Lead Resident Assistant

Summary/Objective: 

School Philadelphia Ballet (SPB) Summer Residence Program provides supervised housing for SPBs Summer Intensives in Philadelphia, PA. The program welcomes dancers ages 11-21 from across the country, who will reside at Drexel University and train at School of Philadelphia Ballet studios and local venues. 

The Lead Resident Assistant (Lead RA) works closely with the Senior Manager, Summer Residence Program and Audition Tour to oversee all aspects of residential life, support the Resident Assistant team, and ensure the safety, wellbeing, and positive experience of all participants. The Lead RA assumes Senior Manager responsibilities when the Senior Manager is off duty or unavailable. 

The Lead Resident Assistant is required to reside in the dormitory for the full duration of the contract and must be 21 years of age or older. 

Remote Orientation: May 2026 (date TBD) 
Lead RA Start Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026 
Lead RA End Date: Monday, August 17, 2026 (off contract on August 18) 

Essential Functions: 

• When the Senior Manager, Summer Residence Program is unavailable, assume Manager responsibilities, supervising Resident Assistants and responding to Resident needs. 

• With the Senior Manager, Summer Residence Program, assist with unpacking and setting up the dorms at the start of term and packing up and moving out of the dorms at the end of term. 

• Assist the Senior Manager with Resident Assistant schedules, outings, meal plans, and day-to-day operations. 

• Supervise participants in the dormitory, during mealtimes, during transportation, and while at SPB studios and alternate locations. 

• Build a supportive and inclusive community, encouraging positive behavior, teamwork, and mutual respect among residents. 

• Serve as a peer leader and mentor, supporting dancers' emotional wellbeing and fostering a healthy living environment. 

• Ensure compliance with all SPB, Drexel University, and alternate studio policies, including curfews, behavioral expectations, and residence hall guidelines. 

• Escort participants between dorms, training studios, and local venues; ensure safety and accountability during all transitions. 

• Assist with resident check-in and check-out, including airport escort support when necessary. 

• Ensure compliance with all SPB, Drexel University, and alternate studio policies, including curfews, behavioral expectations, and residence hall guidelines. 

• Communicate important updates and announcements during floor meetings. 

• Monitor cleanliness in dorm rooms and enforce weekly dorm deep-cleaning expectations. 

• Supervisory responsibilities on a rotating schedule: 

• Sign-In/Sign-Out Duty: Monitor residents returning to the dorm between dinner and curfew. 

• Escort students to and from the dormitories and studios 

• Conduct room-by-room curfew checks on assigned floors. 

• Oversee weekend outings, including travel to and from destinations. 

• Supervise lunch periods for commuters and residents. 

• Maintain on-call status, respond to overnight issues, emergencies, or urgent needs. 

• Attend weekly Resident Staff meetings. 

• Maintain regular communication with supervisory staff and promptly escalate any concerns. 

• Uphold SPB’s standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and student care. 

• Model appropriate behavior, punctuality, responsibility, and positive communication. 

• Complete tasks as assigned by the Senior Manager or School of Philadelphia Ballet Staff. 

Required Education & Experience:  

• High School diploma or equivalent. 

• Previous experience working with students in a Camp or educational, mentorship, or residential setting preferred. 

• Knowledge of classical ballet is a plus 

Required Competencies:
 
 

• Establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships within a diverse and multicultural environment. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. 

• Ability to collaborate well with others across all functional areas. 

• Take appropriate steps to comply with, promote and enforce safe work practices within each area of responsibility in accordance with policies and protocols.
   

Work Authorization/Security Clearance 

• CPR/First Aid/AED certification 

• PA State Background Check 

• Child Abuse Clearance 

• FBI Criminal Clearance prior to start date 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Equal Opportunity Statement: Philadelphia Ballet is committed to the principles of equality in employment. The Ballet complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and Federal Executive Orders, and provides an equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons. We prohibit discrimination in employment based on characteristics protected by applicable law, including race, ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify or expression, familial status, pregnancy, domestic or sexual violence victim status, disability, service in the armed forces of the United States, or an individual’s status as a covered veteran.