Residence Life Supervisor (RLS)

We have an exciting opportunity to add to our live-in Residence Life Supervisor (RLS) team with an August 2026 start date. The RLS team helps to create a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment within the residence hall. Serving as the first point of contact for students, the RLS team acts as the backbone of the on-call system. We typically have over 300 students each semester, and the RLS team works to support students during nights and weekends, and helps staff ensure the safe and professional operation of the programme.

The RLS team typically ranges from 9-11 members. It is essential that the team works together as a close-knit unit, to provide backup and support to students. The RLS team are the first point of contact for students and act as the backbone of the on-call emergency team. They collaborate with students, maintenance, housekeeping, security, and the Student Affairs staff.

As the first point of contact, every RLS must be capable of responding well in difficult and emergency situations while demonstrating patience in handling routine, but sometimes challenging demands. Being a member of the on-call team, the RLS will provide out of hours support when students are in residence and will be expected to be available during evenings and weekends on a rota basis.

You will need recent experience in a similar role, along with strong communication skills to engage effectively with students and create a welcoming atmosphere while maintaining student discipline. You should demonstrate a mature approach, the ability to make sound judgements, and be committed to understanding and abiding by the BU London policies and codes of conduct.

In return for being present during all periods when students are on site, the RLS will receive a single en-suite bedroom and a competitive monthly stipend. Common spaces and kitchens will be shared with students for the duration of the semester. All associated bills are covered by BU London, and full training will be provided. The RLS role is part time, allowing for flexible working arrangements with any other employment commitments and/or studies.

Principal duties and responsibilities:

• Reside in the assigned residence during the semester, when students are present.
• Work student arrivals – typically on a Saturday and Sunday.
• Work student departures – typically on a Friday or Saturday.
• Be accessible and available to students, particularly during the first and last week of each semester, weekends, and evenings.
• Meet informally with students on a regular basis throughout the semester to build community relationships, provide pastoral support, and establish appropriate contact points.
• Plan and execute a series of social events (mixers) for students to help foster a sense of community within the residence.
• Act as a resource for students, offering recommendations and guidance on activities and experiences in London.
• Help students to resolve residential issues related to community living, examples include roommate conflicts and messy kitchens.
• Mediates student issues, with the ability to recognise when to escalate and involve London staff.
• Serve as a primary member of the on-call team, being on-call approximately 3 or 4 days per week on a rota basis.
• Help respond to emergencies and provide pastoral support when needed.
• Complete mandatory training by BU London during the probationary period.
• Understand the student health insurance policy, BU London emergency systems, Title IX, Cleary Act, FERPA and other laws and procedures as required.
• Adhere to the BU lone worker policy and take due regard for personal safety.
• Maintain a detailed log of all on-call situations and call outs regardless of severity.
• Escalate without delay to serious medical or other urgent issues affecting students.
• Submit incident reports for any event involving student injuries, hospital visits, or serious personal issues.
• Report maintenance issues to the appropriate staff and work together to ensure issues are resolved promptly.
• Check BU emails daily and respond to queries promptly, ensuring replies are sent within 24 hours.
• Attend approximately 8 individual and 4 team meetings per semester as agreed mutually in advance.
• Chaperone a minimum of 2 social programme trips each semester.
• Attend preparation meetings and training sessions prior to the start of each semester.
• Be responsible for handling the personal data of students and follow BU GDPR processes with data use and storage.
• Work closely with students, maintenance, housekeeping, security and office staff.

The RLS is expected to act as a role model and maintain appropriate professional behaviour at all times. Smoking, use of illegal drugs, and legal highs, are not permitted on the premises. Failure to abide by set housing policies will be seen as a disciplinary issue and, if proven, may lead to immediate termination of the position and withdrawal of housing.

Qualities & Competencies:

• Reliable, honest, mature outlook, proactive and hardworking.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and capable of working effectively in emergency and/or challenging situations.
• Excellent team player who can take initiative and work independently.
• Demonstrates a highly professional and dedicated attitude to the performance of their duties.
• Handles matters with tact, diplomacy, and discretion, maintaining confidentiality.
• Have a genuine interest in supporting students – being empathetic and having the ability to manage challenging and sensitive situations.
• Be able to build and maintain positive student relationships, while being able to firmly address poor student behaviour.
• Recognise that the nature of the role will require flexibility due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Understands and appreciates the differences in UK and US higher education systems.

Attendance & Training:

• Training and preparation: Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th August 2026 (half-days – morning).
• On-call rota starts: 29th August 2026.
• Arrivals: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August 2026.
• Departures: Saturday 12th December 2026.
• RLS Fall Meeting: Wednesday 26th August 2026 (starting at 6:30pm).
• Team Meetings (Starting at 6:30pm): 16th Sept, 14th Oct, 11th Nov, 9th Dec 2026.
• Mandatory training is required for the RLS role and is to be completed within the first 6 weeks of employment.

Additional Information:

• Each RLS is allocated 10 nights of leave per semester.
• The RLS will be required to use their personal phone to keep in contact with the wider team.
• When on call, the RLS is restricted to a 20-minute travel time of the residences.
• Each employee must adhere to the Working Time Regulations 1998 act.
• Any employment, additional to the RLS role, must be declared and made known to BU London throughout the course of employment.
• As an organisation we are committed to diversity, equity & inclusion.

This description is not intended to be a complete statement of job content, but rather to serve as a general guide to the essential functions of the position.