Vanderbilt Pre-College 2026 staff applications are currently being accepted.
All individuals expressing interested in PTY positions must be at least 18-years-old. Two years experience working or volunteering with youth, is preferred but not required, for most positions.
Please follow the links below for individual position job descriptions and links to apply. For any questions about summer positions, please contact Mark Shivers. Applicants both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest.
There is no deadline to submit interest in Vanderbilt Pre-College positions. Statements of interest will continue to be accepted until all positions are filled. You can express interest in multiple positions. We are unable to provide sponsorship of an employment VISA at this time.
| 1st Year Staff | 2nd & 3rd Year Staff | 4th+ Year Staff | Master's Degree / Active Teacher or Counselor License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary* | +$2/hr over base salary | +$4/hr over base salary & "Senior" title | +$2/hr** (select roles) |
*see job descriptions below for base salary.
**see job descriptions for position eligibility; incentive can be “stacked” with tenure incentives.
| Pre-College Programs | Session Length | Grade Level | Summer Schedule | Program Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt Summer Academy | One-Week Sessions | 7th-10th Grade | 5 Program Weeks + 1 Training Week* | June 7-12; June 14-19; June 21-27; July 5-11; July 12-18 |
| Vanderbilt Summer Academy | One-Week Sessions | 11th-12th Grade | 4 Program Weeks + 1 Training Week* | June 7-13; June 21-27; July 5-11; July 12-18 |
| Vanderbilt Summer Institutes | Two-Week Sessions | 11th-12th Grade | 6 Program Weeks + 1 Training Week* | June 7-19; June 21-July 3; July 12-24 |
*leadership team members attend two weeks of training.
**residential staff will be assigned to one of the three programs.
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Residential
Reports to: Director of Pre-College Programs
Job Description:
A Pre-College Area Coordinator serves as an in-residence floor leader and supervisor. At Vanderbilt Pre-College, residential small groups of middle and high school students, are led by proctors. Each proctor is responsible for activities, check ins, and is first line support for students. The Area Coordinator (AC) serves as “a proctor for the proctors” by providing support and supervision to proctors and serves as the bridge between proctors and the leadership team. Area Coordinators reside in the residential hall with students and staff. This is a residential position that requires flexible weekend hours on Check-in/Check-out Days and during the weekends of program operation. 50-60 hours per week is typical, including weekend shifts.Flexibility is essential in this position.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, Pre-College Area Coordinators are expected to:
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:
Compensation:
$20.00/hr (plus housing and meals while Vanderbilt Pre-College is in session)
*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
**This position is eligible for the Master’s Degree/ Educator or Counselor Certification incentive.
Program Dates and Times:*
*dates subject to change
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Residential
Reports to: Area Coordinator
Job Description:
A Proctor serves as an in-residence counselor and leader for a group of 8-14 middle through high school students during Vanderbilt Pre-College, a residential program on Vanderbilt campus that serves academically advanced students. Through leading creative and meaningful evening activities, facilitating daily team-building and intentionally cultivating community, Proctors are critical to enhancing the academic and social experience for students. This is a residential position that requires flexible weekend hours on Check-in/Check-out Days and during the weekends of program operation. 45-55 hours weekly is typical. Flexibility is essential in this position.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, Pre-College Proctors are expected to:
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:
Compensation:
$16.00/hr (plus housing and meals while Pre-College is in session)
*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
**This position is eligible for the Master’s Degree/ Educator or Counselor Certification incentive.
Program Dates and Times:*
*dates subject to change
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential or Residential
Reports to: Director of Pre-College Programs
Job Description:
The Head of Residential Logistics is fully responsible for managing data and operations associated with Vanderbilt Pre-College residential systems. This may include creating housing assignments, managing SWAG inventory and distribution, developing and printing student nametags, creating certificates of completion and other administrative tasks. This position may collaborate with other teams such as the Head(s) of Operations and Vanderbilt Office of Conferences and Events. This is primarily a non-student facing position and many tasks will be done independently.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, the Pre-College Head of Residential Logistics is expected to:
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:
Compensation:
$22.00/hr
*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
Program Dates and Times:*
*dates subject to change
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential or Residential
Reports to: Director of Pre-College Programs
Job Description:
The Pre-College Head of Activities is responsible for designing and overseeing developmentally appropriate and engaging student activities and ensuring the efficient implementation of all student events and activities throughout the summer. Supervising a team of Activity Assistants and working closely with residential staff, the Head of Activities plans, schedules and implements both choice-based and all group events that align with Vanderbilt Pre-College’s mission and values.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, the Pre-College Head of Activities is expected to:
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:
Compensation:
