Upward Bound Head Resident Advisor

Job Summary

Upward Bound Program is a pre-collegiate program based at Rollins College that provides college-preparatory programs and assisting resources to 72 college-bound high school students from Orange County Public Schools District (Jones, Evans, Wekiva, and OakRidge. Our students are motivated learners from socioeconomic backgrounds considered statistically less likely to complete a four-year degree. They range from general level to honors to Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate.

The Pre-Collegiate Programs Office at Rollins College is seeking a Head Resident Advisor (RA) for the summer Upward Bound Program.

This is a summer live-in temporary position from June 21, 2025 - July 2, 2026 (approximately three weeks, not including Fridays and Saturdays for student engagement). Reporting to the Upward Bound Program Coordinator, Assistant Director, and Director, this position provides experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, or other qualified individuals, wishing to gain practical experience in working with youth in academic and social development. Our Head Resident Advisors will be living and working with high school students in a college dormitory Sunday evenings through Thursday evenings. Through this position, an RA will enhance leadership, organizational, problem-solving and communication skills in a safe, educational environment, while enhancing their ability to establish and maintain meaningful student relationships. The RA will lead students in recreational activities with a social skill-building focus.

Primary Responsibilities

• Providing leadership to the program's residential component.
• Supervising high school students.
• Planning and developing student activities.
• Advising students with regard to their adaptability to a college campus and discipline issues in collaboration with the other Residential Advisor, Program Director, Program Coordinator, and other staff members.
• Implementing and enforcing residence hall and college policies and safety procedures.
• Organizing study groups, tutorials, discussion sessions and other academic and social activities.
• Assisting with the program's meals component.
• Assisting with the implementation and coordination of summer goals, objectives, and evaluation procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates selected for the Head Resident Advisor position are expected to participate in a summer training session two weeks before the Upward Bound summer component begins from June 3-5, 2026.

• Experience working with teenagers in a camp setting or a residence hall.
• Relevant academic background that reflects a commitment to academic excellence.
• Must be at least 20 years of age.
• Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Level 2 Background Screening Requirement
Once an offer of employment is made, the candidate must pass a Florida Level 2 Background Screening prior to their start date. The cost of the fingerprinting is the responsibility of the candidate. The cost is approximately $70.00+ and payment is collected when the appointment is scheduled.

Upward Bound Resident Advisors cannot start working until all background screening results are returned and cleared or until they have received an approved exemption.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with high school aged youth.
• Direct experience working as a Resident Advisor.
• Undergraduate or graduate students pursuing an advanced degree in human development, education, counseling, or related fields.

Additional Position Information

Resident Advisors live on campus and are required to work while students are on campus. Candidates selected for the Resident Advisor positions are expected to participate in a summer training session two weeks before the Upward Bound summer component begins.

• Service Months: June 3 - July 2, 2026
• Student Move-In: June 18th
• Student Move-Out: July 2nd
• Work Hours:
  • Morning: Breakfast 7:00-8:00am
  • Morning Meeting: 8:10-8:30am
  • Personal Time: 8:30-3:00pm (RA on-duty)
  • Afternoon/Evening: 3:15-11:00pm (overnight with students)
• Work Schedule:
  • Sunday-Thursday
  • RA's are off on Friday and Saturday
  • Students check-in on Sunday evenings (3:00pm) and return home on Thursday afternoons.
• Compensation:
  • $21.50 per hour
  • Room and board (housing and meals) provided (Meals are not provided on Friday-Saturday).
  • There are no benefits associated with this position.

Instructions to Applicants

To apply, please submit an application and upload the following materials:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter (optional)

Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until positions are filled.