Residential Life Coordinator

The Northwest School is an independent day and boarding school. We serve students in grades 6 to 12 on an urban campus in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. We provide an interdisciplinary liberal arts education that nurtures compassionate, globally aware and environmentally conscious individuals who find joy in learning and are ready to inspire and innovate in our interconnected world. Typically, 10-15% of our overall school community lives in our residence hall each year. 

Our dormitory is located one block west of the main school building and has capacity for up to 50 students on gender-specific floors. Students typically live in double rooms. Common areas include lounges where students can relax, watch TV, or play ping pong and foosball; a kitchen; laundry facilities; a computer lab; and a study room. 

Northwest fosters a warm, inclusive community dedicated to our school values. We believe that a diverse community enriches our institution, making it more creative and dynamic. The Northwest School is committed to building a faculty and student body that reflects the diversity of the broader society. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.   

The Residential Life Co-Coordinators share responsibility for leading the day-to-day operations of the dormitory during the academic year and summer programs. There is one open position. Responsibilities for program management are divided between the two coordinators to ensure balance and sustainability. This is a 12-month position and reports to the Upper School Director during the academic year. During the summer months, the functional supervisor for this position is the Director of Extended Learning, who is responsible for the school’s summer program. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Residential Life Leadership 

• Co-Lead, develop, and sustain a vibrant residential life program in alignment with the school’s mission, vision, and strategic plan. 

• Share responsibility for supervising a team of Residential Advisors (RAs), including recruitment, hiring, training, ongoing supervision, and professional development. 

• Manage residential RA schedules in collaboration with the co-Coordinator to ensure appropriate coverage for all shifts. 

Student Support & On-Call Responsibilities 

• Promote a positive boarding program culture through enforcement of school and boarding program policies. In collaboration with co-coordinator, serve as primary student conduct officer when violations of boarding program policies occur. Administer disciplinary consequences as appropriate, keeping student learning and community repair top of mind. 

• Support student safety, health, and wellness in collaboration with the School Nurse/Health Coordinator. This includes coordinating medical appointments, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring appropriate follow-up. 

• Assist with student services such as meals during illness or quarantine, coordinating with dining and facilities staff as needed. 

• Participate in a clearly defined on-call rotation, shared equitably with the Co-Coordinator, to provide back-up support and leadership to RAs during evenings, weekends, and emergencies.  

Community & Programming 

• Plan and coordinate new student and dorm orientation in partnership with the Co-Coordinator, Student Resident Assistants, and Orientation Leaders. 

• Develop and implement community engagement opportunities, weekend and vacation activities, and maintain a program calendar. 

• Coordinate student travel for dorm openings/closings and breaks; identify and secure homestay placements when needed. 

Parent & Family Engagement 

• Create regular communications and opportunities for connection with parents/guardians of boarding students. 

• Serve as a responsive point of contact for family questions and updates. 

Collaboration & Administrative Duties 

• Collaborate closely with Upper School Administration, Facilities, Dining, Business Office, and Global Programs to ensure a cohesive residential experience for students. 

• Update residential policies and protocols. 

• Represent the boarding program on selected sch