TechGirls Youth Group Leader / Resident Assistant (Summer, Temp, Residential)

TechGirls connects and supports the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by providing them access and opportunities to advance their skills and pursue their dreams. TechGirls is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is administered by Legacy International.

Dates: June 20-August 1, 2023. (Temp. Full time, on site beginning July 2. Remote work is not an option.)

As a TechGirls’ Youth Group Leader/Resident Assistant you will help guide young women who are the future of STEM through a cross-cultural immersion on the campus of Virginia Tech University (Blacksburg, VA) and in Washington, DC. This exchange is life changing; supported and facilitated by our staff team of compassionate and courageous women.

• There will be 12 Group Leaders/Resident Assistants as part of the 18-member team serving 111 international teens and 15 U.S. teens. Staff create a safe, secure, and rich learning environment in-person with virtual-hybrid components.
• Each Youth Group Leader/Resident Assistant mentors one small group of approximately 10-12 girls throughout the 3-week intensive program, assisting individual girls to meet the demands of the program.
• Staff guide students through leadership development activities including guest speakers, technical instruction and, most importantly, the lessons they learn from one another. 
• Staff assist in facilitating 4-5 leadership clinics, group-building and orientation activities, cultural sharing sessions, reflections circles, and university/career readiness workshops. Throughout the three-week experience, we help students design community-based projects which they implement upon return home. 

Qualifications - Our Leaders are:  

• Previous resident assistants or advisors OR have group leading experience with teens;
• Ages 20 and older (Rising college juniors or seniors may apply);
• Professional, flexible, resilient, resourceful, and proactive;
• Good decision makers, able to establish and change priorities according to needs of participants/program;
• Possess prior peer leadership experience and enjoy spending time with high school students;
• Strong curriculum development, facilitation and/or group building skills;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and a high level of social and emotional intelligence;
• Have a passion for tech and gender empowerment and come from a wide variety of backgrounds;
• Willing to put their students’ learning and development ahead of their own experience;
• Willing to work in an intensive, cross-cultural environment with limited personal time;
• Prior international travel is a plus but not required; and
• Ready for an intense, challenging, and rewarding summer!
• You do not need to have a STEM or tech background to be a great addition to the team. 
• First Aid and CPR certification is a plus, but not required.
• NOTE: Must be a U.S Citizen or Permanent Resident. 

Key Dates & Workflow: These are temporary, full time, residential positions from June 20 to August 1, 2023. (Dates are subject to minor adjustments.)

• June 20-24: Virtual Staff Training
• July 2-6: In-person staff training and program set-up at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
• July 7-8: Assist with arrivals in Washington, DC OR set-up at Virginia Tech
• July 9-21: Virginia Tech Program, Blacksburg, VA
• July 22-25: TechGirls divide up and go to one of six U.S communities. Group leader/RAs may accompany a subgroup or take time to close down Virginia Tech dorms and prepare for Washington DC
• July 26-31: Program wrap-up in Washington DC
• August 1: Youth and Staff departures

See full job description for more information and how to apply!

We are reviewing candidates on a rolling basis as applications are received, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, well before June 12, 2023.