Teaching Assistant, Northwestern College Preparation Program - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

Residential Opportunities

RESIDENTIAL DIRECTOR (RD)

Start/End Date: May 5 – August 1, 2026, potential earlier part-time start   
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston Campus
Supervised by: College Preparation Program (CPP) staff
Time Commitment: Residential, Full-time (40+ hours per week)
Compensation:  

• $20 per hour
• Travel Stipend if relocation is needed
• Accommodation: single room and full-board plan while on contract
• Access to University athletic and sport facilities while on contract
• Significant professional opportunity in area of leadership development

Program Description:

The Northwestern College Preparation Program (CPP) offers academically advanced high school students from across the US and abroad the opportunity to enroll in one of two academic program options: undergraduate courses for credit,and noncredit IN FOCUS (on campus) seminars. Participants experience college life and academics in a safe and supportive environment, which prepares them for college success in their first years. As either residents or commuters, CPP students may take a variety of 100-and 200-level Northwestern courses to earn college credit, which may be transferred to the university in which they ultimately enroll. Our noncredit courses, IN FOCUS seminars are small, discussion-based offered in special topics. Please visit our website for more information. 

Job Summary  

The Residential Director (RD) is the highest-level residential position for the Northwestern College Preparation Program. The RD communicates with members of the College Prep team on a daily basis. The RD supervises the day-to-day residential experience of the pre-college summer program to assure a safe, enjoyable experience for all participants and staff. The program includes a combination of residential students and commuter students for a duration of six weeks. The RD takes a lead role in resolving higher-level participant issues and ensures that all problems are promptly addressed. Reporting to the Director of Summer Session, the RD supervises the CPP Assistant Residence Directors (ARDs), and Resident Advisors (RAs), Front of House (FOH) and provides regular feedback about the residential staff and participants to CPP Main Office. In coordination with the Main Office and the ARDs, the Resident Director conducts training for RAs one week prior to the start of the program and directly supervises them throughout its duration. The RD works closely with other University departments (Residential Life, Housing, Dining, Health Services, University Police, and Facilities) to foster a campus environment of academic achievement and personal development, and ensures the physical safety and comfort of all CPP participants. 

General Responsibilities

 Supervision/Training Responsibilities

• In coordination with the Main Office and ARDs: conduct RA orientation and training prior to program start
• Ensure staff is equipped with required supplies, resources, and knowledge to carry out duties
• Provide leadership and support to residential staff
• Conduct one-on-one meetings with each ARD
• Conduct weekly all-staff meetings
• Evaluate staff and provide leadership and guidance, addressing any personnel issues
• Utilize personnel resources (Main Office, ARDs, RAs, TAs, FOH)

Administrative/Operations Responsibilities

• Manage overall operation of residence hall
• Coordinate move-in/move-out schedule for each session (three total)
• Conduct orientation for each session (residential and commuter students)
• Enforce University residential policies and procedures
• Submit and maintain accurate records and reports (room condition reports, check-in logs, on-call logs, incident reports, social event records, etc.)
• Coordinate assessment (program surveys and final report) for use in future program planning
• Update and send arrival and departure letters to students and parents
• In coordination with the CPP Team, create and maintain a budget and expense report tracking
• Responsible for ensuring all staff and students obtain access to University resources and work with University departments to resolve any issues
• Expected to work holidays

Community Building & Staff Development Responsibilities

• Create and coordinate one group activity each session for all students
• Identify and carry out team building/bonding activities for staff
• Oversee blog submissions including pictures
• Willingness to embrace responsibilities through enthusiastic leadership

Facilities Management Responsibilities

• Serve as primary program representative in coordination with Front of House Staff working with University Facilities Management staff
• Responsible for reserving and maintaining motor vehicle during program (mail pick-up and delivery)
• Report and follow up damages to Facilities Maintenance
• Report and follow up any safety and security issues with Housing
• Maintain communication with housekeeping staff to resolve issues and turn around rooms at the end of each session
• Keep Main Office informed of all NU departmental communications and concerns

