Resident Assistant, Summer Jazz Academy

Job Description

Job Description

Department: Education

Location: Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York

Program Dates: July 11–26, 2026

Employment Type: Temporary, Full-Time

Compensation: $2,200 gross for the full Summer Jazz Academy program. Compensation includes room, transportation, and board at Bard College and meals provided during the program.

About Jazz at Lincoln Center:

The mission of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Inc. (“JALC”) is to entertain, enrich and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy. From college students to young stars, from working professionals to celebrated masters, we present quality jazz for an ever-increasing audience in an unprecedented range of activities and a variety of venues. We are dedicated to lifting audiences and bringing people together with substance and with integrity. JALC has created a dynamic platform where our key constituents – jazz artists (beginner to grizzled veteran), fans (casual listeners to advanced scholars), educators (local band leaders to leading artist-educators) and advocates (local community advocates to important national promoters) – can meet, engage, learn, and work towards common objectives.

Position Description

The Resident Assistant (RA) is the primary support for high school students enrolled in the Summer Jazz Academy (SJA) at Bard College. RAs support the residential experience, community standards, personal wellbeing, and overall safety of students during the two-week program (July 11–26), 2026.

RAs serve as mentors and role models in behavior, communication, and professionalism. They help guide students in their personal growth, support their engagement in the program, and uphold all SJA residential and behavioral policies. While the RA role focuses on residential life—not music instruction—RAs work closely with program leadership, faculty, and staff to ensure that students have a safe, healthy, and productive experience on campus.

Resident Assistant Responsibilities

1. Residential Life & Community Support

• Share and maintain a healthy, inclusive, and respectful living environment with students (ages 15–18).
• Explain and uphold expectations for student behavior and ensure adherence to Summer Jazz Academy policies.
• Provide one-on-one personal or academic support as needed, including helping students navigate interpersonal, social, and daily-life challenges.
• Build positive community through daytime presence, engagement, and informal interactions.

2. Safety & Supervision

• Patrol residence halls during at night.
• Remain highly visible and accessible to students throughout the day (except during personal time).
• Respond calmly and effectively to emergencies or unexpected situations.
• Monitor student movement and ensure compliance with curfew, check-in systems, and safety guidelines.

3. Program & Operational Support

• Assist with daily residential operations, including attendance at meetings, student check-ins, and community activities.
• Support staff and leadership with logistical needs as assigned (e.g., helping maintain clean shared spaces, arranging furniture, distributing materials).
• Perform duties both indoors and outdoors, regardless of weather.

4. Professional Conduct & Self-Care

• Work cooperatively with peers, faculty, staff, and leadership to support a positive program environment.
• Serve as a responsible, mature role model for all students.
• Balance RA duties with personal wellbeing, maintaining adequate sleep, nutrition, and mental resilience.
• Carry out any other related responsibilities assigned by program administrative staff.

General Expectations

• Commitment to student safety, wellbeing, and a positive residential community.
• Ability to remain composed and supportive under pressure.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Physical ability to assist with occasional light logistical tasks.

Required Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to reside on campus for the duration of the program (July 11–26, 2026).
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, overnight shifts, and weekends.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergency or high-pressure situations.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in any of the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Summer camps, youth programs, or residential educational programs.
• Student leadership, orientation, residence life, or peer mentoring roles.
• Program coordination, event coordination, or youth engagement activities.
• Student supervision, safety monitoring, or behavioral support.
• Community building, group facilitation, or leadership development.
• Working with teenagers (ages 15–18) in educational, recreational, or residential settings.

Note: Music training or jazz experience is not required. Successful candidates will be selected based on their ability to support student wellbeing, foster community, and maintain a safe residential environment.

Jazz at Lincoln Center is an equal opportunity employer that affords equal opportunities to all applicants, employees, contractors, and other covered persons, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Jazz at Lincoln Center is committed to creating an inclusive, open, and respectful culture that reflects and embraces diversity.