Student Staff Jobs

Serving as a Resident Assistant or Desk Assistant is a unique leadership opportunity that allows students to make a meaningful impact within the residential community while developing skills that extend far beyond their time at Northeastern Illinois University. Student staff members play an important role in shaping the culture of The Nest. Through mentorship, engagement, and peer support, student leaders help create a residential environment where students feel welcomed, supported, and connected to the university community.

• In these roles, students have the opportunity to:
• Support fellow students during their college experience
• Build meaningful relationships within the residential community
• Develop leadership and communication skills
• Gain experience working in a professional team environment
• Strengthen their ability to problem-solve and support peers
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive residential culture

Student staff positions provide students with opportunities to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to the overall success of the residential community.

Resident Assistants (RAs) are trained student leaders who help create a supportive residential environment where students can succeed academically, socially, and personally.

RAs serve as peer mentors, community builders, and resources for residents living at The Nest. They work closely with Housing & Residence Life professional staff to foster a welcoming community and support student success.

RAs help:

• Build community among residents through engagement opportunities and programs
• Provide peer support and serve as a resource for residents navigating campus life
• Promote academic success and student involvement
• Address concerns and connect residents with campus resources
• Support community standards and residential policies
• Assist with crisis response and emergency protocols in partnership with professional staff
• Participate in duty rotations and respond to residential concerns

RAs play a vital role in strengthening the residential experience and helping residents feel connected to the NEIU community.

Desk Assistants (DAs) support the daily operations of The Nest and serve as a welcoming first point of contact for residents, guests, and campus partners.

DAs work closely with Housing & Residence Life professional staff and Resident Assistants to help ensure the building operates smoothly and that residents receive timely support when needed.

Desk Assistants help:

• Staff the front desk and assist residents and guests
• Provide customer service and answer questions about The Nest
• Assist with general housing operations and administrative tasks
• Monitor building access and communicate concerns to Housing & Residence Life staff
• Support mail and package distribution processes
• Serve as a resource for residents seeking information about campus services

DAs play an important role in helping create a welcoming and well-supported residential community.

Housing & Residence Life is committed to developing student leaders who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities both during and after their time at Northeastern Illinois University.

Through training, supervision, and ongoing development, student staff members gain hands-on leadership experience that supports their academic and professional growth.

Student staff members participate in:

• Comprehensive training prior to the start of the academic year
• Ongoing leadership development and skill-building opportunities
• Regular supervision and mentoring from professional staff
• Guided reflection and evaluation to support personal growth
• Opportunities to collaborate with campus partners and student organizations

These experiences help student staff develop competencies in leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and community engagement.

Serving as a student staff member in Housing & Residence Life allows students to contribute to a residential community grounded in care, accountability, and respect for human differences, while gaining experiences that will support their future careers and leadership journeys.

Housing & Residence Life is committed to preparing student staff members to serve as effective leaders within The Nest. Resident Assistants and Desk Assistants participate in comprehensive training and ongoing development to ensure they are equipped to support residents and contribute to a positive living environment. Prior to the start of the academic year, student staff members participate in a structured training program that introduces them to the responsibilities of their roles and prepares them to respond to a variety of situations.

Training topics may include:

• Community development and student engagement
• Communication and conflict resolution
• Supporting student well-being and connecting residents to campus resources
• Crisis response and emergency procedures
• Community standards and university policies
• Customer service and professional communication
• Diversity, inclusion, and community belonging

Throughout the academic year, student staff members also participate in ongoing professional development, staff meetings, and leadership training opportunities designed to strengthen their skills and support their growth as student leaders. Through these training and development opportunities, Housing & Residence Life ensures that student staff are well prepared to support residents, build community, and contribute to a safe and engaging residential environment at The Nest.

Working with Housing & Residence Life provides valuable leadership and professional development opportunities.

Student staff members gain experience in:

• Leadership and teamwork
• Communication and conflict resolution
• Event planning and community engagement
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Time management and professional responsibility
• Supporting diverse communities and building inclusive environments

These experiences help students develop transferable skills that are valuable in graduate school and future careers.

Students interested in serving as Resident Assistants or Desk Assistants should demonstrate leadership potential, responsibility, and a commitment to building supportive communities.

Typical qualifications include:

• Enrollment as a current Northeastern Illinois University student
• Good Academic & Judicial standing with the university
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to fostering inclusive communities
• Ability to work collaboratively with peers and staff

Additional expectations and role-specific qualifications will be shared during the recruitment and selection process.

Housing & Residence Life conducts recruitment and selection for student staff positions each academic year for the following academic year.

The 2026–2027 Resident Assistant and Desk Assistant recruitment and selection timeline will be made available soon.

Once announced, the selection process may include:

• Information sessions about student staff roles
• Application submission through the housing management system, eRezLife
• Individual interviews with Housing & Residence Life staff & members of the Division of Student Affairs and NEIU community
• Selection and placement decisions
• Participation in required training prior to the start of the academic year

Students are encouraged to check back for updates regarding the recruitment timeline.

Applications for Resident Assistant and Desk Assistant positions will be available through eRezLife, Northeastern Illinois University’s housing application and management system.

Once applications open, students will be able to submit their application materials through the eRezLife platform.

More information about the 2026–2027 recruitment and selection process will be made available soon.