Resident Assistant Job Description Template

Resident assistant working on laptop in dorm

Resident assistants (or RAs) may look like just any other dorm resident on campus at first glance, but they actually have quite a bit of responsibility. They’re tasked with maintaining order, enforcing dorm rules, ensuring the safety of other residents, and are typically on-call most of the day. It’s important to find the right one for your residence hall.

The resident assistant job description template below can help you create an effective job posting. Simply adjust the details to include the job duties and requirements specific to your needs. You can also browse our existing resident assistant job listings to get more ideas for assembling your job description.

Resident assistant working on laptop in dorm

Resident Assistant

[Intro Paragraph] It’s a good idea to start your resident assistant job description with an introductory paragraph that describes your working environment and responsibilities. Briefly explain to your ideal resident assistant the characteristics that make your school or institution the right choice for them.

Resident Assistant Job Responsibilities:

  • Assists residents with transition to university and residence hall life.
  • Enforces university and residence hall rules and regulations.
  • Remains available to residents while on-call.
  • Assists in supervising residents and responding to complaints, reports, requests, and emergencies.
  • Submits reports on infractions, violations, and safety issues.
  • Promotes residence hall events.
  • Informs residents about relevant campus and local activities.
  • Facilitates resolution of disagreements between residents.
  • Manages front desk and signs students and visitors in according to security protocols.
  • Attends and participates in staff meetings and training sessions.
  • Organizes and directs regular floor meetings with residents.
  • Supports residence hall team efforts by accomplishing related tasks as needed.

[Work Hours & Benefits] After listing the job responsibilities, include specifics about your organization’s working hours and benefits. Tell your resident assistant candidates about typical work hours and flexible scheduling. Make sure you mention perks that would be especially appealing, like paid days off or childcare reimbursements.

Resident Assistant Qualifications/Skills:

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to get along with residents of various cultures and backgrounds
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Excellent leadership and public speaking skills
  • Proven organization and logistical skills
  • Ability to respond to and assess urgent situations

Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:

  • Current enrollment and good standing in bachelor’s or graduate degree program
  • Experience living in on-campus housing
  • Working knowledge of university and residence hall policies and procedures

[Call to Action] An important part of the job posting is the call to action. This is where you urge prospective candidates to apply and explain how to do so. For example, you could instruct applicants to click the “apply” button in the job posting or ask them to email their application and resume to your HR department.

Ready to Post Your Resident Assistant Job Description?

Once you’ve finished crafting your job description, it’s time to get your ad in front of qualified candidates who may be a good fit with your college or university. Find a large number of top candidates in a short amount of time today by posting your ad for free with Monster.