Resident Directors

Mission Statement of Winchester ABC

A Better Chance (ABC) is a national non-profit organization that provides academically talented minority scholars with an opportunity to attend outstanding public and private secondary schools throughout the United States. Winchester ABC is a chapter of ABC National.

At Winchester A Better Chance, we offer our scholars the opportunity to learn in an excellent educational program that affirms and nurtures their academic potential and allows them to participate in the arts, community service, athletics and other extracurricular activities. Our mission is to ensure that each Winchester ABC Scholar develops the confidence and independence necessary to not only succeed in college, but also to be active, effective contributors to society. Through our program, we also strive to ensure that Winchester ABC Scholars share their talent, energy and diverse experiences with the Winchester High School community and the Winchester community as a whole.

Role of Resident Directors

The Resident Directors (RDs) oversee a dynamic living-learning residence for six to eight highly motivated male students of color as they attend Winchester High School. This live-in position oversees the ABC residence and support program and provides a living learning experience for students that is warm, welcoming, inclusive and structured. The Resident Director role is central to the success of the Winchester ABC program. By creating a structured, supportive, and nurturing home environment, Resident Directors play a critical role in shaping scholars’ academic success, personal growth, and sense of belonging.

Primary Charge: The RDs’ primary charge is to serve as in loco parentis and as such, make the residence a place where all scholars feel safe, comfortable, and that they matter and belong. The RDs must be committed to providing scholars with the tools needed to thrive in the ABC Program, the high school and the greater community while creating a sense of community in the ABC House. The RDs are expected to maintain a combination of empathy, compassion, clarity, constructive communication, guidance, structure, and limits when necessary informed by best diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

Key Relationships: The RDs work closely with the ABC President, Vice President, Board of Directors, scholars' parents/guardians, and host families. Additionally, they will supervise the House Chef. They will also communicate as needed with teachers, guidance counselors, and the larger community. RDs meet on a weekly basis with the President and attend monthly board meetings. They may need to meet with various members of the WABC ecosystem to provide updates on each scholar and the group as a whole, share progress and concerns, and collaborate to solve problems and keep the program as safe and joyful as possible.

• Serve as primary conduit with parents and guardians of scholars on all matters except academics.
• Serve as primary representative of Winchester ABC in the community, including sharing images & video of special House moments with ABC Social Media Coordinator, participating in fundraising and special events as required by the Board.
• Work with Academic Advisors and Resident Tutor to ensure scholars are able to meet their academic and social duties, including the coordination of tutors.
• Consult with the Admissions/Student Selection Committee.
• Coordinate and oversee House Chef (who provides dinner 4 days during the week), as well as contractors who assist in maintenance of house and grounds.
• Work with the House & Grounds Manager who oversees contractors and physical plant services as needed.
• Participate in monthly Board meetings, scholar selection, and host family meetings. May also include additional meetings as deemed necessary by the Board.
• Work with service providers to manage the Winchester ABC House including daily maintenance and provide proper stewardship of other Winchester ABC assets and resources.

Health and Wellness: The Resident Director works closely with families to coordinate medical needs and support scholars' overall health and wellness, including nutrition, exercise, and mental health resources. While dinners Monday to Thursday are provided by the Chef, the Resident Directors will be responsible for stocking the kitchen with food for healthy breakfasts and snacks.

Daily Structure Supervised: The RDs oversee a structured daily schedule including morning preparation and departure, after-school athletics and enrichment, weekly family-style dinner and check-in, and nightly study hours.

Professional Development: RDs must attend initial on-boarding training in all aspects of the role, including inclusivity practices, and additional professional development during the school year. RDs have access to the program’s DEI Consultant, group therapist, and others to get support and consultation as needed.

Compensation/Benefits: We offer a salary of $25,000 with an opportunity for bonuses in December and June, housing year-round with meals during the school year (meals will not be provided during breaks and summer vacations; housing includes internet and utilities). The RDs live at the ABC house in a private space on the third floor and have shared use of the rest of the house. The RDs may have jobs from 9am to 5pm, but will be “on call” in case of emergencies and in communication with the scholars after school. Time off is every Sunday (12-8pm) when scholars are with host families, one weekend a month when they are also with host families, and also one weekend a month when the Resident Tutor/Weekend Mentor are in charge. Time off also includes school vacations and summers (July and August) when the RDs have use of the house.

Evaluation of Fulfilment of Duties: The RD role is renewable annually based on sufficient fulfillment of duties. The President keeps RDs apprised on a continual basis regarding how well they are fulfilling their duties, and provides clear and constructive guidance when indicated to address areas in need of improvement. Additionally, scholars are provided with the opportunity to provide continual feedback on RD actions that promote a sense of safety and belonging and actions that could be improved to better promote a sense of safety and belonging.

Qualifications:

Qualified candidates, whether an individual or a couple, will:

• Have experience working with youth or have raised children of their own.
• Have a demonstrated commitment to working with underserved youth and/or prior experience in an educational, youth development, or youth counseling setting.
• Be team players, able to work cooperatively with other adults to support our scholars’ development and well-being.
• Have proven organizational skills.
• Have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
• Have an understanding of nonprofit, volunteer organizations.
• Have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Pass a criminal background check.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a compassionate, organized, and steady presence who can balance structure with warmth. They are comfortable setting boundaries, building relationships with teenagers, and working collaboratively within a mission-driven community.

Application Process: Interested applicants should submit resume and cover letter to: Admin@winchesterabc.org

For more information about the Winchester ABC Program, visit our website at: www.winchesterabc.org

This position includes free housing-- a three-bedroom suite with living room, full bathroom, and kitchenette-- in Winchester Center. Dinners Monday to Thursday are also included. All utilities and Wi-Fi are also included.

English. Spanish helpful as well.