Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, MA seeks Summer Resident Assistants (RAs) for the Summer 2025 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 (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; chaperone weekly field trips throughout Boston and New England area;  
• 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 Associate Director of Auxiliary Programs 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 Associate Director of Auxiliary Programs;  
• Attend all summer staff obligations, including registrations, meetings, and student performances;  
• Complete all administrative paperwork as required; 
• Attend 3 days of training, June 17, 18, and 20 (June 19th is off for holiday);
• 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 2025 Summer Program dates are June 21 - July 26, with the possibility of extending through August 2. RA training is on June 17, 18 and 20 (must move onto campus on June 17). RAs work in teams to provide supervision in the residence halls and throughout campus. RAs rotate evening shifts and are on-duty from 4:00 PM - 9:00 AM and all weekends. RAs are off every weekday from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Room and board is provided throughout employment, residency required. Room assignment may change throughout the course of the summer. Compensation is $745 weekly. 

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.

About Walnut Hill School for the Arts

Walnut Hill School for the Arts, located in Natick, Massachusetts and 20 minutes from Boston, is an independent boarding and day high school offering a transformational educational experience designed for student artists in grades 9–post graduate. Walnut Hill combines a comprehensive college-preparatory academic curriculum with intensive, pre-professional artistic training in theatre, dance, music, visual art, and writing, film & media arts. Walnut Hill is committed to creating and enhancing an inclusive environment, and welcoming and celebrating a wide range of cultural, artistic, and educational backgrounds that compliments and supports our diverse community. Commitment to the school’s Core Values, of Community, Growth, Excellence, Creativity, and Respect are imperative to the success of all Walnut Hill faculty, staff, and administration members. All Walnut Hill faculty/staff are active and engaged members of the school community who are committed to collaborating and growing in their field, participating in school events, supporting students in their arts, supporting other faculty/staff members, and who have the ability to self-reflect on their own practice.

Connections working at Walnut Hill School for the Arts