Resident Director

The Resident Director (RD) oversees a dynamic living-learning residential area for high school students at A Better Chance in Lower Merion.

THE ROLE

This live-in position oversees the ABC LM residence and academic support program and provides a living learning experience for our students that is welcoming and inclusive and a place where all students feel that they matter and belong.

YOU lead the administration and management of the overall residence life program through serving approximately 8-10 students (currently 4) by providing 24-hour oversight of our boarding and academic program.

YOU are the heart of our program and your primary responsibility is to foster individual growth and personal development of our students as they journey through high school ensuring that they are happy, healthy and graduate high school and are accepted to a college of their choice.

YOU are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the program, as well as ensuring the health and welfare of the scholars.

YOU serve as the head of the household, acts as a “surrogate parent”, and are responsible for their academic, physical, and emotional success. Along with the Resident Tutors, the Resident Director creates a “home-away-from-home” atmosphere with a sense of family unity for those living in the ABCLM house.

YOU ensure the success of the academic and extra-curricular activities of the students, including establishing and maintaining high standards of academic conduct and achievement.

YOU are responsible for communication with relevant parties including, but not limited to, board members, high school personnel, coaches, scholars’ families, and host families.

Additional Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operations and maintenance of our ABC LM residence;
• Ensure scholars abide by all program rules and house policies as stated in the Student Handbook;
• Ensure the safety of the scholars in every way, knowing where they are at all times;
• Maintain high standards of academic achievement and personal conduct for the scholars, consistently leading by example;
• Ensure that scholars are up and prepared for the bus each school morning;
• Supervise the daily activities of the scholars and show genuine interest by attending their extracurricular activities and supporting their interests;
• Maintain regular contact with the Executive Committee, House Relations Chairperson, scholars’ families, and have periodic contact with host families and high school personnel;
• Coordinate with Resident Tutors to always ensure coverage at the house;
• Plan regular weekend activities in which the entire house will participate;
• Supervise and share responsibility for driving scholars to academic and extracurricular functions as needed;
• Lead family-style dinners Sunday – Thursday evenings;
• Assist scholars with planning and carrying out social and cultural activities;
• Supervise and coordinate with the Cook for meal planning and food shopping;
• Supervise Resident Tutors;
• Help recruit potential students and residential staff;
• Support fundraising initiatives;
• Manage the household funds, submitting accurate monthly reports to the Finance Committee Chairperson;
• Prepare the house for the upcoming school year ensuring appropriate maintenance, cleaning, organization, supplies and foods are in place;
• Lead student orientation;
• Maintain program, house, and student records, as needed;
• Attend monthly Board and Committee meetings.
• Follow-up on and document incidents, provide direction to Tutors, contact other professionals around facilities, health and public health concerns (e.g., pandemic), emotional and behavioral emergencies, suicidal behavior, sexual assaults, and police activity; liaise with medical facilities/hospitals; and appropriately notify parents and guardians and the Board;
• Serve as essential personnel in emergency and crisis situations involving such areas as natural disasters, power failures, and other threats to student safety.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience;
• Experience working with adolescent youth and possess an understanding of specific issues facing young male students of color;
• Maturity, leadership, good judgment, integrity, strong communication and decision-making skills, as well as a collaborative and respectful nature;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including attending the house at least 1 weekend per month and Sunday-Thursday afternoons or evenings;
• Ability and intent to serve as Resident Director for at least one full academic year. Candidates are strongly encouraged to make a multi-year commitment to the program;
• Must have a valid state of PA driver’s license and an excellent driving record, both of which must be maintained during entire course of employment.

The Resident Director(s) may be employed full or part-time elsewhere or attend school, provided it does not interfere with carrying out all the responsibilities listed above.Married Resident Directors may share responsibilities, provided there is always coverage at the residence when scholars are present.

Compensation:

Compensation includes a separate 2-bedroom apartment within the main house and monthly stipend paid September – June. Utilities are paid all year. Board is provided during the academic school year. Additionally, if your child is of K-12 school age, he/she may be eligible to attend the Lower Merion school district.

Compensation:

Compensation includes a separate 2-bedroom apartment within the main house and monthly stipend paid September – June. Utilities are paid all year. Board is provided during the academic school year. Additionally, if your child is of K-12 school age, he/she may be eligible to attend the Lower Merion school district.

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