Upward Bound Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Head Resident Advisor – Horizons-Upward Bound

Founded by philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House and Gardens, Institute of Science, and more than 1,600 students attending our Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory Schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors and students to its campus each year. Critics have called Cranbrook “the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America” and in 1989 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The campus is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. For more information, please visit Cranbrook's website.

The mission of the Horizons-Upward Bound program is to prepare students who have limited opportunities from the Detroit Metropolitan area to enter and succeed in post-secondary education. HUB academically supports the efforts of the students’ home school by providing services that assist students in pursuing and achieving their dreams and goals for their academic endeavors and beyond.

Cranbrook’s Horizons-Upward Bound (HUB) program is currently seeking an Assistant Head Resident Advisor for its summer program that runs June 21 – August 1, 2026. The Assistant Head Resident Advisor will assist in leading RA Training and Dorm Set-Up from June 10 – June 19, 2026. Resident Advisors are on duty from Sunday afternoon (students return to campus) – Friday afternoon (students depart from campus), with the exception of the final program weekend, when everyone is required to remain on campus. The Assistant Head Resident Advisor also has responsibilities with the Program Staff between 8:00am and 4:00pm (evening hours will be adjusted to accommodate daytime hours).

The Horizons-Upward Bound Assistant Head Resident Advisor is a temporary, residential position offering supervision and advisement to high school students during the TRIO Horizons-Upward Bound Summer Component. HUB is a college preparation program designed to encourage 9th – 12th grade students to develop the academic skills and motivation necessary for success in post-secondary education. During the six-week Summer Component, participants live in the Cranbrook Dorms and participate in a challenging academic curriculum and other social, cultural and recreational enrichment activities.

The primary objective of the RA position is to ensure the wellbeing of HUB participants, regarding health, safety, morale, discipline, interpersonal relationships and academics during the residential portion of the Horizons-Upward Bound Summer Component. RAs are required to reside and sleep in their assigned housing at all times while students are on campus.

The Assistant Head Resident Advisor must be able to serve as Head Resident Advisor in the absence of the Head Resident Advisor and

• Commit to creating an inclusive environment where all students can reach the potential emotionally, socially, intellectually, physically, and culturally.
• Be willing to encourage the RAs and students to reach their highest potential while at the program.
• Be open to efficient and effective communication with the program administrators, RAs, students, and staff.
• Be able to develop a genuine connection with program administrators, RAs and students wile being empathetic and considerate of everyone's experiences.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Supervision of up to 20 RAs.
• Maintain a record of the RAs schedules and ensure all are on or off duty as assigned.
• Keep accurate record of names, room assignments, activity sign up and all the RAs/students' schedules.
• Report any illness, accident, or behavior problems to the program director in a timely manner.
• Chaperone and supervise student activities.
• Assist professional staff with preparation, organization, and instruction of activities.
• Oversee RAs and students during mealtime.
• Oversee weekend and evening activities.
• Enforce the rules, regulations and policies of dorm housing.
• Attend scheduled training sessions and staff meetings.
• Respond to emergencies as appropriate and report to the program director immediately.
• Report cases of lost, damaged, or stolen property to the program manager.
• Report any maintenance issue and/or damages to equipment and/or rooms to the program administrator.
• Communicate with the program manager to plan and review new activities.
• Create a community environment conducive to the academic enhancement, personal growth, and development of HUB students.
• Live in the residence hall with HUB participants for 24-hour supervision.
• Conduct safety, curfew and maintenance inspections.
• Inspect all rooms with participating students weekly and at the end of the program.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities that are within the scope of the program and assigned by the Director and HUB Staff.

Required Qualifications:

• Successful completion of at least two years of college required.
• Experience as a Residential Advisor.
• Positive attitude and the ability to work effectively with and display sensitivity toward a diverse community of students.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to be a team player.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working with low-income and first generation college students.
• Special consideration will be given to former students of any TRIO program.
• Ability to work with confidential information.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to follow directions, complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision, multitask, maintain accurate records, and analyze and resolve complex problems and situations.
• Ability to make timely decisions.
• Demonstrates professionalism and behaves in accordance with Cranbrook’s Mission, Vision and Values.
• Exhibits flexibility and willingness to learn.
• Ability to cope with stressful circumstances while maintaining cordial interactions with students and colleagues.
• Exhibits a willingness to assume additional duties.

Typical hours the Assistant Head RA will be engaging with HUB participants:

Monday thru Thursday:

7:00am – 7:30am

3:30 pm – 10:30pm

Friday:

7:00am – 7:30am

3:15pm – 4:00pm

Sunday:

3:00 pm – RA Team Meeting

4:00pm – 10:00pm with participants

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.