If you…
…are full of ideas, brimming with energy and are interested in a part time role as a group leader / mentor for an academic year in Dublin?
Do you…
…want a live-in role working for a vibrant, modern organisation that will value your input and provide a great addition to your CV?
If so, read on!
The company:
Big Pond Education is an international education provider headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. We work with universities and colleges in the USA to develop pathway and customizable programs for their students. We are committed to the advancement of environmental, economic and social justice through education abroad and are dedicated to making an impact on our local community as well as our students.
Big Pond values and embraces a difference of opinion, experience, background and ability. Any candidate requiring an accommodation, whether physical, emotional or mental, should inform the hiring manager at least a week before the interview.
The role:
This is a part-time, fixed-term and live-in position. RAs live in shared apartments at our Highfield House student residence (‘the Res’). The RA will share their apartment with fellow staff members and non-programme residents (usually mature and/or post-graduate students). Each resident will have their own bedroom and en-suite bathroom.
The primary function of the RA is to build and nurture a sense of community amongst the Big Pond student groups. This involves work both inside and outside the residence hall. Given the nature of the position and work it is difficult to define exact working hours of each week. There is a loose expectation that each RA will work for 20 hours a week, although this may be slightly more during busy periods and far less during quieter periods. The beginning and end of each semester tend to be the busier times.
Inside the residence halls
● Build a sense of community by being accessible, approachable and available to students and promoting self-regulation and community respect
● Support in preparing the residence halls for arrivals
● Support the arrivals and orientations process (e.g. airport pick ups, welcome reception prep, student welcome meetings etc.)
● Keep a close eye on all health and safety related issues
● Provide 24/7 student coverage as part of Big Pond team, fulfilling all responsibilities as part of the team roster
● Work closely with all programme staff (housing, admin., and academic)
● Undertake nightly rounds of building when on call
● Act as conduit between students and fellow residents, students and programme staff
● Devise in-house community building activities e.g. Movie/games night, guest speaker on student related topic, local excursion
● Enforce residential policies, rules and regulations.
● Support programme staff in disciplinary matters
● Promote sustainable living initiatives and manage the end of semester/year reuse/repurpose/recycle drive
● Provide a weekly on-call report to office staff on ‘life in the res’ e.g. events, concerns, conduct etc.
Outside the residence halls
● Staff one weekend study tour each semester (tours go to Northern Ireland and the west of Ireland)
● Attend and staff student events e.g. welcome reception, guest speaker events, weekend day trips
● Post about student life events and opportunities on Big Pond social media
● Attend medical appointments with students or emergency medical situations as they arise
● Read and understand all policies and procedures relating to student health, safety, conduct and emergency protocol
● Work closely with supervisor on all matters related to student medical or emotional problems or concerns
● Report and claim any programme expenses in a timely fashion
● Support the team in staffing guest visits (residence tours, attending meetings etc)
● Support team in emergency situations relating to student health, safety and wellbeing
The ideal candidate
● An undergraduate degree, or equivalent higher education experience is required
● Holding a postgraduate degree or working towards one is desirable
● The role requires a patient, kind, approachable, empathetic, considered, resourceful, calm person
● The role requires intercultural skills, crisis management skills, excellent communication skills and an ability to work under limited supervision
● The candidate must have a flexible approach to work, refined time-management skills and a strong work ethic
● Knowledge of Dublin and Ireland, as well the higher education systems of both Ireland and the United States, is desirable
● A background in event planning, residential supervision and/or working in a student setting is desirable
The contract
Big Pond is hiring for a number of RA positions. We are searching for both single term (August – December) and full academic year (August – April) staff. These are fixed term contracts during the 2024/25 academic year. Training will begin in mid/late August 2024 with move-in date at the end of August. There is a one month probationary period.
The perks
RAs live rent and bill free in shared apartments at our Highfield House student residence. The RA will share their apartment with fellow staff members and non-programme residences (usually mature and/or post graduates). Each residence will have their own bedroom and en-suite bathroom. Heating, electricity and broadband are all included. RAs will receive a stipend of €1,150 per month. Any programme related expenses incurred will be covered. e.g. meals while on a weekend or day trip. All staff are able to avail of complementary counselling services through a psychotherapy provider Big Pond works with, if required.
Applicants must possess the legal right to work in Ireland.
For all applications, please send a CV and covering letter to contact@bigpondeducation.org. Please clearly state in your covering letter your preference (if you have one) for an August - December role or an August - April role.
The Process
Application deadline: Sunday, 30 June 2024 at 23:59 Dublin time
Interviews: Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 July 2024
Start date: Monday, August 19 2024
