and/or emergency situations that may arise. Experience working in residential life and knowledge of campus resources beneficial to first-year students is required.

Duties and required skills:

• Monitor the day-to-day activities of PFP students living in Penn residences, ensuring that program rules and policies are being followed
• Participate in a shared duty rotation, providing round-the-clock responsiveness to student needs during assigned shifts;
• Help ensure a peaceful and respectful residential environment by managing situations as they arise using conflict resolution and restorative justice practices
• Provide direct supervision to peer mentors who will also be living in residence; coaching and guiding them as necessary
• Plan activities that promote and increase team performance and morale among peer mentors
• Assist with fostering a sense of community during Peer Mentor training and throughout the program
• Provide oversight to weekly student-lead programming and workshops
• Attend daily staff meetings with program Director
• Conduct daily staff meetings with Peer Mentors
• Assist with designing flyers, planning and promoting community engagement events, and working closely with Associate Director managing PFP social media platforms
• Work closely with regular Penn staff supporting PFP’s mission
• Carry out administrative responsibilities as assigned to support strategic goals of PFP

Qualifications :

• Graduate students with Housing and Residence Life experience preferred
• Experience working with high school and/or college-aged populations
• Ability and willingness to enforce program rules and policies as needed
• Strong leadership, supervisory, organizational, and administrative skills
• Attentive to details, and solutions oriented
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Multicultural competency, understanding of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), and awareness of intersecting identities
• A strong sense of self-awareness and professional etiquette
• Familiarity with online platforms such as Canvas, Canva, Teams, Microsoft Office, Newsletters and Social Media platforms 
• Administrators or teachers in a high school setting strongly preferred

Interviews will commence immediately and continue, on a rolling basis, until the position is filled.

This is a Temporary Non-Exempt Co-op position intended for Non-Penn Student Workers

The hourly rate for this position is $25/hr at 40 hrs/week, plus a free private apartment and weekday meals. This position is full-time with around-the-clock responsibilities.

Job Location – City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Provost’s Center

Pay Range

$7.25 – $25.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile. 

Affirmative Action Statement 
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 
Background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.