Resident Assistant & Chaperones

Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation (AILEY) is seeking responsible individuals to serve as our Resident Assistants & Chaperones reporting to the Summer Housing Coordinator within the The Ailey School department.

Founded in 1969 by Alvin Ailey, The Ailey School is the official school of the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The Ailey School trains students from all over the world providing them with high-caliber instruction in a wide variety of techniques each year. Located in The Joan Weill Center for Dance in midtown Manhattan, the School boasts a faculty of over 75 dance professionals who are experts in their fields and 50 professional musicians providing over 360 classes per week, and a staff of dedicated administrators and advisors.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Training & Development

• Mandatory staff training is scheduled:                    
  • June 3, 2026: Mandatory Virtual Staff Orientation – 1:00pm EST*
  • June 15*–June 26, 2026: Staff will train with the Housing Coordinator, 11:00–3:00pm*. Focused workshops with The Ailey School professionals will be included. Staff will work on Dorm Preparation while living at McMahon
  • Staff members move into the dormitory June 14, 2026*.

• Staff meets weekly (with and without the Housing Coordinator) during the intensive (Monday from 5:00pm to 7:30pm). Additional meetings are likely and will be scheduled as far in advance as possible.

  _{*Subject to change}

Administrative Tasks

• Assist with Move-In (June 28, 2026) and Move-Out (July 25 and August 1, 2026) processes.
• Attend weekly staff meetings with the Housing Coordinator and team meetings separately.
• Lead weekly floor meetings (Mondays, 7–9 pm) to foster a community of respect and consideration for others' rights and privileges.
• Maintain clear communication within the dorm through bulletin boards and posters.
• Submit incident reports and document policy violations promptly and accurately. 

 Programming

• Plan, execute, and evaluate engaging, age-appropriate events that are cost-effective.
• Host events on Tuesdays through Thursdays and Saturdays and Sundays.
• Oversee and manage the activity budget, ensuring efficient use of funds.
• Collect, organize, and submit receipts for reimbursement and record-keeping, with spending requiring approval from the budget head before purchasing items.

Building Security

• Participate in On-Duty rotation (24 hours), daily rounds of Ailey floors (6:00pm, 8:30pm, and 11:00pm), and other duties as assigned. Staff remain in the building when On-Duty.
• Enforce curfews for all 14- to 17-year-old students.  Visit each apartment and perform room checks nightly. Monitor sign-in sheet for students 18 years old*.
• Make note of students who have been approved to stay away from campus overnight. Contact information and expected time of return should be noted for each off-campus visit.
• Participate in approved random room checks with or without university staff.

_{*18-years-old might live in the dorm if Ludlow’s Residence reaches capacity.} 

 Student Safety (Chaperones ONLY)

• Know the whereabouts of each chaperone student you are assigned to at all times (constant texting and checking in).
• Enforce a “Buddy System” for students to pursue activities without supervision within the campus radius.
• Meet students’ approved visitors before they leave McMahon Hall. Maintain visitors’ contact information. Require that students return by curfew and notify you of their return.

Expectations

• Always serve as a role model. This includes adhering to and enforcing policies as stated by Fordham University and The Ailey School, including drugs and alcohol.
• Develop and build individual relationships with students from the beginning of the program and throughout the summer. Be an active presence in the dormitory. 
• Assist students with adjusting to dorm and city life and help mediate student conflict.
• Accompany students to the clinic or hospital in case of illness, injury, or medical emergency. Inform Housing Coordinator as soon as possible so that the parent can be notified. 
• Be readily available and always have access to student information in case of emergency. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants must be 21 years of age by June 28, 2026.
• Applicants must have a background and/or education in the dance field.
• Members of Ailey II, international students applying for OPT, and students enrolling in the summer intensive are not eligible to apply. 
• Ailey Students Applicants must be in good standing at The Ailey School (students on probation will not be considered). 

Commitment

• 7 weeks of work beginning June 15, 2026 through August 1, 2026. 
• This position must be your first priority, no exceptions. Outside activities cannot exceed 20 hours per week and need to be approved by Summer Housing Coordinator. This includes registered course hours, internships, dance classes, auditions, and other part-time employment.
• Applicants must live at the dormitory from June 14* to Aug 1, 2026.
• Selected Chaperone must sleep at the dormitory when Summer Intensive is in session. Overnights away from the dorm must be approved by Summer Housing Coordinator and are not guaranteed.

_{*Subject to change}

Compensation

• $3,000 total stipend (includes training) to be paid out weekly over 7 weeks.
• Single room accommodation is provided starting June 14. Apartment type differs according to position assigned. Amenities include 24/7 doorman security, WIFI, laundry facilities. 
• $1225 meal stipend to be paid out over 7 weeks.
• 10 free classes per week at The Ailey School Mon–Fri during the Summer Intensive.
• Metro card for work related transportation.
• An activity budget for required programming is provided. The staff decides how these funds are allocated. 

_{*Subject to change. The advertised pay rate is not a promise of a particular wage for any specific employee. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, special licensing or qualifications, and other factors.}

Click on the apply link below and upload a file for each application requirement (accepted formats include .doc, .docx, or .pdf). Please include your name in the file names of each document. Only applicants who submit the following will be considered:

• Resume
• Cover letter detailing your interest in this position

_{Applications will not be considered without these items. No phone calls, please.}

Apply Now