Minimum Qualifications (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• A bachelor's degree or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired
• Prior experience in residential life for similar programs
• Previous experience working with high school students as an RA, camp counselor, tutor, or other capacity
• Previous supervisory experience with demonstrated leadership skills
• Organizational and Budget Management skills
• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in groups or independently
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse student body and staff
• Experience implementing programs and services geared toward meeting the needs of students from many diverse backgrounds
• Experience working with academic professionals in a higher education organization
• Provide a high level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Coachability: Being receptive to feedback, willing ot learn, embracing continuous improvement
• Ability to create a positive environment for students and staff 

Preferred Qualifications (Education and experience)

• Master's degree in higher education/student affairs/management or a related field
• Facilitation, staff management, or teaching experience
• Experience working in international contexts or with international students
• Bi- or multi-lingual, with international travel or living abroad experience
• Knowledge of the Northwestern environment, preferably as a current matriculated graduate student or program alum

Preferred Competencies (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Energy, enthusiasm, positivity, and ability to motivate others
• A strong sense of responsibility, professionalism, and high level of maturity
• A genuine interest in working with high school students
• Comfortable exploring issues of equity and social justice
• Familiarity with NU or higher education CRM systems (SES, CLSS, RADIUS, etc.)

Important Dates 

• While the deadline to apply is April 15th, qualified candidates are hired on a first apply, first hired basis. Early candidates have an advantage as some positions are filled early in the application cycle.
• Applicants will be notified via email if they have been selected for an interview

To Apply:

You will need the following items (2):

• A current resume and cover letter
• Provide a list of three professional references and their contact information

ApplY NOW

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

ASSISTANT RESIDENTIAL DIRECTOR (ARD)

Start/End Date: part-time as early as May 11 - June 5, 2026 
                                    full-time June 8 – August 11, 2026 (40+ hours)
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston Campus
Supervised by: Resident Director, College Preparation Program (CPP)

Compensation:                 

• $18 per hour
• Accommodation: single room and full board plan while on contract
• Access to University athletic and sport facilities while on contract
• Significant professional opportunity in area of leadership development

Program Description: 

The Northwestern College Preparation Program (CPP) offers academically advanced high school students from across the US and abroad the opportunity to enroll in one of two academic program options: undergraduate courses for credit, and noncredit IN FOCUS (on campus) seminars. Participants experience college life and academics in a safe and supportive environment, which prepares them for college success in their first years. As either residents or commuters, CPP students may take a variety of 100-and 200-level Northwestern courses to earn college credit, which may be transferred to the university in which they ultimately enroll. Our noncredit courses, IN FOCUS seminars are small, discussion-based offered in special topics. Please visit our website for more information. 

Responsibilities: 

The central responsibility of the CPP Assistant Resident Director is to provide mentorship and support for the academic, experiential, and co-curricular components of the College Preparation Program. In addition, upholding CPP values, policy and procedures, and managing the duties supporting the functions of the program with which all CPP RAs are assigned. The Assistant RD will directly support the Residential Director in the training and programming for the overall program. The Assistant RD assumes a higher level of responsibility in supervising participants with issues such as health, discipline, and all other aspects of participants’ residential life. 

The Assistant RD reports directly to the Residential Director and receives further supervision from the Director of Summer Session as needed. They also act as the primary resource for residential staff and may not have more than 5 hours of outside commitment a week.  

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Be alert to possible crises and serious situations, notify appropriate program staff 

• Assist with arrival and departure days on Sundays and Fridays, as well as Orientation for incoming students 

• Live in the residence hall throughout duration of the program 

• Assume the responsibility of the Residential Director one day a week, taking the lead in overseeing the residence hall 

• Co-Facilitate weekly staff meetings with the Residential Director 

• Support the Residential Director in training, evaluating staff and providing leadership and guidance, addressing any personnel issues 

• Oversee deployment of RAs to ensure assigned duties are completed, facilitating overall team dynamics and effectiveness, and maintain close contact with RAs individually and as a team. 

