Academy - Residential Director; Michigan

About SMASH

SMASH is committed to increasing racial equity in K‑12 STEM education by building interest, knowledge, and aspirations in computing among underrepresented identities in the field. With over 20 years of experience, SMASH has inspired thousands of students of color to pursue STEM careers. In our next phase, we are expanding our curriculum and formats—both in‑person and virtual—to reach more students, especially high school scholars, through intensive STEM programs, hackathons, and digital resources.

The SMASH Residential Team consists of a Residential Director (RD) and Residential Advisors (RAs). The RD manages the RAs and oversees all residential and youth‑development components of SMASH Academy. The role begins part‑time on March 28, 2026, and shifts to full‑time on June 29, 2026.

• Residential Team Management
  • Lead and coach a team of RAs responsible for supervising ~100 high‑school students in residence.
  • Develop and enforce a culture of safety, inclusivity, and leadership.
  • Schedule shifts, approve time‑off requests, and conduct performance evaluations.
  • Facilitate team meetings, training, and observation of workshops.
  • Maintain COVID‑19 safety protocols.
• Residential Programming + Facilitation
  • Provide RA training in collaboration with SMASH Curriculum and Training teams.
  • Plan and execute residential programming, signature events, and daily activities.
  • Ensure all programming complies with COVID‑19 protocols.
• SMASH Site Leadership
  • Enforce SMASH policies and align staff on expectations.
  • Build community among scholars and staff and serve as a communication bridge between residential and academic components.
  • Represent SMASH positively to university personnel and external partners.
• Scholar Support + Safety
  • Act as a mandated reporter and coordinate incident reporting.
  • Maintain dorm life logistics and support scholars through restorative practices.
  • Live on campus for at least 6 nights per week and co‑lead on‑call staff in emergencies.
• Debrief & Wrap Up
  • Attend staff close‑out and site‑management close‑out sessions.
  • Complete RA performance evaluations and deliver final RD surveys.

• Exceptional listening, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong relationship‑building and conflict‑resolution abilities.
• Creative problem‑solving and data‑based decision making.
• Growth mindset, resilience, and adaptability.

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, or related field.
• 1‑3 years of supervisory experience of a 5+ person team (residential settings preferred).
• 1‑3 years of experience in youth academic or recreational programs.
• Experience working with students of color and/or low‑income youth.
• Excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and timely responsiveness.
• Understanding of barriers to higher education for students of color.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, give and receive feedback.
• Self‑starter with a solution‑focused approach.
• Ability to work some nights and weekends before SMASH Academy begins.
• Access to a vehicle during SMASH Academy preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google products.
• Spanish fluency preferred (not required).
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred.
• Position requires lifting up to 15 pounds.
• Pass criminal background check and/or Live Scan.

Apply for this position below and confirm your availability for all training and program dates. If applying to multiple sites, rank your site preference in the application. The application includes a place to upload your resume and cover letter and provides written responses to specific prompts. This position will close when filled.

The total compensation for this position is estimated to be $9,536 - $9,836 (a bonus for returning staff is included). Pay will be variable per pay period based on part‑time and full‑time phases of the program. These policies are subject to variation based on specific circumstances.

In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/harassment based on: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. SMASH also strives to prevent other subtle forms of inappropriate behavior (i.e., stereotyping) from ever gaining a foothold in our office. We value a diverse workforce: people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.