Upward Bound Residence Advisor - Temporary

Appointment Type:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Prior experience mentoring, teaching, supervising, or working with youth or high school–age students.
Ability to lead, plan, organize, and implement program activities.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
Candidates currently enrolled or recently completed an undergraduate program of study.
Former Upward Bound or Talent Search participant
Familiarity with the Iowa State University campus.

Job Description:

Upward Bound (UB) Resident Assistants play a vital role in supporting and mentoring high school students participating in the UB summer residential program. RAs live in an ISU residence hall for the duration of the program and are responsible for students’ safety, engagement, personal development, and daily supervision.

RAs help create a positive living-learning environment, lead activities, accompany students to classes and events, and serve as role models throughout the program.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Create and lead daily group activities
• Identify and respond to behavior issues
• Maintain accurate program records, including schedule changes, incident reports, activity documentation, and daily attendance.
• Serve as the on-call RA during assigned evening activities
• Chaperone shuttle rides from UB high schools to/from Iowa State on Mondays and Fridays
• Provide UB Director and Assistant Director with feedback on student engagement and behavior
• Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with the summer program and all program areas. This includes, but is not limited to, being responsible for student safety and their whereabouts at all times
• Ensure the residence hall areas are kept clean, organized, and free of litter
• Know and understand ALL emergency procedures associated with the program.
• Maintain a safe workplace and ensure the safety of all participants
• Maintain a supportive and inviting space for all students
• Ensure participants in daily activities. Activities may include crafts, athletic activities, games, swimming, field trips, etc.
• Assist UB Assistant Director with day-to-day logistics as needed.

The Resident Assistants must live in an ISU residence hall from June 7–July 3 (room and board provided by Upward Bound). This position takes place in a variety of settings, including ISU residence halls, academic buildings, recreational spaces, outdoor areas, and off‑campus facilities. RAs must have the physical ability to lead and participate in activities such as escorting students across campus, physical education classes, swimming, team‑building initiatives, and other physical games and activities.

A college trip out of state is tentatively scheduled for July 7–10 in Kansas City. RAs may be invited to participate based on performance during the summer program. All travel expenses are paid by Upward Bound, and RAs will be compensated for 40 hours of work during this trip.​

Proposed Start Date:
May 25, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

Time Type:
Part time

Pay Grade:
P&S Temporary

Application Instructions:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Original Posting Date:
April 2, 2026

Posting Close Date:
April 9, 2026

Job Requisition Number:
R18921