$22.00/hr
*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
**This position is eligible for the Master’s Degree/ Educator or Counselor Certification incentive.
Program Dates and Times:*
*dates subject to change
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential or Residential
Reports to: Head of Activities
Job Description:
A Vanderbilt Pre-College Activities Assistant serves as an event planner for Pre-College residential activities. Through facilitating and supporting diverse activities, Activities Assistants are critical to enhancing the social experience of Pre-College students. Activities Assistants primarily serve in pivotal support roles in planning, developing, and executing residential experiences that ensure optimal student experience and provide high quality activity implementation. This is not a student facing role. This position requires flexible weekend hours on Check-in/Check-out Days and during the weekends of program operation.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, Pre-College Activities Assistants are expected to:
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:
Compensation:
$16.00/hr (Non-Residential)
$12.00/hr (Residential; Housing and Meals provided)
*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
Program Dates and Times:*
*dates subject to change
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential or Residential
Reports to: Director of Pre-College Programs
Multiple shifts will be hired for this position.
Job Description:
The Pre-College Head of Operations oversees all office and internal logistics of Pre-College programming and develops structured and efficient processes to ensure program success. Leading a team of program assistants, the Head of Operations manages the Vanderbilt Pre-College Summer Office which serves as the central hub for all internal and external program communication, inventory control, student medication processes and transportation scheduling. Serving as the initial point of contact for parent concerns and questions, the Head of Operations’s team will demonstrate elite customer service leading to efficient response and resolution metrics. This position that requires flexible weekend hours on Check-in/Check-out Days and during the weekends of program operation.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, the Pre-College Head of Operations is expected to:
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:
Compensation:
$22.00/hr
*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
**This position is eligible for the Master’s Degree/ Educator or Counselor Certification incentive.
Program Dates and Times:*
*dates subject to change
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential or Residential
Reports to: Director of Pre-College Programs
Job Description:
The Pre-College Head of Operations: Student Travel Logistics reports to the PTY Director of Pre-College Programs and operates as the Student Travel Logistics lead in the Pre-College Office. This position manages the complex airport shuttle and staffing operations for all Pre-College check-in and check-out days. This involves continually auditing student airport flight times, communicating with students and parents about changed transportation plans, assigning shuttle times and ensuring the successful implementation of all transportation plans. This is a position that requires extreme attention to detail and the flexibility to work long hours on check-in and check-out days. Due to the long hours on check-in and check-out days, this position will have two days off in the middle of each session week.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, the Pre-College Head of Operations: Student Travel Logistics is expected to:
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:
Compensation:
$22.00/hr
*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
**This position is eligible for the Master’s Degree/ Educator or Counselor Certification incentive.
Program Dates and Times:*
*dates subject to change
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential
Reports to: Head of Operations
Job Description:
The Program Assistant position is a pivotal position within the Pre-College summer office staff, responsible for managing a variety of tasks essential to Pre-College operations. The work of the Program Assistant ensures that day-to-day operations run smoothly for all Vanderbilt Pre-College parties, including residential life programming, academic and classroom requests, parent questions and concerns, and student needs.
Individual tasks and assignments will vary according to strengths, schedules, and interests of each Program Assistant, but general responsibilities include establishing a friendly and professional point of contact in the Pre-College office, directing calls, managing medication procedures, monitoring supply and equipment inventory, and assisting with all Check-in/Check-out procedures.
Additionally, the Program Assistant serves as a mature presence to Pre-College students and staff in the Pre-College Office. Program Assistants will work closely with each other and all members of residential life to form a team of individuals dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive residential community that prioritizes student wellbeing. This is a non-residential position. Pre-College Program Assistants generally work 6-8 hour shifts (Sun-Sat) that could be scheduled for morning, afternoon or evening. Check-in/Check-out Days as well as weekend hours may include extended shifts.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, Pre-College Program Assistants are expected to:
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:
Compensation:
$16.00/hr
*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
**This position is eligible for the Master’s Degree/ Educator or Counselor Certification incentive.
Program Dates and Times:*
*dates subject to change
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential & Residential | Multiple Positions/Shifts Vary
Reports to: Assistant Director of Pre-College Programs/Head of Student Support
Job Description:
Reporting to the Assistant Director of VSA, the Head of Student Care & Wellbeing takes full responsibility for the social, emotional, and physiological health of Vanderbilt Summer Academy students. This position is multi-faceted and will require candidates to be flexible and work in a dynamic, ever-changing environment while managing multiple tasks. Not only are you responsible for nurturing and shaping a strong and welcoming environment for VSA students, but this position will collaborate with various VSA teams to support the overall experience of all VSA students. This role may require candidates to take the lead in one or more of the following areas: Student Allergy Support, Accessibility, Medication Distribution, Student Morale, Student Logistics, SWAG, Staff Morale, etc.
