Resident Assistant - The Hersey Scholars Program bei The Hotchkiss School

Resident Assistant

The Hersey Scholars Program in Boston, MA

Department:    Humanities & Social Science Department

FLSA:                 Exempt Staff

Job Status:       Temporary

Reports to:       Director of Academic Research Programs

Schedule:          June 7th - June 19th, 2026

Travel:              Occasional

Housing:           Room and board provided

Compensation: $2,000

Program Description:

The Hersey Scholars Program provides a select group of ten Hotchkiss students a unique opportunity to participate in a two-week residency program at Harvard’s Houghton & Schlesinger Libraries, the Boston Public Library, and The Massachusetts Historical Society. There, students conduct primary source archival research in history, politics, cultural studies, economics, and philosophy.  

Taking place over the course of two weeks each June, the program’s participants live in Boston and undertake their work in Boston. Hersey Scholars spend their days researching in the libraries and their evenings in advising sessions.

Position Description:

The Hotchkiss School seeks a Resident Assistant to support student scholars in their residential and program needs. The Resident Assistant, supervised by program faculty, will be responsible for the physical and emotional wellbeing of students in the Hersey Scholars Program at meals, during breaks from scheduled study and activities during the day and evenings, on field trips, as well as overnight in the dormitory. The Resident Assistant plays an important role in creating and maintaining an effective learning environment. The Resident Assistant is expected to create a welcome, safe, and friendly environment for students, participating willingly and reliably in all areas and upholding program guidelines for the enjoyment and safety of all students. As an advisor and mentor, the Resident Assistant is expected to conform to the highest standards of personal integrity and professional principles, reflecting a model presence in their duties and care of program students.  

The ideal candidate will also be prepared to assist the program faculty in their work with students on their research. Therefore, some background and interest in primary-source historical research is preferred.  

Since this position entails direct pastoral care of high-school students in a dormitory setting, some experience working with teenagers in a boarding environment is strongly preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in orientation prior to program commencement. Orientation includes a review of the program schedule, expectations and program guidelines, as well as safety procedures.
• The Resident Assistant will be responsible for completing on-line training before the program commences. This training includes boundary training, required State of CT Department of Children and Families Mandated Reporter Training and Sexual Harassment Prevention Training.  
• Assist Program Director with any student arrival and departure needs. 
• Counsel, support and guide students as needed. 
• Eat communal meals with students. 
• Monitor and support evening study. 
• Follow guidelines for student check-in in dormitories each evening. 
• Identify and communicate with the Program Director, any emergent need that warrants immediate support ensuring student safety and well-being.  
• Support other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in setting schedules for and enforcing policies in a group setting.
• Attentiveness to the wellbeing of others.
• Expertise in and passion for history and/or primary-source historical research.
• Previous experience working with high-school students in a residential setting.

Educations, Training, and Experience 

• Some College is required.  A Bachelors or higher educational degree is preferred.
• A pleasant, friendly attitude and courteous demeanor.
• Excellent communication skills
• Attention to detail and precision, responsible, and eager to work hard and to adapt

Work Conditions 

• Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in activities and other essential program support which may include a full range of motion and mobility
• Must live in dormitories and help supervise program participants
• Must be able to perform a variety of tasks indoors as well as outdoors
• Must be in residence for the full duration of the program

Application Information 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé/CV. The School is committed to building and supporting a diverse community where all feel safe, seen, and supported. Successful applicants will address their ability to contribute to a warm, inclusive, and exciting learning environment. 

The Hotchkiss School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline and termination).  In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Located in the scenic Berkshire-Taconic landscape in the quiet northwest corner of Connecticut, The Hotchkiss School is a community in which faculty and staff members build careers and grow as professionals. We seek to identify, recruit, and develop faculty and staff members who bring a diversity of experiences, perspectives, talents, and backgrounds. Collectively, we are dedicated to supporting the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of nearly 600 students who come from around the country and the world.

In the 2024-2025 school year, our student body includes 37% of students receiving financial aid, 14% international students, and 42% domestic students of color. Geographically diverse, our students represent 38 states, 34 countries, and span 6 continents. The School is eager to accept applications from individuals who are excited to support an inclusive and warm learning community for students from a wide array of backgrounds and experiences.