• Assume the responsibilities of Co-ARDs on their days off 

• Participate in multiple 24 hour on-call duty rotations  

• Serve as an RA if needed 

• Assist with student room assignments, conference services housing roster, master spreadsheets and CPP rosters 

• Expected to work holidays 
• Other duties as assigned by Residential Director and program staff 

While each ARD will take the lead in Logistics, Activities, Medical & Academic areas, they are responsible for participating in the success of all three areas.  
 

Logistics  

• RA (Residential Assistants) Schedule- Including managing any overtime, absences, OFF Requests 

• Get Ready Series Management 

• Orientation Set Up- Making sure the room is clean and set up, Presentation is ready to go on the projector. 

• Place large group food orders 

• Manage all paperwork- staff receipts, filing off-campus slips, incident reports, duty logs, check in binder, as well as online student forms portal 

• Vehicle Management- Mange check-in/check-out system, parking passes, fueling vehicles  

• Facilitate one-on-one meetings with the RAs 

• Manage FOH staff 

• Reserve spaces/permits, and oversee purchasing for site-wide events 

• Manage CPP inbox with RD and Main Office 

Activities 

• Manage and oversee purchasing of supplies for activities- tracking inventory, supply runs, organizing supplies 

• Manage receipts turned in by RAs for activities 

• Manage program proposals submitted by RA’s- must look over and approve programs 

• Manage program sign ups- create a system for students to know what activities are taking place on any given day 

• Manage flyer submission from RAs- RAs will create their own flyers and turn them into you. 

• Manage activity space- making sure RAs don’t use the same space on the same day for activities  

• Lead Activities Workshop during training 

• Manage excursions (Larger activities like 4th of July, program field trips- if any) 

• Manage event transportation if necessary 

• Orientation set up- food and drinks, serving the food, trash, etc. 

• Facilitate one-on-one meetings with the RAs 

Academic & Medical 

• Oversee health policy and procedures 

• Manage student health files 

• Document details of student illnesses, ongoing health problems, and health emergencies 

• Oversee transportation of students to urgent care- Must be able to and feel comfortable enough to drive 

• Oversee field trips, first day of class coordination, and daily attendance all-clear  

• Participate in the training and supervision of Teaching Assistants (TAs) and commuter RAs 
• Coordinate communication across academic and residential departments 

Minimum Qualifications 

Applicants must have: 

• Completed three years of college  

• Demonstrated leadership skills 

• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills 

• A team player attitude with an ability to work effectively in diverse groups 

• Experience working with students ages 15 – 17 also desirable 

• Energy, enthusiasm, positivity, and ability to motivate others 
• A mature sense of responsibility, professionalism, and work ethic 

Preferred qualifications: 

• Knowledge of the Northwestern environment, preferably as a current matriculated student or CPP/NHSI/CTD alum 

• Previous experience working with high school students  

• Previous teaching, mentoring, and/or counseling experience is desirable  

• Prior residential/student affairs experience is also desirable 

• Experience working in international contexts or with international students 

• Previous experience as an RA or prior student affairs experience 
• Ability to take initiative to improve systems and processes  

Important Dates: 

• While the deadline to apply is April 15th, qualified candidates are hired on a first apply, first hired basis. Early candidates have an advantage as some positions are filled early in the application cycle. 
• Applicants will be notified via email if they have been selected for an interview 

To Apply:  

You will need the following items (2): 

• A current resume and cover letter 
• Provide a list of three professional references and their contact information

Apply NOW 

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today. 

