Post-Secondary Program Coordinator

While young people from low-income communities – who are disproportionately young people of color – face systemic inequities in school, in the workforce, and in life, they possess unique strengths, resilience and tremendous potential. When provided with support and resources, these young people fulfill their potential and achieve success in school, work and life.

Through a combination of mentoring and transformative experiences, Summer Search supports young people to successfully transition from adolescence into adulthood. We aim to unleash the potential of our young people while also building a toolkit for navigating and challenging systemic barriers to higher education and career opportunities.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Post-Secondary Program Coordinator (Pathways Program) is an exciting and dynamic position at Summer Search NYC to make an impact locally in NYC as well as nationally across our sites. The Post-Secondary Program Coordinator is a part of a network-wide team comprised of mentors from across all Summer Search sites, working with Post-Secondary Participants 2+ year out from High School graduation to meet participant needs. The hire will advise program participants as they progress through their chosen post-secondary pathway whether college, a vocational track, a gap year program, or joining the military or workforce, as well as deliver programming related to financial well-being, career readiness, educational attainment, and health and well-being.

This Post-Secondary Program Coordinator will join a growing Post-Secondary team in Summer Search NY whose vision is grounded in connection – with Summer Searchers, between our staff, and in partnership with other stakeholders (at high schools, colleges and in the community) – that allow us to be knowledgeable and effective in our work with students as they find their purpose and thrive in their chosen post-secondary pathway.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Specifically, the Post-Secondary Program Coordinator (Pathways) will:

• Deliver high-quality programming and individualized participant support both locally and nationally as part of the New York Post-Secondary Team and the National Pathways Cohort for Post-Secondary participants 2-4 years out from High School graduation across Summer Search’s sites (40%)
• Provide mentoring and advising on emerging individual needs by applying the Summer Search depth mentoring model while coaching participants to navigate challenges and focus on problem-solving, particularly around situations commonly faced by first-generation, low-income participants, including on academics, financial aid and money management, engagement on campus and in the community, and career exploration.
• Partner with local Career Navigator and network-wide Post-Secondary Program Coordinators to deliver targeted programming such as workshops, webinars, events and group meetings to post-secondary participants needing higher level support including students attending a 2-year college, those nearing post-secondary completion, those who went directly into the workforce and those who are experiencing health and wellness challenges.
• Participate in event planning and/or attend program events for all post-secondary participants (including some evening and weekends events).
• Bridge and refer participants to other resources to gain familiarity with and access to the range of supports offered by Summer Search.
• Consistently update and utilize Salesforce to record contact with participants and track progress towards long-term outcomes, including updating semester enrollment information
• Coordinate and Contribute to Program Development and Delivery, Locally and Network Wide (60%)
• Conduct intentional and strategic outreach for all NY and network-wide post-secondary programming, including but not limited to career navigator programming, recruitment for Development + Program opportunities, program updates, resources and opportunities.
• Facilitate distribution and tracking of Summer Search NY’s Financial Assistance Fund, established to assist participants in pursuing higher education and career opportunities.
• Collaborate with National Program Team staff to support ongoing learning and program evolution cycles (program delivery, evaluation, program design) for our Post-Secondary Pathways program working with post-secondary participants in years 2-6
• Incorporate Summer Search CONNECT, our digital platform, into daily work and work to increase usefulness to post-secondary participants, registration and engagement.
• Participate in regular network-wide cohorts and working groups of Post-Secondary staff to collaborate, share best practices, and move programming forward.
• Participate in organizational trainings and meetings with local, regional and national staff.
• Analyze data in collaboration with Director of Post-Secondary Programs to adapt approaches, supports and local programming as needed.
• Coordinate and/or participate in special projects as needed.

