Resident Assistant
Summary/Objective:
School Philadelphia Ballet (SPB) Summer Residence Program provides supervised housing for School of Philadelphia Ballet’s Summer Intensive Program (5 weeks) and the Junior Summer Intensive Program (4 weeks), which run concurrently in Philadelphia, PA. The program welcomes dancers ages 11-21 from across the country, who will reside at Drexel University and train at School of Philadelphia Ballet studios and local venues.
Resident Assistants (RAs) work under the direction of the Senior Manager of the Summer Residence Program & Audition Tour and the Lead Resident Assistant to support the safety, wellbeing, and daily coordination of resident dancers. RAs provide supervision, enforce program policies, support logistics, foster a positive community environment, and serve as role models and mentors to students. Resident Assistants are required to reside in the dormitory for the full duration of the contract and must be 21 years of age or older.
Remote Orientation: May 2026 (date TBD)
RA Onsite Start Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
RA End Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026 (off contract on July 27)
Essential Functions:
- Supervise participants in the dormitory, during mealtimes, during transportation, and while at SPB studios and alternate locations.
- Build a supportive and inclusive community, encouraging positive behavior, teamwork, and mutual respect among residents.
- Serve as a peer leader and mentor, supporting dancers' emotional wellbeing and fostering a healthy living environment.
- Ensure compliance with all SPB, Drexel University, and alternate studio policies, including curfews, behavioral expectations, and residence hall guidelines.
- Escort participants between dorms, training studios, and local venues; ensure safety and accountability during all transitions.
- Assist with resident check-in and check-out, including airport escort support when necessary.
- Ensure compliance with all SPB, Drexel University, and alternate studio policies, including curfews, behavioral expectations, and residence hall guidelines.
- Communicate important updates and announcements during floor meetings.
- Monitor cleanliness in dorm rooms and enforce weekly dorm deep-cleaning expectations.
- Supervisory responsibilities on a rotating schedule:
- Sign-In/Sign-Out Duty: Monitor residents returning to the dorm between dinner and curfew.
- Escort students to and from the dormitories and studios
- Conduct room-by-room curfew checks on assigned floors.
- Oversee weekend outings, including travel to and from destinations.
- Supervise lunch periods for commuters and residents.
- Maintain on-call status, respond to overnight issues, emergencies, or urgent needs.
- Attend weekly Resident Staff meetings.
- Maintain regular communication with supervisory staff and promptly escalate any concerns.
- Plan and lead at least one group social activity for resident dancers during the intensive.
- Uphold SPB’s standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and student care.
- Model appropriate behavior, punctuality, responsibility, and positive communication.
- Complete tasks as assigned by the Senior Manager, Summer Residence Program and Audition Tour or School of Philadelphia Ballet Staff.
Required Education & Experience:
- High School diploma or equivalent.
- Previous experience working with students in a Camp or educational, mentorship, or residential setting preferred.
- Knowledge of classical ballet is a plus
Required Competencies:
- Establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships within a diverse and multicultural environment.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Ability to collaborate well with others across all functional areas.
- Take appropriate steps to comply with, promote and enforce safe work practices within each area of responsibility in accordance with policies and protocols.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance
- CPR/First Aid/AED certification
- PA State Background Check
- Child Abuse Clearance
- FBI Criminal Clearance prior to start date
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Equal Opportunity Statement: Philadelphia Ballet is committed to the principles of equality in employment. The Ballet complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and Federal Executive Orders, and provides an equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons. We prohibit discrimination in employment based on characteristics protected by applicable law, including race, ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify or expression, familial status, pregnancy, domestic or sexual violence victim status, disability, service in the armed forces of the United States, or an individual’s status as a covered veteran.