RESIDENTIAL ADVISOR (RA)

Start/End Date: June 14 – August 1, 2026 
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston Campus
Supervised by: Resident Director and Assistant Resident Director, College Preparation Program (CPP)
Time Commitment: Residential, Full-time (up to 40 hours per week, subject to additional hours when assigned as needed). Schedule determined by Residential Director and created on a weekly basis shortly before each week begins
Compensation:  

• $16 per hour
• Accommodation: single room and full board plan while on contract
• Access to University athletic and sport facilities while on contract
• Significant professional opportunity in area of leadership development

Program Description: 

The Northwestern College Preparation Program (CPP) offers academically advanced high school students from across the US and abroad the opportunity to enroll in one of two academic program options: undergraduate courses for credit or noncredit IN FOCUS (on campus) seminars. Participants experience college life and academics in a safe and supportive environment, which prepares them for college success in their first years. As either residents or commuters, CPP students may take a variety of 100- and 200-level Northwestern courses to earn college credit, which may be transferred to the university in which they ultimately enroll. Our noncredit courses, IN FOCUS seminars are small, discussion-based and offered in special topics. Please visit our website for more information. 

Position Summary: 

Along with the Residential Director (RD) and the Assistant Residential Directors (ARDs), the central responsibility of the CPP Residential Advisor (RA) is to provide mentorship and support for the academic, experiential, and co-curricular components of the College Preparation Program. You will have a uunique opportunity to bridge and cultivate learning inside and outside the classroom. CPP students and RAs are housed together on campus in the program’s residence hall. RAs are expected to be engaging, visible, and accessible to students and the program on a daily basis throughout the summer. RAs will be responsible for regularly checking in with an assigned group of students and ensuring the safety of all participants. You will also create, coordinate, and implement extracurricular activities and supervise students at those and other program-related activities. In addition, upholding CPP values, policy, and procedures, and managing the duties supporting the functions of the program. RAs report directly to the Assistant Residential Director and Residential Director. They may receive further supervision from the Director of Summer Session. This is a full-time residential position. 

General Responsibilities: 

• Build community through planning and implementing extracurricular activities for students 

• RAs are expected to be engaging, visible, and accessible to students and the program on a daily basis throughout the summer. 

• Assist with student arrival and departure on Sundays and Fridays, as well as orientation for incoming students 

• Live in the residence hall throughout duration of the program 

• Report unsafe and inappropriate behavior  

• Participate in after hours on-call duty rotation for emergencies and/or lock outs and to immediately address student needs 

• Assist with and participate in large social events and off-campus excursions (day, evening, weekends as scheduled) 

• Attend weekly staff meetings and one-on-one meetings with the RD or ARD  

• Facilitate floor meetings and roommate check-ins 

• Complete paperwork including: incident reports, original receipts, program proposals/ flyers, and blog content 

• Spend 5 hours a week on 'academic options' - attend class and field trips, holding study hours, etc. 

• Expected to work Holidays  

• Those RA’s who meet the qualifications for driving a university vehicle will be expected to do so, potentially transporting students 

• Cover Front of House duties 

• Attend mandatory training  
• Other duties as assigned by Resident Director and program staff 

Qualifications: 

• Completed a minimum of one year of college by June 2026 (rising sophomore, junior, or senior) 

• Demonstrates initiative, energy, enthusiasm, positivity and ability to motivate others 

• A strong sense of responsibility, professionalism, and level of maturity 

• Excellent communication, coordination, creativity, and problem-solving skills  

• Team player with an ability to work effectively with a diverse student body and staff 

• Must be able to lift and/or maneuver 40 pounds 
• Familiarity with technology such as Teams, Word Press, Canva, Microsoft Suite, and other creative platforms  

Preferred qualifications: 

• Knowledge of the Northwestern environment, preferably as a current matriculated student or CPP/NHSI/CTD alum 

• Previous experience working with high school students as an RA, camp counselor, tutor 

• Previous teaching, mentoring, and/or counseling experience is desirable  

• Prior residential/student affairs experience is also desirable. 
• Experience working with high school students 

Important Dates: 

• While the deadline to apply is April 15th, qualified candidates are hired on a first apply, first hired basis. Early candidates have an advantage as some positions are filled early in the application cycle. 
• Applicants will be notified via email if they have been selected for an interview 

To Apply:  

You will need the following items (2): 

• A current resume and cover letter 
• Provide a list of three professional references and their contact information

Apply NOW 

Contact Us: Please visit the College Preparation Program website to learn more about our programs. If you have any questions, email the CPP office at cpp@northwestern.edu or call 847-467-6703. 

