Flexible Ras Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Responsibilities (All Lead RA Categories)

Lead Residential Advisors (Lead RAs) are instrumental in supporting the overall structure, safety, and positive culture of the Summer Programs. Reporting to the Dorm Heads, Director of Residential Life, Director of Community Life, and the Executive Director of Summer Programs, Lead RAs assist in fostering a healthy and safe Student Life Program across campus.

The core responsibility of all Lead RAs is to assist the leadership team in maintaining the safety and integrity of Idyllwild Arts and its campus, providing an enjoyable and inclusive summer experience for students ages 10-17.

Lead RAs are experienced staff members who must maintain a supportive yet disciplined environment, ensuring the safety and happiness of all program participants. Those best suited for this position are experienced counselors, excellent leaders, highly communicative, inventive, quick on their feet, and, most importantly, team players.

Due to the nature of the Summer Programs, Lead RAs must have availability 7 days per week, and will be expected to work split shifts.

Specific Responsibilities by Lead RA Category

Lead RAs are primarily focused on leadership, supervision, and coordination, serving as direct assistants to the Dorm Head and other senior staff. Their day-to-day focus is determined by their assigned category:

Lead Program RAs (Activities & Operations Focused Leadership)

Lead Program RAs are the primary coordinators of student life activities and logistics, supervising Program RAs in their duties.

• Activity Oversight & Coordination: Assign and oversee the execution of all out-of-class time for residential students, including daily afternoon/evening activities and weekend recreational activities, ensuring a varied and engaging schedule.
• Logistics & Setup Supervision: Supervise RAs assisting in campus duties such as preparing venues for performances, culmination events, and studio/classroom setups.
• Event Coordination Leadership: Serve in advanced coordination roles (e.g., supervising stage crew assistance, ushering teams, and facilities preparation).
• Staff Development: Assist the Director of Community Life and Director of Program Operations in planning and leading staff bonding activities throughout the summer.

Lead Dorm RAs (Residential Life & Supervision Leadership)

Lead Dorm RAs are dedicated to direct supervision and serving as the primary resource for Dorm RAs in the residential setting.

• Dorm Head Assistance: Serve as the Direct Assistant to the Dorm Head. Act as the primary supervisor in the dorm in the absence of the Dorm Head.
• Overnight Supervision: Serve as the Dorm Sleeper supervision for a total of approximately 15 nights during the Summer Program, supervising students' sleeping hours in rotation with the Dorm Head.
• Staff Engagement Oversight: Monitor Dorm RAs to ensure they are being counselor examples—actively socializing with, eating meals with, and engaging with students at events, and maintaining a consistent presence in common spaces.
• Dorm Organization: Oversee and assist Dorm RAs in organizing and maintaining dormitories for safe, healthy living and a positive atmosphere for growth.

Shared Specific Duties (Applicable to All Lead RAs as Assigned)

• Rule Enforcement & Resolution: Implement and enforce all Student Life rules and regulations. Communicate behavior problems to the Dorm Head/Parents and assist RAs and Dorm Heads in positive resolution.
• Meeting Leadership: Lead daily meetings with Student Life Staff to plan student activities and to complete duty assignments. Meet as needed with Dorm Staff and Students Services teams to discuss problems, concerns, discipline, and rewards.
• Supervisory Assignments: Oversee execution of assigned RA duties, which may include, but not limited to: pool duty, snack and water duty, and excursion chaperones.
• Safety Monitoring: Monitor campus and classroom/studio safety, and report concerns to lead staff.
• Driving Duties: Driving duties of campus vehicles which may include driving on-campus errands, town runs, evacuation drills, or student field trips.
• Other Duties: Other duties may be assigned by the Dorm Heads, Director of Residential Life, Director of Community Life, and the Executive Director of Summer Programs.

Qualifications

Candidates must be high school graduates with at least one year of college completed, and are required to have a minimum of two years of experience as a counselor in a residential camp setting with children ages 10-18. The ideal applicant should possess a positive, flexible disposition with an excellent ability to communicate and a strong desire to work with this age group, and experience in arts, crafts, and performing (music, dance, or theater) is desirable. Finally, candidates must meet the physical requirements of the job, including the ability to lift heavy objects and perform light maintenance duties, and must be willing to drive campus vehicles for work purposes, requiring a valid driver's license.

Dates & Compensation

• Dates of Employment: Generally, Lead Residential Advisors work from June 7 – July 25, 2026. One to two weeks of paid training is required prior to the start date.
• Compensation: Pay ranges between $20 and $25 per hour based on experience and qualifications.
• Benefits: Meals and housing are included for all Lead Residential Advisors.
• Note: Summer staff members are classified as employees by the IRS and the State of California, so federal and state taxes are withheld from all paychecks.