This position requires flexible weekend hours.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, the VSA Head of Student Care & Wellbeing is expected to:
Qualifications:
The following is required:
The following is preferred:
Compensation:
$26.00/hr
*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
Program Dates and Times:*
*dates subject to change
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Remote
Reports to: Assistant Director of Pre-College Programs/Head of Student Support
Job Description:
The Pre-College Student Support Specialist (remote) is responsible for key administrative duties and tasks that support the Vanderbilt Pre-College Student Support Team, which is responsible for the overall social and emotional health of Pre-College students. This requires working in various administrative systems and communication platforms. One of the primary responsibilities of this position is to intake and process Student of Concern Forms submitted by Pre-College staff members throughout the program. The Student Support Specialist (remote) will also review required forms that must be submitted before students attend Vanderbilt Pre-College. This position requires flexible hours, a working computer, and a secure and reliable internet connection.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, the Remote Vanderbilt Pre-College Student Support Specialist is expected to:
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:
Compensation:
$16.00/hr
*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
Program Dates and Times:*
*dates subject to change
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential or Residential
Reports to: Director of Pre-College Programs
Job Description:
The Head of Academic Operations oversees the logistical and risk management components of the Pre-College classroom experience. In supervising Academic Program Assistants and Academic Proctors, this position is responsible for a variety of pre-program and in-program objectives including but not limited to: designing and leading trainings, in-program communication with Academic Proctors concerning schedules and policy compliance, managing academic field trips and implementing contingency plans as needed. This position that requires flexible weekend hours on Check-in and during the weekends of program operation.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, the Head of Academic Operations is expected to:
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:
Compensation:
$22.00/hr
*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
**This position is eligible for the Master’s Degree/ Educator or Counselor Certification incentive.
Program Dates and Times:*
*dates subject to change
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential or Residential
Reports to: Head of Academic Operations
Job Description:
The Academic Program Assistant position is a pivotal position within the Pre-College Academic Operations team, responsible for supporting a variety of tasks essential to the Pre-College academic experience. The work of the Academic Program Assistant ensures that day-to-day academic operations run smoothly for all Pre-College parties, including meal procedures, logistics, and student needs. Academic Program Assistants also serve as substitute Academic Proctors and cover shifts as needed. Please note that Pre-College classrooms are spread out across a large campus and Academic Program Assistants walk between classes throughout the academic day.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, Pre-College Academic Program Assistants are expected to:
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:
Compensation:
$16.00/hr (Non-Residential)
$12.00/hr (Residential; Housing and Meals provided)
*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
**This position is eligible for the Master’s Degree/ Educator or Counselor Certification incentive.
Program Dates and Times:*
*dates subject to change
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential or Residential
Reports to: Head of Academic Operations
Job Description:
The Academic Proctor supports the Pre-College academic experience through supporting logistical, risk management and scheduling aspects of the Pre-College classroom. Academic Proctors begin each day by supervising students at breakfast and are responsible for all building to building transitions throughout the academic day. In working with Pre-College Leadership, Academic Proctors support all student needs as they arise as well as ensure that all risk management policies are being followed. Academic Proctors also assist with airport logistics during Check-in (first day of session) as well as assist with supervising at least one weekend residential activity during 2-week sessions (Vanderbilt Summer Institutes). Additional optional weekend hours supporting activities may also be available. Academic Proctors are not expected to have context knowledge related to the courses they are assigned and are not responsible for any instructional aspects of courses.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, Pre-College Academic Proctors manage three domains of responsibility:
Vanderbilt Pre-College Academic Proctors are also expected to:
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:
Compensation:
$16.00/hr (Non-Residential)
$12.00/hr (Residential; Housing and Meals provided)
*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
**This position is eligible for the Master’s Degree/ Educator or Counselor Certification incentive.
Program Dates and Times:*
* Academic Proctors may work one or multiple sessions. Preference will be given to applicants who are available for the entirety of the summer. Dates subject to change.
*dates subject to change
Click Here to Express Interest in this Position
For more information about academic positions, please visit https://pty.vanderbilt.edu/summer-academic-support-positions-for-vsa/.