Student Life Specialist (Temporary)

NU USA Northeastern University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University seeks a Student Life Specialist to support its Accelerate Pre-College Programs in Boston. You will live in a residence hall, assist with daily student life programming, and help create a safe, engaging community for high school students during the summer.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Student Life Managers, on-site training, responsive student support, and delivering customer service aligned with Northeastern standards. Evening and weekend hours are required.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recent bachelor's degree
• Experience leading groups (student orgs, residence life, camps)
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and with others

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute daily student life programming and events
• Support activities for pre-college students in Boston under supervision
• Prepare and maintain program spaces, equipment, and resources
• Attend required trainings, meetings, and events with Accelerate staff
• Build relationships and deliver inclusive, high-quality student support
• Maintain a safe residential environment and enforce program policies
• Assist with collaboration with campus partners to deliver activities and experiences

Skills

Leadership experience

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

Customer service

Team player

Education

Bachelor's degree (enrolled/recent graduate)

Job description

About the Opportunity

About Accelerate Pre-College Programs Northeastern University's Accelerate Pre-College Programs offer talented high school students immersive two-week summer residential experiences on Northeastern's global campuses in Boston, Oakland, New York, and London. Through rigorous academics, experiential learning, and dynamic social programming, Accelerate Pre-College Programs give participants a genuine taste of undergraduate life at Northeastern while building skills that give them an edge in their academic journey and creating connections with other students from all over the world.

Position Summary

We're seeking Student Life Specialists to support our summer residential programs in Boston, MA and help create an exceptional experience for pre-college students. In this hands-on role, you'll work collaboratively with Student Life Managers and fellow team members to execute daily student life programming, support participant engagement, and contribute to a safe, vibrant living and learning community. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about student development and eager to gain experience in residential programming. To effectively attend to student needs, Student Life Specialists will live in a residence hall. Housing is provided July 6 - August 8.

Key Responsibilities

Program Support & Execution

• Assist with planning, coordinating, and executing daily student life programming and special events
• Support activities and social programming for pre-college students in Boston under the collaborative direction of the Student Life Managers and Associate Director
• Help prepare and maintain program spaces, equipment, and resources
• Attend all required events, trainings, and weekly meetings with Accelerate staff

Student Support & Engagement

• Build positive relationships with participants and create an inclusive community
• Provide responsive, professional support to students and families as needed
• Address student conduct matters with fairness and discretion, escalating issues appropriately
• Serve as a visible, approachable presence throughout the residential experience
• Deliver exceptional customer service aligned with Northeastern's standards

Safety & Operations

• Maintain a safe residential environment and support enforcement of program policies
• Respond to emergencies and incidents following established protocols
• Assist with documentation and communication regarding incidents when needed
• Support health and wellness initiatives for participants

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Work closely with Student Life Managers and Student Life Ambassadors to ensure seamless operations
• Collaborate with campus partners to deliver engaging activities, workshops, and social experiences
• Contribute to a collaborative, student-centered team culture
• Support staff schedules and coordinate responsibilities as assigned

Program Timeline & Structure

• This is a temporary position from June 29 - August 8, 2026.
• Week of June 29 (Remote): Virtual Onboarding (10-20 hours, part-time)
• July 6 - 10: In-person training and program set-up on the Boston campus
• July 12 - 24: Support student life programs and pastoral care of participants for Boston's Pre-College Program, Session 1
• July 26 - August 7: Support student life programs and pastoral care of participants for Boston's Pre-College Program, Session 2
• August 8: Move-out of Boston complimentary housing

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recent graduate of a bachelor's degree program
• Previous experience working in a leadership role within a group setting (student organizations, residence life, summer camps, youth programs, or similar)
• Experience supporting events or programs
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively
• Student-centered approach with a strong sense of responsibility for student success and wellbeing
• Current certification or openness to be trained in First Aid & CPR as well as Mental Health First Aid
• Full availability from July 6 - August 7, 2026 is required
• Ability to work irregular hours on weekdays and weekends

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience counseling students and managing mental health crises
• Experience with pre-college or high school-aged populations
• Background in residence life, student affairs, or youth development programs
• Demonstrated experience with crisis management
• Knowledge of or interest in student development theory and restorative practices
• Familiarity with Northeastern University

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Pay Rate

Pay Rate: 21/hr

About Northeastern University

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact. Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The system—including 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwide—serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The university’s residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeastern’s personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectors—aligned around solving today’s highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.