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

FRONT OF HOUSE STAFF (FOH)

Start/End Date: June 14 – August 1, 2026
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston Campus
Supervised by: Resident Director, College Preparation Program (CPP)
Time Commitment: Full-time, up to 40 hours/week, sschedule determined by Residential Director and created on a weekly basis shortly before each week begins 
Compensation:

• $15 per hour
• Partial Meal Plan

Program Description: 

The Northwestern College Preparation Program (CPP) offers academically advanced high school students from across the US and abroad the opportunity to enroll in one of two academic program options: undergraduate courses for credit, and noncredit IN FOCUS seminars. Participants experience college life and academics in a safe and supportive environment, which prepares them for college success in their first years. As either residents or commuters, CPP students may take a variety of 100- and 200-level Northwestern courses to earn college credit, which may be transferred to the university in which they ultimately enroll. Our InFocus seminars are small, discussion-based noncredit courses offered in special topics. 

Position Summary: 

Front of House (FOH) staff serve as the first point of contact for all who enter the College Prep residence halls on a daily basis. From the front desk of their assigned building, FOH staff provide information, answer the phone, facilitate communication between the College Prep Office and the Residential Offices, maintain program blog, and act as a point of contact for families of students living in the building. In addition, upholding CPP values, policy and procedures, and managing the duties supporting the functions of the program. They act as role models for students, ensuring students uphold the CPP student code of conduct. Housing is not provided to FOH Staff. 

General Responsibilities: 

• Assist with student Arrival and Departure on Sundays and Fridays, as well as Orientation for incoming students 

• Communicate with parents and guardians using best practices in customer service 

• Maintain program blog/calendar 

• Clearly and expediently communicate student needs with appropriate CPP support staff 

• Serve as mentor and resource 

• Report unsafe and inappropriate behavior  

• Support community among students and staff that is inclusive, positive, safe, and fun 

• Maintain programming forms and off-campus check-in/check-out process  

• Act as point of contact for facilities management and lockouts  

• Other duties as assigned by Resident Director and CPP staff 

• Support daily attendance reporting from TAs (all-clear) 
• Expected to work holidays 

Qualifications: 

• Completed one year of college  

• Must be able to lift and/or maneuver at least 40lbs 

• Energy, enthusiasm, positivity, and ability to motivate others 

• A strong sense of responsibility, professionalism, and level of maturity 

• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills  
• Team player with an ability to work effectively with a diverse student body and staff 

Preferred qualifications: 

• Knowledge of the Northwestern environment, preferably as a current matriculated student or CPP/NHSI/CTD alum 

• A laptop/tablet  
• Experience working with high school students 

Important Dates: 

While the deadline to apply is April 15th, qualified candidates are hired on a first apply, first hired basis. Early candidates have an advantage as some positions are filled early in the application cycle. Applicants will be notified via email if they have been selected for an interview 

To Apply:  

You will need the following items (2): 

• A current resume and cover letter 
• Provide a list of three professional references and their contact information

ApplY NOW 

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Instructional Opportunities

TEACHING ASSISTANT (TA) IN-Focus

Start/End Date: Training: (two 2-hour sessions online) June 8 – 12, 2026 
                                 Class time: June 22 - July 31, 2026 (may Vary)
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston Campus
Supervised by: Program Coordinator, College Preparation Program (CPP)
Time Commitment: Varies contingent upon seminar assignment(s), beginning June 8, 2026 (orientation/training);
In-Focus (noncredit courses) Jone 22 - July 31, 2026
Compensation: $17 per hour (up to 20 hours per week per class)

