Campus Assistant

Background & Overview

Each summer, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts’ Campus Assistants are a vital part of the programming season. The position is a forward-facing, visitor-engaged role that demands high energy, strong communication skills, and proactive presence to ensure every participant enjoys a safe, positive, and memorable experience. The position works closely with staff and takes an active role in managing various tasks in the day-to-day running of the School. These positions are seasonal, with a schedule of 40 hours per week plus additional scheduled on-call overtime hours from May–October 2026. On-campus housing and meals are provided.

Position Summary

Haystack’s Campus Assistants report to the Programs + Studio Director. Campus Assistants must be able to work long hours that may be both physically and emotionally challenging. Successful Campus Assistants should demonstrate flexibility, positive communication skills, adaptability, and a willingness to problem-solve in the moment. Campus Assistants must be comfortable with a forward-facing, customer service-oriented role and will work with all Haystack staff, instructors, campus guests, and participants during their duties.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Maintain a schedule of campus and participant supervision, including regularly scheduled on-call hours in case of emergency
• Regular communication with instructors, campus guests, and participants for campus schedules and activities, updates, daily meal-time announcements, and general information
• Daily off-campus errands, including transportation to the town dump, post office, hardware store, etc., in a School vehicle
• Coordinate and manage session registration check-in and check-out of program participants
• Assist with studio cleaning and set-up between sessions, ensuring that campus is maintained, cared for, and reset for each program session
• General administrative staff support, including but not limited to:
  • Process participant housing change requests as needed once participants arrive on campus
  • Maintain communication with participants as needed to track participant arrival for program check-in
  • Communicate with the shuttle company to coordinate participant travel as needed on program arrival and departure days
  • Answering phones, responding to inquiries, and other office support
  • Process shipping and receiving for participants through FedEx, UPS, and USPS Priority
• Assist with Public Programs, including: ? Assisting with group tours of the campus with Haystack staff
  • Support of End-of-Session Walk-Throughs, auctions, and events
  • Prepare, format, and troubleshoot faculty digital presentations
  • Installation of faculty and studio assistant exhibitions in Gateway Auditorium gallery
•  Staff support, as needed, of campus operations, including Store, kitchen, dining hall, studios, or facilities
• Possible transportation of participants in emergency situations
• Additional duties and responsibilities as required

Skill Sets & Characteristics

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of individuals
• Demonstrate a passion for the School’s mission, vision, and values
• Background in craft, art, or design preferred
• Familiarity with or interest in Haystack’s programming
• The ability to multitask and problem-solve
• The ability to live and work in an intensive, creative community
• Excellent organization with a strong attention to detail
• Experience with Google Workspace or equivalent technology

Qualifications

Qualified applicants should have either participated in a Haystack or equivalent program, have an understanding or knowledge of the School, or have demonstrated experience in a similar educational, camp, or customer service setting. Candidates must be self-motivated, able to work as part of a team, and balance and prioritize various concurrent responsibilities.

Campus Assistants must have the flexibility to perform various tasks each day, ranging from working at a computer to physical labor that requires the ability to lift 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. Campus Assistants must be able to navigate the campus, traverse uneven terrain, and make frequent trips up and down flights of stairs. Routine use of Haystack vehicles will be necessary, and a valid driver’s license is required.

Haystack is committed to being an anti-racist organization. Employees must treat all staff members, faculty, program participants, and visitors with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Compensation & Benefits

This position is full-time, 40 hours per week plus additional scheduled on-call overtime hours, with a compensation of $30/hour paid bi-weekly. Private on-campus housing and meals are provided; living on campus is required. The School will provide training in physical and mental health first aid. This position is not eligible for benefit coverage.

To Apply

The deadline to apply for this position is Friday, January 30. Email a resume, cover letter addressing relevant experience and interest in this position, and contact information for three references to employment@haystack-mtn.org with the subject line, “Campus Assistant Application, [Your Name].” All attached files must be in PDF format and labeled to include your last name. No phone calls, please. The anticipated start date for this position is no later than April 29, 2026.

Non-discrimination Policy

Haystack is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We do not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identification, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, economic status, or veteran status. All are welcome.