Residential Advisor - RA
Job Title: Residential Advisor (RA)
- Type: Seasonal Staff
- Location: Oxford
- Programme Dates: August 2 - August 15
- Number of Positions: 8
About OSP
Oxford Scholars Programme (OSP) is not just a summer programme; it’s a transformative journey for high-achieving students aged 14–18 from across the globe. At OSP, we provide an immersive academic experience that fosters personal growth, critical thinking, and lifelong leadership skills. We are shaping the next generation of Ethical Leaders, students who will harness the power of knowledge and confidence to shape the future.
Overview
As a Residential Advisor (RA), you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the summer experience of our diverse and dynamic student cohort. You’ll be at the heart of student life, helping to create a vibrant, supportive, and inspiring environment where students feel safe, valued, and empowered. This isn’t just about supervision, it’s about guiding students to thrive academically and personally and empowering them to take ownership of their OSP journey.
Main duties
- Empowerment & Pastoral Care: Act as the primary support for student wellbeing, providing empathetic guidance and helping students navigate the social and academic intensity of the programme.
- Residential Excellence: Maintain the “gold standard” of college life by managing morning registrations, mealtimes, curfew checks, and overnight duties with professional warmth.
- Safeguarding & Welfare: Serve as a vigilant guardian of student safety, ensuring strict adherence to OSP’s safeguarding policies and reporting any concerns immediately to the Residential Dean.
- Dynamic Activity Support: Chaperone and lead world-class excursions and activities, ensuring students remain safe, engaged, and inspired by their surroundings.
- Collaborative Leadership: Partner with the Residential Dean and fellow Mentors to create a seamless, high-energy programme, contributing to a culture of teamwork and excellence.
- Role Modelling: Represent the OSP brand with integrity, demonstrating the ethical behavior and professional conduct we expect from our scholars.
About You
You are a confident, compassionate, and high-energy individual who finds genuine joy in mentoring the next generation. You possess the “situational awareness” to spot a student who needs a chat before they even ask for it. You are a steady presence under pressure, a natural communicator, and a team player who believes that education happens just as much in the common room as it does in the lecture hall.
Criteria
- Education: Current university student or recent graduate with strong academic standing.
- Communication: Fluent English with the confidence to lead large groups and handle complex interpersonal situations.
- Resilience: Ability to maintain a positive, professional attitude throughout the fast-paced nature of a residential programme.
- Compliance: Must have the Right to Work in the UK and be willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.
Desirable Criteria
- Proven track record in student welfare, mentoring, or residential camps (ideally with 14–18 year-olds).
- First Aid or Safeguarding Level 2 certification.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive Stipend: A fixed programme fee (based on experience), paid upon successful completion of the programme.
- Full Residential Package: High-quality on-site accommodation and all meals provided for the duration of the programme in the heart of Oxford.
- Professional Development: Paid mandatory safeguarding and programme training to sharpen your leadership and pastoral skills.
- Investment in You: We fully fund and provide your Enhanced DBS Certificate, a valuable credential for your future career in education or youth work.
- Global Networking: The opportunity to work within a prestigious, globally recognised Oxford-based programme alongside a team of elite mentors and educators.
Application Process
Interested candidates should complete our online application form and attach a current CV.
- Application Deadline: 30th January 2026.
- Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis; early application is encouraged.
Application Deadline: 15th February 2026
Safeguarding Statement: OSP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants will be required to provide references and undergo an enhanced DBS check. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds to ensure our staff reflects the diverse global community of our students.