Program Description: 

The Northwestern College Preparation Program (CPP) offers academically advanced high school students from across the US and abroad the opportunity to enroll in one of two academic program options: undergraduate courses for credit, and noncredit IN FOCUS (on campus) seminars. Participants experience college life and academics in a safe and supportive environment, which prepares them for college success in their first years. As either residents or commuters, CPP students may take a variety of 100-and 200-level Northwestern courses to earn college credit, which may be transferred to the university in which they ultimately enroll. Our noncredit courses, IN FOCUS seminars, are small, discussion-based and offered in special topics. Please visit our website for more information. 

Position Summary: 

The central responsibility of the CPP Teaching Assistant (TA) is to provide mentorship and support for the academic, experiential, and co-curricular components of the In-Focus Seminars. You will have a unique opportunity to bridge and cultivate learning inside and outside the classroom. As a Teaching Assistant you will be responsible for providing instructional and organizational support to a lead faculty member in the classroom. TAs are expected to be engaging, visible, and accessible to students on a daily basis throughout the seminar. TAs will be responsible for regularly checking in with their assigned group of students. You will be responsible for coordinating and supervising students, including escorting students to class from residence hall. TAs report directly to the CPP Program Coordinator and may receive further supervision from the Director of Summer Session. This is a full or part-time position. 

Teaching Assistant Responsibilities: 

• Adhere to and enforce the university’s policies.   

• Participate in mandatory online training before program begins: June 8-12, 2026. 

• Take attendance daily within first 15 minutes of class and submit to CPP administration.  

• Serve as mentor, resource, and facilitator of summer program policies and procedures. 

• Abide by and enforce program Standards of Conduct and University rules and procedures and report unsafe and inappropriate behavior.  

• Represent and uphold the values of the Northwestern community and the College Preparation Program in all circumstances.   

• Attend all class meetings, providing classroom support and organization to faculty. 

• Attend meetings with instructor and CPP Program Coordinator prior to and as needed while course is in session. 

• Assist with communicating with students before and during seminar, notifying students of assignments, virtual field trips, any last minute schedule changes, etc. 

• Escort students to class from residence hall and to lunch from class on first day(s) of class(es). 
• Other duties as assigned by CPP Program Coordinator. 

Qualifications: 

• Completed two years of college by June 2026 (rising junior or senior) 

• A consistent record of academic achievement  

• College-level coursework in one or more CPP/IN FOCUS academic subject area (biology, business, chemistry, creative writing, economics, engineering, environmental and earth sciences, expository writing, global health, humanities, international relations, legal studies, philosophy & literature, physics, political science) 

• Energy, enthusiasm, and ability to motivate others 

• A strong sense of responsibility, professionalism, and level of maturity 

• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills  
• Team player with an ability to work effectively with a diverse student body and staff 

Preferred qualifications: 

• Knowledge of the Northwestern environment, preferably as a current matriculated student or CPP/NHSI/CTD alum 

• Previous experience working with high school students as an RA, camp counselor, tutor, or other capacity  

• Previous teaching, mentoring, and/or counseling experience is desirable  
• Prior student affairs experience is also desirable. 

Important Dates: 

• Mandatory training before program begins: June 8-12, 2026 (two 1.5 hour online sessions) 

• IN-Focus (noncredit courses) June 22 – July 31, 2026 (may vary) 

• Deadline to apply: April 15, 2026 
• Applicants will be notified via email if they have been selected for an interview 

To Apply:  

You will need the following items (2): 

• A current resume and cover letter 
• Provide a list of three professional references and their contact information

Click to Apply 

Contact Us: Please visit the College Preparation Program website at northwestern.edu/collegeprep to learn more about our programs. If you have any questions, email the CPP office at cpp@northwestern.edu or call 847-467-6703. 

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.