SOCAPA – School of Creative and Performing Arts
One of the premier visual and performing arts programs for young people in the world, SOCAPA offers teen summer programs in Filmmaking, Acting, Dance, Photography, and Music. SOCAPA is seeking a highly motivated Resident Director for our Burlington, VT campus.
The Resident Director lives on campus and is the primary leader of the resident life component of the SOCAPA program. The Resident Director is responsible for the health, safety, and well-being of the students and residential life staff, as well as making sure the day-to-day administrative operations of the program are running smoothly, efficiently, and within budget.
The Resident Director works very closely with the Campus Director on a daily basis. The RD serves a similar role to a “Vice Principal” and would be a good fit for candidates with a passion for education and the arts interested in gaining experience serving in a wide-ranging educational leadership position.
Responsibilities:
attend pre-summer training sessions coordinated by the Campus Director in regards to SOCAPA procedures, computer systems, and bookkeeping
lead residential life training for all dorm-based staff at the start of the summer
provide refresher training as needed on an individual or group basis
oversee and direct residential life staff from beginning to end of the summer
Includes scheduling nightly student check-ins, health & safety checks, managing RA off-days, driving schedules, airport runs, staffing evening/weekend activities, etc.
schedule the extracurricular activities for SOCAPA students
plan, organize, and execute the evening and weekend activities and all non-class related activities with attention to travel details, supervision, staffing, and schedule
lead trips and activities most evenings and weekends (except on off-day)
act as a champion for the camp and promote high staff and camper morale
this includes running a daily camp meeting with students and res-life staff
develop and maintain good relationships with students and parents; ensure prompt & clear communication with families about any issues concerning their children
maintain each student's health plan, specifically those with dietary and medical needs
maintain logs of student conduct and relay this information promptly to parents and staff
assist the Campus Director to maintain a detailed log of camp expenses, including: receipts, written checks, petty cash disbursements, credit card management, and charges to student accounts
work with the Campus Director & Creative Director to ensure each session is staying within budget and identifying any expenses that may be unnecessary or extravagant
maintain regular office hours in rotation with the Campus Director
attend to any dorm-related issues, both disciplinary or interpersonal
manage and coordinate student travel to and from campus at the start of each session
handle logistics and setup of check-in and check-out days for each session
Serve as chief point of contact with our host campus for any maintenance, scheduling, and logistical issues that may arise
maintain a positive and professional relationship with the main office of our host campus
ensure that the all SOCAPA rules and schedules are enforced and followed consistently
Ideal candidates for this position will:
be pursuing a college degree in education or have a strong interest in youth education
have knowledge of youth development practices and child psychology
have an interest and passion for the arts and the value of an arts education
enjoy and have experience in leadership positions
can include past teaching, camp counselor experience, or serving in on-campus leadership position at the college level
have demonstrated ability to develop and maintain a strong and respectful rapport with students and fellow staff members quickly
have good judgment and the ability to respond professionally under pressure in disciplinary and emergency situations
have experience with conflict resolution and at solving interpersonal issues
have experience working in a residential life program or have similar camp leadership training and experience
have proven experience managing a staff while still being a part of a team
have strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
be a strong public speaker and group manager
take initiative and be proactive about potential issues
be energetic, caring, and responsible at all times
have excellent time management and the ability to work independently
have a professional, calm, and helpful phone demeanor
be flexible, organized, detail-oriented, and quick-thinking
have strong computer skills, preferably on Mac, and know Google Docs well
a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
First Aid and CPR certifications are required.
On-Site Position dates: June 26th - August 3rd 2025
Some additional training and preparation leading up to the start of camp will be required.
Salary is based on qualifications and experience, room and board provided.
Please go to: www.socapa.org/jobs to begin an online application.