Returners 2027

About Summer Discovery

For 60 years, Summer Discovery has created immersive summer experiences that help students become more confident, capable, and independent. Our programs combine in-class and real-world learning for elementary, middle, and high school students across 20+ global campuses and 300+ courses, designed in partnership with leading universities and businesses. Students explore subjects, put ideas into practice, build friendships, and take on new responsibilities. They carry the experience forward long after summer ends.

Every summer depends on the people who design and deliver it. Our year-round and seasonal teams across the US, UK, and Canada provide the structure, support, and opportunities that let students try something new and discover what they can do. If you want to help students come curious and leave confident, we’d love to meet you. 

Position Overview

As a Returning Resident Counselor (RC), you'll build on your previous Summer Discovery experience to help deliver another successful summer program. With an established understanding of our residential environment, student experience, and daily operations, you'll play an important role in supporting students, strengthening campus communities, and contributing to an effective campus team.

Returning RCs are expected to bring greater confidence, initiative, and familiarity with program expectations while continuing to develop their leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

This is an opportunity to take greater ownership of your work, apply lessons from previous summers, and contribute to a collaborative team delivering meaningful experiences for students from around the world.

Essential Responsibilities

Student Mentorship & Community Building

• Serve as a positive role model and trusted resource for students navigating academic and residential life.
• Foster an inclusive, welcoming environment that encourages independence, friendships, and personal growth.
• Support students through everyday challenges, interpersonal conflicts, and transitions.
• Maintain consistent residential routines and encourage student engagement in campus life.

Program Operations & Student Engagement

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise after-class activities, weekend programming, campus events, and excursions.
• Support daily schedules, student transitions, and residential operations.
• Complete assigned office, residence hall, evening, and on-call responsibilities.
• Anticipate operational needs, communicate challenges, and contribute to effective solutions.

Team Collaboration & Returning Staff Leadership

• Apply knowledge from previous summers to support smooth program operations.
• Help new team members become familiar with campus routines, expectations, and program procedures.
• Demonstrate initiative, accountability, adaptability, and sound judgment in daily responsibilities.
• Collaborate with campus leadership and fellow RCs to maintain a consistent, high-quality student experience.
• Share constructive feedback and contribute ideas for improving program delivery.

Student Safety & Well-Being

• Actively supervise students in residence halls, throughout campus, and during off-campus activities.
• Consistently enforce program policies, including attendance, curfew, student conduct, and prohibited substances.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and protect student confidentiality.
• Identify and respond promptly to student concerns, following established reporting and emergency procedures.
• Coordinate with campus leadership and medical personnel when additional student support is required.
• Accurately document incidents and communicate important updates to ensure continuity of care and supervision.

Schedule & Location

• Campus Residency: Must live on campus throughout the assigned program. Campus placement is based on operational needs and availability; previous placements are not guaranteed.
• Training: Complete required virtual orientation and attend paid in-person training beginning five days before student arrival.
• Work Schedule: Variable hours, including evenings, weekends, late-night supervision, and assigned on-call coverage. Flexibility is required as program needs evolve.

Key Qualifications

Required

• Previous employment as a Resident Counselor with Summer Discovery.
• Must be at least 20 years old by the start of the program (21 for certain locations).
• Currently pursuing or have completed a four-year university degree.
• Ability to reside on campus for the entire assigned program.
• Demonstrated understanding of student supervision, residential operations, and program expectations.
• Strong communication, teamwork, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and adapt to changing priorities.

Preferred

• Demonstrated leadership and positive performance during previous Summer Discovery assignments.
• Experience supporting or mentoring fellow staff members.
• Valid driver's license.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification.

Physical Demands

The role requires frequent walking, standing, and movement throughout campus and during excursions. Residential accommodations may be shared, and some living or working spaces may not have air conditioning.

What We Offer

• Opportunities to build on previous experience and take greater ownership of program responsibilities.
• Continued professional development in leadership, student engagement, and program operations.
• Experience working within a collaborative, international team on leading university campuses.
• Opportunities to strengthen professional relationships and transferable career skills.
• The chance to contribute to another summer of meaningful academic and personal growth for students.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and all applicable hiring requirements.

Summer Discovery is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.