Academy - Residential Director; Berkeley

2026 SMASH Academy - Residential Director (Berkeley)

Join to apply for the 2026 SMASH Academy - Residential Director (Berkeley) role at SMASH.

At SMASH, we aim to build a strong STEM workforce through academic learning and experiential engagement for high school and college students. We empower dedicated students in STEM fields through intensive education, rigorous coursework, and access to resources, aiming to cultivate success in college and careers. Our vision is to create a STEM ecosystem where every student can thrive in the global economy.

By providing opportunities, we seek to enrich our communities and workplaces with well‑prepared, competitive leaders.

The SMASH Residential Team is composed of the Residential Director (RD) and Residential Advisors (RAs). The RD manages the RAs. The RD requires a part‑time commitment prior to SMASH Academy and a full‑time commitment during the summer program.

Prior to SMASH Academy launching, in collaboration with the Program Director (PD), the RD is responsible for pre‑launch essential duties including recruiting, hiring, onboarding a residential team, planning residential team training, attending weekly meetings and supporting their respective Site Management Team (SMT).

Upon launch of SMASH Academy, this position becomes a full‑time position with the RD being the primary director and supervisor of the Residential Team and Program.

• Lead the Residential Team of RAs
  • The RA team is responsible for the supervision of ~100 high school students (minors) in residence at all times (number is site dependent)
• Serve as a role model for responsible behavior and personal integrity
• Head the SMASH residential program, including directing and scheduling the work of RAs
• Manage the performance of RAs (number is site dependent), including coaching and performance evaluation
• Lead the team on the organization, planning, and delivery of programming and workshops
• Oversee the Residential team shift schedule and requests for time off or shift swaps
• Coordinate and ensure completion of team deliverables
• Conduct workshop observations
• Complete RA performance evaluations during the last week of SMASH Academy program
• Develop a strong sense of community and teamwork among the residential team to ensure strong scholar support
• Continuously develop personal leadership and teamwork skills to ensure the whole team functions at a high‑performing level
• Adhere to COVID‑19 safety precaution protocols put in place

• Deliver site‑specific RA Training in collaboration with SMASH Curriculum and Training team
• Guide the residential team in preparing and decorating the dorms before scholar move‑in
• Prepare and facilitate SMASH Residential Team Meetings
• Plan (in coordination with SMT) residential programming and signature events, including but not limited to:
  • Town Hall Meeting
  • Community Meetings
  • Recognition and Exhibition Event
  • Talent Show
  • Family Event
• All programming will depend on COVID‑19 safety protocols*
• Ensure the residential team thoroughly organizes and/or supports recurring events including but not limited to:
  • Fun Friday activities
  • Weekend field trips
  • Speaker series
  • Networking nights
  • Programming/activities during unscheduled windows

• Enforce SMASH policies and procedures and ensure all staff are aligned on expectations
• Build community with and amongst scholars and staff
• Facilitate communication between the residential and academic components of SMASH
• Communicate and meet with families as needed with guidance from the PD
• Attend Site Management Team Meetings, SMASH Community Meetings, SMASH Residential Director Workspace Meetings
• Facilitate check‑ins with the entire residential team
• Communicate and uphold norms and program rules of conduct to ensure student safety, open and honest communication, and responsible student behavior
• Build and maintain positive relationships with all SMASH and university personnel; positively represent the SMASH organization and program
• Act as an academic and leadership role model, while maintaining physical and social boundaries with scholars (applies to social media)