SOA Job Description

SJU Residential Life Student Operations Assistant Job Description: 2024-2025

The Student Operations Assistant position requires administrative, organizational, programmatic, disciplinary, and advisory skills. The SOA is a representative of Saint John’s University and as such serves as the front-line leaders for creating a sophisticated, inclusive, and compelling residential experience for Johnnies.  The SOA serves as a role model and mentor in their living areas developing men of character in the Benedictine tradition. 

This position works with the central office team to fulfill the mission of the Department of Residential Life & Housing and enhance the overall residential experience at Saint John’s.

Compensation:

Student Operation Assistants are provided a full housing waiver and a percentage of a dining waiver using the 2024-2025 housing and dining rates, based upon the community they are placed in. 

Requirements to be a SOA:

  1. Current, full-time student at Saint John's University
  2. Two semesters of college experience upon taking the position
  3. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50
  4. Good conduct standing with the University (A student who has been or is currently on disciplinary probation may be deemed ineligible to serve in the role)
  5. Participation in all Residential Life training programs
  6. Fulfill specific SOA position responsibilities
  7. Commitment for a full academic year (unless hired on a semester basis)
  8. Prior leadership experience preferred

Responsibilities include:

  1. Conduct oneself in a manner that reflects the philosophy and tradition of the department of Residential Life and Housing and Saint John's University.
  2. Model appropriate behavior consistently in all venues (including electronic) by abiding by all university and residential policies, local ordinances, and all state and federal laws.
  3. Demonstrate leadership that encourages growth in community awareness, stewardship, and individual development.
  4. Attend and participate in all training and staff development workshops and seminars (i.e., Fall training, monthly in-service trainings, Spring training).
  5. Assist with training and on-boarding of student staff in regard to housing operations and administrative processes.
  6. Perform those duties assigned by the Residential Life & Housing Office including, but not limited to, processing room condition reports and room leases, following check-out procedures (including inspection of rooms at the beginning and end of the school year and whenever the occupants of a room change), as well as carrying out regular tasks relevant to assessing the condition of the room and achieving compliance with the housing lease agreement.
  7. Work collaboratively with the Assistant Director to prepare for opening and closing of all on-campus residential buildings.
  8. Assist the department of Residential Life & Housing with marketing and publications (social media, room selection campaign, student staff hiring, etc.)
  9. Work collaboratively with campus partners on Fire Safety Inspections and facilities checks.
  10. Be mindful and respectful of other people's values and beliefs; work closely with all Residential Life and Housing staff members to create a culture of belonging.
  11. Provide departmental support by working in the Residential Life & Housing Office 10 hours a week.
  12. Serve in the duty response rotation to assist residents with afterhours concerns. The duty response rotation is determined according to staff size and community/building needs.
  13. Other duties and expectations as assigned.

Expectations and 2024-2025 Important Dates

Please reserve the following dates for the 2024-2025 academic year. 
These dates are considered mandatory as key information about the position is disseminated at these meetings. Active participation in these training sessions and administrative process, as well as other periodic training/enrichment opportunities, is required.

Expectations may be considered based on individual circumstances and must be approved in advance by the Director of Residential Life and Housing.

Contract Dates/Important Events

  • SOAs report to campus by noon on Monday, August 5, 2024.
  • Fall Move-in Thursday, August 22- Sunday, August 25, 2024.
  • Fall Orientation Friday, August 23- Sunday, August 25, 2024.
  • SOAs may leave for Thanksgiving Recess after noon on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
  • SOAs may leave for Semester Break after 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
  • SOAs report to campus by 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
  • SOAs may leave for Spring Break after noon on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
  • SOAs may leave for Summer Break after 5 p.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025.

Failure to meet job requirements may result in progressive staff action up to and including termination.