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 is an exciting and dynamic position at Summer Search Bay Area. This hire will provide practical advising to program participants for two academic years as they plan for, transition into, and progress through their chosen post-secondary pathway, whether college, a vocational track, a gap year program, or joining the military or workforce. Beyond practical supports, the Post-Secondary Program Coordinator will also support students in thriving through providing mentorship rooted in our depth mentorship model as participants transition away from their Summer Search High School Mentors.

Specifically, the Post-Secondary Program Coordinator will:

• Build relationships and provide 1:1 support and advising to a caseload of 40-60 students for two academic years starting their senior year of high school.
• Over their senior year of high school, provide high-touch college or alternative post-secondary pathway advising to support each student in developing and implementing plans that are specific to their needs, interests, and strengths, whether that be college or an alternative pathway.
• For students pursuing college, provide support and guidance through research and selection of best-fit college choices, the college application process, and financial aid process.
• For students pursuing the workforce or alternative paths, provide support and guidance through building resumes, researching and selecting apprenticeship or other vocational or work-entry programs, etc.
• Collaborate with colleagues on the High School program team to identify and address how to best support each student holistically and towards post-secondary success.
• Facilitate connections with post-secondary students and Summer Search alumni to build relationships to support them in making post-secondary decisions and beyond.
• During their first year after high school, provide mentoring and support towards post-secondary completion and career guidance as needed by:
• Advising participants on academics, financial aid and money management, engagement on campus and in the community, and career exploration.
• Applying the Summer Search depth mentoring model to coaching participants to navigate challenges and focus on problem-solving, particularly around situations commonly faced by first-generation, low-income participants.
• Engaging regularly with all participants, adapting to meet their needs in challenging situations and/or seeking greater support.
• Preparing participants to independently identify or initiate support after their first year of post-secondary.
• Consistently utilize Salesforce to record contact with participants and their progress toward/in a post-secondary pathway, analyzing data to adapt approaches and supports as needed.
• Collaborate with other Summer Search program staff to identify and address risk factors for post-secondary success.

Support, deliver and attend workshops, training, and events. Support special projects and provide other program support as needed.

• Prepare and deliver college application and financial aid workshops for students, families, and staff, focused on supporting first-generation, low-income college students.
• Prepare and deliver trainings and resources to the high school mentoring team in topics related to post-secondary access and success.
• Participate in training in the field of college access/success and other alternative pathways post high school graduation.
• Lead and/or support special projects as needed and participate in events with students and post-secondary participants.
• Organize and facilitate campus gatherings for students and staff at the local colleges and universities with highest Summer Search enrollment.
• Actively contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of the Post-Secondary program through collaborating with regional and national office staff, as well as participate in trainings related to practical supports, including college access and persistence, career exploration, and financial well-being, particularly for first-generation, low-income students.
• Outreach and coordination with colleagues at colleges, universities, and various post-secondary organizations when necessary to best support students and to further develop relationships with Summer Search.

WHO YOU ARE

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.

Additionally, the Post-Secondary Program Coordinator will bring:

EXPERIENCE: At least 2 years of professional experience in post-secondary education, college access/success, admissions, or a related field. Working with student populations served by Summer Search (e.g. low-income families, students of color, LGBTQIA+, English Language Learners, and diverse religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds) is strongly preferred.

COLLEGE KNOWLEDGE: Demonstrated knowledge of California college admission process, financial aid, scholarships and grants, and college admissions testing. Knowledge of liberal arts colleges, the common application, and the 2-year college track. Knowledge of the college process for undocumented students is strongly desired.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING SKILLS: Active listening skills and ability to reflect others’ viewpoints to build trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

CRITICAL CONCIOUSNESS: Understanding of systems of oppression, such as: white supremacy, patriarchy, capitalism, and more, which target and disproportionately impact communities of color. Historical context of privilege and power in America; combined with ongoing personal work, sensitivity, directness, and humility in engaging youth around these topics.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Personal responsibility for work quality and results; excellent organizational skills to juggle multiple projects and at times, unplanned requests.

TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION: Team player who inspires and fosters commitment, connection, enthusiasm, and trust. Facilitates cooperation and motivates staff to accomplish goals. Manages and resolves conflicts and handles interpersonal issues constructively.

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS: Proficiency in detailed data tracking and management; experience using Salesforce or a similar database is a plus.

OTHER DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bi-lingual English-Spanish, Cantonese, and/or Vietnamese a plus.
• BA/BS degree preferred but not required.
• Academic or applied knowledge of adolescent development is a plus.

LOCATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Work hours are Mon-Fri 10am-6pm with occasional weekend and evening special events. This is a hybrid role with the option to work both remotely and at the Summer Search office in Oakland. Travel to partner high schools within the Bay Area (primarily Oakland and Hayward) for student meetings and events will be required as needed.

Summer Search requires all of 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.

PAY AND BENEFITS

• We are committed to staff learning, growth and development. Our investment includes:
• Competitive and transparent salaries. This is a non-exempt position with a starting pay rate of $61,649, which is the equivalent of $31.61/hour.
• 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).
• 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 that answers the question, “Why are you interested in the Post-Secondary Program Coordinator role at Summer Search and how will you approach your work with students?” Please address cover letters to SiMone Andrade.

SUMMER SEARCH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.