Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth Special Projects Team 2026 staff applications are currently being accepted.
PTY Special Projects Team is a branch of programs within Vanderbilt's Programs for Talented Youth that supports our special partnerships and collaboration with other programs, departments, and foundations. In 2026, Special Projects will host the three-week immersive academic and residential program for rising 12th grade scholars known as "Young Scholars Senior Summit at PTY" in partnership with the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.
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 Marisa Flores. Applicants both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest.
There is no deadline to submit interest in PTY Special Projects 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 Returning PTY Staff | 4th+ Year Returning PTY 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.
| Activity | Hours Per Week | Staff | Total Weeks | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Special Projects Leadership Team Pre-Session Work | 5-15 hrs per week | All Head Positions | March - June | |
| Special Projects | 25-45hrs+, depending on role | All Staff | One-Week | June 29-July 3, 2026 |
| Young Scholars Senior Summit @ PTY | Most positions 45+ hrs per week | All Staff | 3 Program Weeks | July 6-24, 2026 |
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential or Residential
Reports to: Manager of Special Projects
Job Description:
Reporting to the Manager of Special Projects, the Head of Student Care & Wellbeing takes responsibility for supporting the community health to maintain a positive social, emotional, and physiological health of Senior Summit Scholars. This position is multi-faceted and will require candidates to be flexible and work in a dynamic, ever-changing environment while managing multiple tasks. Responsible for nurturing and shaping a strong and welcoming environment to support the overall experience of all Senior Summit students. This position will also coach/mentor Area Coordinators, lead and facilitate trainings with staff, and serve as the Lead on Duty during evening and weekend shifts. One of the primary responsibilities of this position is to intake, process, and facilitate care for the Student of Concern Forms submitted by Special Projects staff members throughout the program. This role will include taking lead in the following areas: Student Allergy Support, Accessibility, Medication Distribution, Student Morale, Residential Logistics, Staff Morale, Student Behavioral Support, etc.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
All Senior Summit staff are expected to:
Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, the Head of Student Care & Well Being is expected to:
Qualifications:
Compensation:
$26.00/hr or $22.00/hr if residential. Residential preferred.
*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
Program Dates and Times:*
*dates subject to change
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Residential
Reports to: Head of Student Care & Well Being
Job Description:
A Special Projects Area Coordinator serves as an in-residence floor leader and supervisor. Residential small groups of 8-14 high school students are led by residential 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:
All Senior Summit staff are expected to:
Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, 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:*
The typical standard weekday shift is 6:30am-8:30am and 2:30pm-11pm in addition to extensive weekend hours. Please note that hours may vary slightly depending on session activities. Area Coordinators work 1-2 hours each morning in supervising the residential halls as students wake up as well as escorting students to breakfast.
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 high school students during Senior Summit, 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. Proctors will lead their small group of students through daily gatherings, will ensure risk management and student supervision ratios are intact, and will encourage positive engagement within the Senior Summit activities and community. 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:
All Senior Summit staff are expected to:
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:
Compensation:
$16.00/hr (plus housing and meals while Special Projects 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:*
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential or Residential
Reports to: Manager of Special Projects
Job Description:
The Head of Academic Operations oversees the logistical and risk management components of the Special Projects classroom experience. In supervising the Academic Proctors and an Academic Program Assistant, 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.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
All Senior Summit staff are expected to:
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:*
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 Special Projects Academic Operations team, responsible for supporting a variety of tasks essential to the Special Projects academic experience. The work of the Academic Program Assistant ensures that day-to-day academic operations run smoothly for all Special Projects 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 Special Projects classrooms are spread out across a large campus and Academic Program Assistants walk between classes throughout the academic day.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
All Senior Summit staff 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:*
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential or Residential
Reports to: Head of Academic Operations
Job Description:
The Academic Proctor supports the Special Projects academic experience through supporting logistical, risk management and scheduling aspects of the Special Projects 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 Special Projects Leadership, Academic Proctors support all student needs as they arise as well as ensure that all risk management policies are being followed. Academic Proctors may also assist with airport logistics during arrival and/or dismissal, as well as assist with Saturday mornings. 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.
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
All Senior Summit staff 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:*
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential or Residential
Reports to: Manager of Special Projects
Job Description:
The Special Projects 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 session. Supervising an Activities Program Assitant 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 Special Project's mission and values. The Head of Activities will also plan and facilitate training to support all staff in their understanding of and engagement with student activities.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
All Senior Summit staff are 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 Special Projects Activities Assistant serves as an event planner for Special Projects residential activities. Through facilitating and supporting diverse activities, Activities Assistants are critical to enhancing the social experience of Special Projects students. The Activities Assistant primarily serve in pivotal support roles in planning, developing, setting up, facilitating, and tearing down residential experiences that ensure optimal student experience and provide high quality activity implementation. This position requires flexible weekend hours.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
All Senior Summit staff are expected to:
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:*
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential or Residential
Reports to: Manager of Special Projects
Job Description:
The Special Projects Head of Operations oversees all office and internal logistics of Special Projects programming and develops structured and efficient processes to ensure program success. The Head of Operations manages the Vanderbilt Special Projects 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 Operations's team led by the Head of Operations & Communications will demonstrate elite customer service. This position, in collaboration wtih other leadership roles, will manage the updating and dispersement of daily staff communication, including but not limited to, Daily Staff Meeting and Proctor Group Meeting notes.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
All Senior Summit staff are expected to:
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:
Compensation:
$22.00/hr (non-residential)
*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:*
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential
Reports to: Manager of Special Projects
Job Description:
The Program Assistant - Operations and Weekend Support position is a pivotal position within the Senior Summit Operations and Residential team, responsible for supporting a variety of tasks essential to the Senior Summit experience. The work of the Residential Operations Program Assistant ensures that day-to-day operations run smoothly for all Special Projects parties, including meal procedures, travel logistics, and program needs. The Program Assistant will also serve as a substitute Proctor and cover shifts as needed. Please note that Special Projects events and classes are spread out across a large campus and the Operations Program Assistants may walk between spaces throughout the day. This position requires flexible weekend hours.
Perks:
Your summer includes:
Expectations:
All Senior Summit staff are expected to:
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:
Compensation:
*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:*
For more information about academic positions, please visit https://pty.vanderbilt.edu/summer-academic-support-positions-for-vsa/.