Great Jewish Books Residential Assistant (RA)

Yiddish Book Center 1021 West Street Amherst, MA 01002

Date Posted:

March 27, 2026

Region:

Western Massachusetts Category:

Education/Instruction Type:

Seasonal Great Jewish Books Residential Assistant (RA)

Description:

The Yiddish Book Center is seeking Residential Assistants (RAs) for the Great Jewish Books Summer Program and 

Great Jewish Books:

Creative Writing for rising high school juniors and seniors.

Program Summary:

The Great Jewish Books Summer Program (July 19-24, 2026) usespelling works of modern Jewish literature to help students develop a rich understanding of Jewish culture and history, and to spark discussions about contemporary issues of identity, family, cultural practice, andmunity. The program is lively, full of social opportunities, and intellectually exhilarating. Participants and RAs stay in a Hampshire College dorm and eat in the campus dining hall.

Great Jewish Books:

Creative Writing (July 24-31, 2026) is an optional add-on week for students looking to deepen their engagement with Jewish literature through writing. A smaller group of program participants will continue to read a diverse selection of works of Jewish literature with an added focus on understanding the craft that makes it great literature. Daily writing workshops offer students a variety of writing exercises and introduce the practice of workshopping in which they learn to their writing, receive feedback, and read and discuss the work of their peers. The RA's role is to facilitate afortable, fun, and safe environment for participants; to respond to their questions and concerns; to make sure they are present and on time for scheduled activities; and to enforce all program rules and policies. RAs build their own skills as discussion leaders, group facilitators, and teen mentors.

RAs will:

Attend a 2-day orientation and staff training Live in dorm with students; lead dorm meetings and be the first line of response for students' questions and concerns Lead small-group activities that facilitate informal reflection and discussion among students Plan and lead extracurricular activities for students Eat meals with students Communicate with Residence Life Coordinator if any concerns about students arise Enforce program rules, quiet hours, and nighttime curfew Abide by the same rules as students, including quiet hours, curfew, and no drinking/smoking policies Perform other duties as assigned by the Residence Life Coordinator and Program Managers Position term: One-week program: July 16-24, 2026, with some remote planning meetings in May and June Two-week program: July 16-31, 2026, with some remote planning meetings in May and June All RAs will read the required texts for the program before arriving in Amherst.

Qualifications:

Minimum 21 years of age College graduate or currently enrolled college student Extensive experience andfort working with teens Knowledge of and passion for modern Jewish culture and literature Comfort supporting students from various backgrounds, and with various learning styles and abilities Maturity, flexibility, and enthusiasm Team player, able tomunicate well with Residence Life Coordinator, Program Managers, and fellow RAs Ability to lead participants in extracurricular activities (sports, arts, games, music, etc.) Must have a cell phone and be reachable throughout the week of the program Valid driver's license and safe driving record (preferred) Certification in first aid and CPR (preferred)

Compensation:

For one-week program position: $1,900 plus room and board For two-week program position: $3,600 plus room and board Work location: Amherst, MA Physical demands and work environment: The position requires the applicant to lift and carry 10 lbs. The position requires standing, walking, bending, climbing, and reaching. Work will be performed in a multilevel office environment, classroom, college dormitories, outdoors, and museum spaces.

Note:

The RA position is not a contract position; it is a W-2 position and Massachusetts state taxes will be applicable. CORI and SORI checks (criminal and sexual offender background checks) will be required as a condition of employment.