The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky seeks qualified candidates for the position of Residential Counselor. The Gatton Academy is a public residential STEM program established and funded by the Kentucky legislature. It is located on the campus of Western Kentucky University. Students complete their last two years of high school in the program while earning at least 60 hours of college credit. This is a 10-month live-in position that reports to the Assistant Director of Residential Life. Gatton staff are employees of WKU.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Creates and manages a safe, healthy, and nurturing living/learning environment within the residence hall.
• Develops a supportive community consistent with the Gatton Academy's creed of Integrity, Compassion, and Respect through creative educational, cultural, social, and recreational programming.
• Advises, counsels, and seeks to develop students through individual interactions and by creating and sustaining a supportive living environment.
• Provides appropriate support and referrals for students during emotional and physical crises.
• Provides academic support services in coordination with other Gatton staff and serves on the Student Support Team.
• Provides leadership and supervision on Gatton study abroad programs.
• Monitors and documents student progress in academics and personal growth.
• Serves as an advisor and liaison for clubs and activities.
• Provides on-call support to students on a rotation basis.

Essential Functions

Create a Supportive Learning Environment

• Collaborate with all Gatton Residential Counselors and staff to create and sustain a community that fosters student learning, independence, and academic success.
• Establish rapport and develop mentoring relationships with students.
• Live on student wing and serve as a role model/mentor in all areas of personal, relational, and academic life.
• Provide day-to-day intervention and crisis response.
• Play an integral role acclimating students to Gatton in student orientation week.
• Transport students in University owned or rented vehicles.
• Implement Gatton initiatives, particularly those focused on student retention.

Administrative or Managerial Functions

• Maintain and oversee wing programming and supply budget.
• Assess the efficacy of programs and activities.
• Report and keep record of maintenance and security issues within the wing.
• Communicate regularly with parents in support of students and to foster parental involvement in Gatton.
• Collaborate with housekeeping and facilities staff to maintain a living environment conducive to learning.
• Staff and support the front desk as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build effective mentoring relationships with students in keeping with Gatton's Creed of Integrity, Compassion, and Respect.
• Effective leadership, mentorship, and organizational skills.
• Ability to make sound, ethical decisions in times of crisis.
• Willingness to serve as a role model for students in work ethic, attitude, and respect for others.

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Experience working in residential life at the secondary or post-secondary level as hall director, residential assistant, desk clerk, or similar position.
• Must be able to reside on a single-gender residential wing within Gatton's residence hall.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and hold a valid driver's license.
• Must be willing to submit to a state and national criminal history background check.

Compensation and Benefits

• 10-month contract paid over a 12-month period
• Partially furnished room with cable, internet service, utilities, local phone service (fair market value of approximately $10,000 per year). Room use is restricted to the employee only.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Salary of $29,000 annually, with benefits package including options for medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, partial University tuition waiver, University Bookstore discount, and reduced price membership to the University's health and fitness facility. 

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.

Apply Online

About Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University (WKU) prepares students of all backgrounds to be productive, engaged, and socially responsible citizen-leaders of a global society. The University provides research, service and lifelong learning opportunities for its students, faculty, and other constituents. WKU enriches the quality of life for those within its reach.

Connections working at Western Kentucky University