Logo
SMASH

2026 SMASH Academy - Residential Director (Northeastern)

SMASH, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298

Save Job

2026 SMASH Academy - Residential Director (Northeastern) SMASH is a 501(c)(3) not‑for‑profit organization dedicated to increasing racial equity in K‑12 STEM education by building interest, knowledge, and aspirations in computing among underrepresented identities.

Position Description The Residential Director (RD) leads the Residential Team of Residential Advisors (RAs) and oversees all aspects of the SMASH Academy residential program. The role includes a part‑time commitment before Academy launch and a full‑time commitment during the summer program.

Residential Team Management

Lead the Residential Team of RAs, supervising the care of approximately 100 high‑school scholars (high‑school minors) in residence.

Serve as a role model for responsible behavior and personal integrity.

Head the SMASH residential program, directing and scheduling the work of RAs.

Manage RA performance through coaching and evaluation.

Lead the team on the organization, planning, and delivery of programming and workshops.

Oversee shift schedules and requests for time off or shift swaps.

Coordinate and ensure completion of team deliverables.

Conduct workshop observations.

Complete RA performance evaluations during the final week of SMASH Academy.

Develop a strong sense of community and teamwork among the residential team to support scholars.

Continuously develop personal leadership and teamwork skills to ensure a high‑performing team.

Adhere to all COVID‑19 safety precaution protocols.

Residential Programming & Facilitation

Deliver site‑specific RA training in collaboration with the SMASH Curriculum and Training team.

Guide the residential team in preparing and decorating dorms prior to scholar move‑in.

Prepare and facilitate SMASH Residential Team meetings.

Plan residential programming and signature events (in coordination with SMT), including:

Town Hall Meeting

Community Meetings

Recognition and Exhibition Event

Talent Show

Family Event

All programming will comply with COVID‑19 safety protocols.

Ensure the residential team organizes and supports recurring events, such as:

Fun Friday activities

Weekend field trips

Speaker series

Networking nights

Programming/activities during unscheduled windows

SMASH Site Leadership

Enforce SMASH policies and procedures and align all staff with expectations.

Build community among scholars and staff.

Facilitate communication between residential and academic components.

Communicate with families as needed under guidance from the Program Director.

Attend Site Management Team meetings, SMASH Community meetings, and SMASH Residential Director Workspace meetings.

Facilitate check‑ins with the entire residential team.

Communicate and uphold norms and conduct rules to ensure student safety and honest communication.

Build and maintain positive relationships with SMASH and university personnel, representing the organization positively.

Act as an academic and leadership role model while maintaining appropriate boundaries with scholars.

Scholar Support & Safety

Serve as a mandated reporter and point person for any residential incident reporting.

Coordinate logistics of dorm life and maintain relationships with university staff.

Implement scholar support practices, adapting with the Program Director based on site needs.

Uphold SMASH policies and core values, using restorative practice to hold scholars accountable.

Identify scholars needing additional support and lead the residential team in developing and delivering support plans as directed by the Program Director.

Reside in collaboration with scholars; sleep on site at least 6 nights per week and co‑lead on‑call staff in emergencies.

Address scholar issues through a restorative practices approach.

Debrief & Wrap Up

Attend Staff Closeout and Site Management Staff Closeout.

Complete and submit RA performance evaluations.

Ensure completion of RD deliverables (e.g., final survey, RA evaluation reports).

Required Attributes

Collaboration – exceptional listening, communication, and presentation skills; excellent time management and organizational skills; punctuality and dependability; courageously candid in difficult conversations.

Relationship Building – embrace individual differences; humility; patience; active listening; restorative approach to conflict resolution.

Problem Solving – curious, innovative, iterative; pivot quickly; keep activities on track; make data‑based decisions.

Resilience – growth mindset; adapt and reflect to meet desired outcomes.

What You Bring

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.

1–3 years of supervisory experience with a 5+ person team (residential settings preferred).

1–3 years of experience in youth academic or recreational programs.

1–3 years of experience in youth supervision (middle or high school preferred).

Direct experience with students of color and/or low‑income youth.

Excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills.

Strong attention to detail; prompt responsiveness to communications and deliverables.

Understanding and sensitivity to barriers faced by students of color in accessing higher education.

Ability to work efficiently independently and collaboratively; give and receive feedback.

Self‑starter with a solution‑focused approach to challenges.

Availability to work some nights and weekends before SMASH Academy begins, as required for certain program events.

Vehicle access during SMASH Academy preferred.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google products.

Spanish fluency preferred (not required).

CPR/First Aid certification preferred.

Position requires lifting up to 15 pounds.

Pass criminal background check and/or LiveScan.

Application Information Apply for this position below and ensure you can attend all scheduled training and program dates. If applying to multiple sites, please rank your site preference in the application. This position will close when filled.

Applicants selected by a Program Director may be required to submit a recommitment form and receive an updated offer letter.

Compensation Estimated total compensation: $9,536 – $9,836. Pay is variable during the part‑time and full‑time phases of the program. Compensation may be adjusted if hours or days are missed.

Statement of Non‑Discrimination No employee or applicant will face discrimination or harassment based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. SMASH also proactively prevents subtle forms of inappropriate behavior.

We value a diverse workforce: people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at SMASH by 2x.

#J-18808-Ljbffr