Position:
Resident Assistant, Berlin, Germany
Department:
Study Abroad
Reports To:
Housing Manager, Berlin, Germany
Location:
CIEE Global Institute, Berlin, Germany
Start date:
1 August 2015 (12 month renewable contract)
Hours:
ca. 20 per week
CIEE:
A nonprofit, non-governmental organization, CIEE is the world leader in
international education and exchange. For 65 years CIEE has helped thousands of
people gain the knowledge and skills necessary to live and work in a globally
interdependent and culturally diverse world by offering the most comprehensive,
relevant, and valuable exchange programs available. Serving over 300 U.S.
college and university consortium members, CIEE operates 60 study centers in
over 40 countries that support study abroad programs for over 6,000 students
annually. In addition, as the largest sponsor for U.S. Department of State J-1 Visa
programs, CIEE helps nearly 25,000 international students participate in U.S.
based exchange programs annually. CIEE programs and services span study
abroad, teach abroad, international faculty development seminars, and inbound
exchange study, work, and internship programs for today’s high school and
university students, professionals, and educators.
We strive to lead a robust community of international program providers and
sponsors through innovation, exemplary service and exceptional efficiency. Our
success depends on having the very best professionals. CIEE is committed to
recruiting and retaining the best people in the industry, particularly those who are
passionate about international education, are self-starters with high levels of
energy and autonomy, and are dedicated to exceed expectations in every
challenge.
The Global Institute is a new model of study-abroad, and the Berlin campus is its
first location. Students will live and study in the fully remodeled 1890s factory
building at Gneisenaustrasse 27 in Kreuzberg. Students from American universities
will live in shared rooms over five residential floors. The building features communal
kitchens and lounges, laundry facilities, event spaces, and a café. Most students
will be at the Global Institute for one semester (on the American university
calendar), though some will be in residence for shorter-term programs. In addition
to their studies, a full program of cultural and educational activities will connect the
students to the community outside of their classrooms.
Summary of Position:
The Resident Assistant (RA) is the core of Residence Life and serves as a liaison
between CIEE Global Institute Berlin staff and the residents. Under the direct
supervision of the Housing Manager, the RAs will provide the first line of support
and supervision for our students (1 RA per residential floor). Residential Assistants
communicate and enforce housing policies, contribute to a safe and secure
environment, and serve as cultural ambassadors to American students. In this way,
RAs help establish the Global Institute as a unique intercultural learning
environment. The Resident Assistant is appointed for 12 months and the position
may be extended. This is a part-time position that requires residence in the building
and occasional night and weekend duties and other office administrative
responsibilities. This position is ideal for someone interested in gaining experience
in international education, student services, housing and residential life programs,
and working for one of America’s largest and oldest providers of global educational
programs.
Primary Responsibilities:

Student Conduct & Crisis Response: Role model appropriate behavior as
described in the CIEE guidelines and student handbook. Implement the emergency
protocol in any crisis and notify appropriate CIEE staff, maintain close contact to
students on your floor to be alert to policy violations and student behavioral
concerns. Be fair, consistent, equitable, and communicative. Maintain
confidentiality among students.

Safety and Security: Work as part of a team to reinforce safety measures in house
meetings. Ensure to have all the necessary safety and security contact persons
and law enforcement agency numbers and cell phone numbers published in your
residence. Be contactable by mobile phone to provide support for cases of
emergency during (a regular rotation of) overnight shifts. Escort students to medical
care providers where necessary.

Administrative Responsibilities: RAs will also contribute to the overall functions
of the Global Institute, including assisting at the front desk (reception area), and
with other office/administrative responsibilities as appropriate and needed.
Particular focus on orientation and move-in/move-out procedures as well a ongoing
surveying of the facilities.

Excursions and other activities: Assist with the delivery of social, cultural and
academic excursions and events. Support for student interest groups. Working with
our “Buddy” program of residential and non-residential German students who are
cultural and logistical partners for the American students.

Student Interaction & Development: Develop positive professional relationships
with residents serving both as an authority figure and mentor. Actively engage with
students for the entire semester. Facilitate house meetings and functions. Support
and foster an inclusive environment by respecting the individual differences of all
housemates and holding others to this standard by confronting residents displaying
behavior that is disrespectful towards others in the community. Assist housemates
by helping to mediate conflicts if they arise.

CIEE Community Interaction: Maintain approachability and availability to
residents. Facilitate communal living standards and be equitable and just in the
performance of your duties to affirm the dignity and respect that is due each
community member. Gain an awareness of students’ goals and aspirations and
assist them where possible. Maintain an educationally-focused environment of
respect and support.

Orientation: Participate in Orientation Leader Training & Development before
student arrivals. You are required to be present throughout the orientation period.
Knowledge & Skill Requirements:

Full-time or part-time student status

Legal status permitting employment in Germany

BA degree preferred

Advanced English communication skills and fluency in German

Practical experience working in intercultural environments and familiarity with
concepts of intercultural communications including conflict resolution

Display of maturity and willingness to learn and have requisite knowledge, attitudes
to operate effectively within the residence environment to address the academic
and social needs of the residence. Understand that the nature of the job requires
that you devote much of your time, especially during evenings and weekends, to
your students and job responsibilities. You will be expected to be a visible presence
in the residence. Be part of a rotation of RAs who share overnight supervisory
responsibilities for the building.

Strong interest in supporting and working with American university students to help
them gain broader cultural awareness of Berlin, Germany, and Europe

Previous student leadership experience is desired

Experience in housing/Studentenwerk settings desired
Remuneration Package:
€10,000 per year (gross),
Accommodation in Global Institute Berlin (single room with en-suite bath/WC)
provided rent-free, shared kitchen facilities, WiFi throughout building.
Interested candidates please email a cover letter and resume to John Wood
([email protected]). Please put “RA Application” in the subject line. We will contact
those candidates we would like to meet with to further discuss this exciting
opportunity.
www.ciee.org