WHO YOU ARE

The Post-Secondary Program Coordinator will be a highly motivated team player who thrives in an authentic, feedback-driven culture. Specifically, strong candidates will bring:

• EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE: At least two years professional experience in post-secondary advising or a related field with young adults, ideally working with first-generation or young adults from low-income communities and/or communities of color. Knowledgeable about key areas of post-secondary advising, such as academics, alternative pathways, financial aid and money management, student life, and career exploration. Experience designing and delivering workshops a plus.
• ACCOUNTABILITY: Holds self responsible for process, decisions, actions and commitments to results and to drive high-quality outcomes for participants. Is responsive to the needs of stakeholders such as student/ program participants, staff members, community partners, and alumni.
• CRITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS: Recognizes sociopolitical barriers and understands the systems of oppression that operate in day-to-day lives of stakeholders e.g. students/ participants, staff members, donors, community partners, alumni, volunteers. Applies critical thinking and takes action against the oppressive aspects of reality.
• COMMUNICATIONS EFFECTIVENESS: Ability to articulate thoughts and ideas within and across various audiences, cultures, channels, and media. Listens effectively for understanding and clarifies information as needed. Ability to comfortably facilitate group presentations.
• CONTINUOUS LEARNING: Ability to continually develop and improve one’s skills and knowledge in order to perform effectively and adapt to changes in the workplace. Positions the organization for future success by identifying new opportunities to learn and integrating feedback in own role. Consistently records and reflects on data to support continuous learning cycles and evaluation.
• PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Works in an organized manner to achieve goals and objectives. Balances competing priorities when managing projects.
• TECHNOLOGY SKILLS: Proficiency in using databases and Excel for data entry and management; experience using Salesforce or a similar student database is a plus.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Bi-lingual English/Spanish a plus

In addition, all Summer Search staff bring a commitment to our mission of unleashing students’ potential through mentoring and transformative experiences, as well as the ability to thrive in an environment that values excellence, gratitude, well-being, diversity, authenticity, and collaboration.

WORK HOURS AND LOCATION

The start date for this position is flexible depending on candidates preference and need through July 2023. Work hours are Mon-Fri 10am-6pm with occasional weekend and evening special events. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this position will be hybrid remote/in-person, with the current expectation of 2 days working in-person, with the intention of going to 3 days working in-person in the future. This position can be based out of either the Summer Search NYC Manhattan Office or our Bronx Office, with the expectation to work occasionally out of the other NYC office depending on staff and student needs.

Summer Search requires all its staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. Employees who are unable to be vaccinated due to a medical reason or sincerely held religious objection may be able to qualify for an exemption, consistent with state and federal law.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

This is a non-exempt position with starting pay ranging from $31.61-$34.12 per hour (equivalent to $61,649- $66,542 annually). Summer Search is committed to transparent, equitable compensation practices. Salaries are benchmarked using current market data and salary bands are created to demonstrate the growth potential within the band. Typically, offers are made at the starting place of the salary band. The Hiring Manager partners with the Talent Team to ensure offers are appropriate, competitive and maintain internal equity.

Well-being, flexibility, and ongoing learning and development are pillars of our culture. We value our staff and are committed to creating an environment where every individual feels seen, heard and valued. Investments in our staff include:

• Medical insurance with up to 90% employer contribution
• Dental, vision, FSA, life and disability insurance plans
• 401 (K) and Employer Match up to $2,000 annually
• Generous time off including 15 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 18 holidays (2 floating holidays of your choice, a birthday day-off, 10 company-wide holidays, and a 1-week December closure). Plus, Re-Fresh Friday’s – a paid half day off the first Friday of every month!
• A comprehensive Employee Recognition Program (years of service awards, spot awards, professional development funding, and a sabbatical program)
• A four-week paid sabbatical after five years of continuous employment.
• Individual, local, regional and national training
• A commitment to developing leaders from within the organization
• An organizational culture that supports staff well-being and holistic self-care/community care
• Ample opportunities to connect with the students and communities we serve

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

With a staff that cares deeply about social justice and racial justice, we believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds create a rich work environment and enhance our ability to pursue our mission. We are committed to building an organization with raised consciousness in order to impact how we work with students, as well as how we work together as a team. We hope you will join us as we continue to build a justice-centered organization that fosters a work environment where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued.

TO APPLY

Submit a resume and targeted cover letter, addressed to Trish Borrell Kutnyak, Director of Post-Secondary Programs, that answers the question, “Why are you interested in the Post-Secondary Coordinator (Pathways Program) opportunity at Summer Search?”

SUMMER SEARCH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.