Houseparents are focused on adolescent development and are key members of a residential program that encourages personal growth and fosters independence in our boarding students. Houseparents report to the Associate Director of Student Life for Boarding and work in close partnership with the Associate Director of Student Life for READY Programs. This is a 10-month live-in residential position that includes a mix of daytime, evening, and weekend responsibilities. Houseparents serve an in loco parentis role and ensure the safety and care of all boarding students.
Houseparents plan and implement residential life programming, build community in the dorm, serve as a resource for students, and manage dorm operations. Houseparents work closely with the student life team, health center, counseling team, advisors, and parents to support and encourage the well-being of each student on their hall. The team fosters a healthy and inclusive residential environment where each student feels supported and can grow authentically with space to explore their potential alongside their peers. Houseparents teach two sections of READY Seminar during the academic day or serve as a Student Life Liaison in one of the following areas: DEI, international student support, student leadership, or Davis Scholar support. Seminar and Liaison roles rotate on a two year basis.
We seek someone who is committed to and willing to navigate today’s changing educational landscape. This individual will help the school promote equity and inclusion and help foster belonging within our diverse community. Emma Willard School encourages candidates from under-represented groups and individuals who have demonstrated experience with diverse populations who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and/or service to apply. This role is ideal for candidates whose long-term career goals may include roles in student life, student support/services, social work, youth mentoring or school counseling.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Stewardship and Care of Students
Serve as the primary adult support person for 15-30 residential students. In the 2026-2027 school year, the anticipated schedule includes every Sunday evening, two weeknights each week, and every other Friday and Saturday. Daytime commitments for those that advise and/or have Liaison commitments that occur during the school day.
Ensure the physical safety and emotional wellbeing of students, including responding to emergency situations.
Support the personal growth of residential students.
Foster a sense of community in the dorms and build individual relationships with adolescents from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
Be an advocate for student needs and concerns by partnering with health center staff counseling staff, advisors, teachers, and administrators.
Plan, implement and deliver residential life programming on Sunday evenings.
Take primary responsibility over the whereabouts of their residents. This includes managing residents' off-campus permissions and overnight leave requests using the REACH Boarding Management System.
Communicate with students’ parents/guardians on a regular basis, especially if concerns arise.
Administrative Tasks
Compose end of semester comments (Fall and Spring) that reflect on the students’ residential life experience.
Work in partnership with the Student Activities Coordinator to plan and lead weekly on-campus events.
Attend bi-weekly meetings with the Associate Director of Student Life for Boarding, weekly department meetings led by the Associate Director of Student Life for Boarding and biweekly READY team meetings with the Associate Director of Student Life for READY.
Other Community Obligations
Serve as a READY Seminar instructor or Student Life Liaison. READY Seminar instructors prepare for and teach two 70-minute classes each week. Student Life Liaisons spend a comparable amount of time working on projects in other areas (such as student leadership, DEI, international student support, and travel planning), as determined by the needs of the Student Life department.
Advise approximately 5 students. This includes a weekly advisory group meeting, weekly one-on-one meetings with advisees, and a monthly grade-level advising team meeting.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required
Be a strong advocate for the Emma Willard School mission
Relevant experience in residential life, adolescent education or youth mentoring preferred
Valid driver’s license
Comfortable working with Google Suite and willingness to learn how to use online learning management systems
Patience, enthusiasm, and the ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines
Commitment to professional growth and development
Superior judgment
Strong desire to contribute to a collaborative team
Strong organizational skills
Salary
$49,950 - $62,050 based on education and experience.
We seek to identify, recruit, and develop employees who bring a diversity of experiences, perspectives, talents, and backgrounds. We offer a competitive total compensation package in a stimulating and dynamic academic community.
You will need to submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for the position.
