Summer Resident Assistant

Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, MA seeks Summer Resident Assistants (RAs) for the Summer 2026 session.

Each summer, Walnut Hill School for the Arts welcomes talented students from across the country and around the world to our Natick, Massachusetts campus for immersive arts programs. Our programs are specially designed to provide students with a rich, satisfying summer arts experience that allows them to develop their skills and work with expert faculty and peers who share their exceptional abilities and love for the arts. The perfect blend of serious study and summer fun, Walnut Hill's programs offer intensive training within a supportive, creative environment.

RESIDENT ASSISTANT JOB SUMMARY


Summer Resident Assistants is a live in role focused on creating a safe, supportive, and engaging residential experience for Walnut Hill Summer students. Summer Resident Assistants (RAs) are the summer role models, leaders, and planners for summer students. RAs help develop opportunities that complement the artistic programs, as well as plan and execute social and recreational events for summer students. RAs are also critical in helping maintain safety and order within the dormitory. The ideal Summer RA candidate demonstrates an understanding of both the mission of Walnut Hill School for the Arts and a desire to work in a summer arts community. Candidates should demonstrate a high degree of responsibility, experience in leadership, conflict resolution, teamwork, and working with diverse groups of individuals. Candidates should also demonstrate competency in written, oral, and interpersonal communication.

The roles and responsibilities of the Summer Programs Resident Assistant include but are not limited to:

• Understand and implement security procedures; respond to emergency and critical incidents involving residents related to health, safety, and security issues;
• Establish and maintain behavioral expectations and community standards in accordance with Walnut Hill's Summer Program Handbook; abide by School policies; confront, enforce, and report violations of policies and inappropriate behavior; assist campus officials or other responsible parties elsewhere on campus when requested to do so;
• Develop a sense of community and a respectful, inclusive environment for students living in the residence hall; establish and maintain relationships with residents by being available and approachable;
• Plan and implement social and community building activities on a nightly basis;
• Participate and assist in each registration and program closure; conduct check-in and check-out as students are moving in and out of their rooms with each program;
• Administer student medications in dorms; communicate regularly, and as needed, with the summer nursing staff and the Director of Auxiliary Programs and Rentals regarding individual students, dorm-wide issues, etc.;
• Address individual student needs and concerns in a timely manner; mediate conflicts that may occur between roommates and among residents;
• Report maintenance needs and repairs in the building to the Director of Auxiliary Programs and Rentals;
• Attend all summer staff obligations, including registrations, meetings, and student performances;
• Complete all administrative paperwork as required;
• Assume other duties as assigned.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong collaboration and team-oriented working and leadership skills;
• Experience working with adolescents in a school or camp environment a plus;
• Possess cultural competence in working with diverse populations;
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive community;
• Able to respond calmly and professionally during critical situations and exercise excellent judgement;
• Excellent communication and computer skills;
• CPR and First Aid certified preferred;
• Other languages spoken a plus, especially Mandarin and Taiwanese.

Length of Assignment:

The 2026 Summer Program runs from June 21 through June 27 and July 11 through August 1, with the possibility of additional

work June 28 through July 10 and August 2 through August 8 (July 4 is off). RAs may have the opportunity to take time off from

June 28 and July 9. This is a residential position; RAs must live on campus in the dorms for the duration of the program. Room and

most meals will be provided. Schedules may include long days, rotating on-call shifts, and weekend responsibilities. Summer staff

are expected to maintain professional boundaries and uphold all program policies. RAs must be available to move-in June 15 to 18.

Compensation is $4000 stipend for work June 21 through June 27 and July 11 through August 1.

To Apply: Submit resume and cover letter through the Walnut Hill School for the Arts Career Center.


Application review begins immediately.


Physical Demands:

Physical demands include dexterity for office machines and supply operation including but not limited to writing, using electronic devices, computer, phone, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, and printers. Stooping, bending, traveling to/from locations on campus, ascending/descending stairs, reaching and sitting or standing for extended periods of time are common.

Note: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of state and federal background checks. Walnut Hill does not provide visa sponsorship. Pets are not permitted in RA housing assignments on campus.