Program Associate

Summer Search, we believe in 'No Ceilings' and envision a world in which young people, regardless of circumstances, can chart their own destiny. In the United States, students from underserved communities – disproportionately BIPOC and first-generation – face systemic inequities in school, in the workforce, and in life. Nevertheless, these young people possess unique strengths, resilience, and limitless potential.

Since 1990, Summer Search has partnered with young people during their transition from adolescence into adulthood by connecting them to expansive opportunities, professional mentoring, and a community of support. Summer Searchers recognize their potential and build a toolkit to navigate and challenge systemic barriers, break new ground for their families and communities, and achieve economic equity and a life of purpose.

THE OPPORTUNITY
Summer Search Philadelphia seeks a Program Associate to manage a caseload of approximately 35 high school students, building long-term relationships and providing regular mentoring through a combination of groups and individual conversations from sophomore year through senior year of high school. Joining a supportive program team that currently serves over approximately 300 high school students, this hire will have the opportunity to practice Summer Search's unique approach to mentoring, prepare students for two challenging summer experiences, support post-secondary readiness and matriculation, and join a team that is committed to learning, social and racial equity, and the students we serve. Program Associates partner with students to provide individualized support of the many facets of students' lives, which includes conversations about school, family, friends, race, class, gender, sexuality, summer programs, and more.
Specifically, the Program Associate will advance Summer Search's mission through the following job responsibilities:
Student Mentoring and Program Facilitation (60%)

Provide individual 1:1 mentoring to high school students
Mentor a caseload of approximately 35 high school students, building relationships and conducting regular mentoring at school, in our office, by phone, or through virtual platforms (ie Zoom).
Utilize a unique mentoring methodology based upon adolescent social-emotional development, cultural relevance, and critical consciousness. Enable conversations that allow students to reflect upon the impact of identities and social/cultural context on their lives.
Hold students accountable to year-round program participation, as well as demonstrating a personal commitment to students that results in a high level of engagement throughout their Summer Search experience.
Monitor and promote students' academic and extracurricular participation and performance, as well as post-secondary readiness requirements.
Communicate with students' families, especially regarding details about summer experiences and career opportunities.
Facilitate bi-weekly group mentoring sessions -- either virtually or at designated high school(s)

Before each session, prepare by reviewing group mentoring curriculum, gathering materials and sending student reminders.
Create a safe community where students can be honest with each other by, ensuring each student has the space to be heard and challenged respectfully and setting-up physical space that is conducive to achieving the objectives of each session.
Recognize a student safety situation and how to respond and care for both the individual student and the group.
Observe and respond to group needs and adapt facilitation style accordingly.

School Engagement & Relationship Building (20%)

Coordinate school outreach activities, including in-school presentations, "Back to School" functions, student and family events, and school communication, within a designated set of high schools.
Partner with the Outreach team to: coordinate resource needs for groups at your partner high school(s), including scheduling time to promote Summer Search services during the school day, securing physical space for 1:1 and group sessions and confirming session schedules and technology needs.
In partnership with Outreach team, establish and nurture relationships with staff partners at your partner high school(s). Know the resources and people available at your partner high school(s) and how these resources intersect with Summer Search, so you can connect your students with them as needed.
Respond promptly and thoughtfully to requests from school partners, expressing gratitude at all times.

Administration and Project Management (20%)

Enter and track program data accurately and daily in Salesforce database to assess student progress and drive organizational learning, to ensure high levels of program quality and professional development.
Actively participate in and/or coordinate projects that support school and student outreach, summer programs logistics, post-secondary preparation and success, and/or alumni engagement.
Search Philadelphia is a team focused on innovation. We are on a growth trajectory and positioned to pursue, create and execute new innovations over the next several years. Innovations may include building career readiness skills, creating and using technological tools in which to engage high school students and post-secondary participants, and presenting financial wellbeing workshops to ignite wealth building within the communities we serve.
WHO YOU ARE

Program Associates exemplify curiosity, empathy, teamwork, flexibility, critical consciousness, and a commitment to learning. Specifically, strong candidates will bring:
EXPERIENCE:

At least 2 years of professional experience working with student populations served by Summer Search (e.g. low-income families, students of color, LGBTQA+, English Language Learners, and diverse religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.) Experience and skill in facilitating groups of adolescents or similar groups is preferred. Ties, connections, contacts, and understanding of the City of Philadelphia and the school district, including charter schools, and its young people is a plus.
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, community partners, and alumni. Ability to apply critical analysis and sensitivity in engaging youth, staff, and school and community partners around these topics.Applies critical thinking and takes action against the oppressive aspects of reality
ACCOUNTABILITY:

Personal responsibility for work product and results; excellent organizational skills to juggle multiple projects and ad hoc requests.
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING SKILLS:

Builds trust, credibility, and rapport with others through conveying empathy and authenticity in relationships. Demonstrates active listening, asking probing questions, reflecting others' viewpoints, and conveying a respectful tone and manner in all interpersonal interactions.
ADAPTABILITY:

Skill in identifying, navigating, and communicating potential risks and challenges. Stays productive and solutions oriented in the face of change. Remains curious and flexible and demonstrates a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work. Ability to understand and navigate different perspectives.
TECHNOLOGY SKILLS:

Proficiency in meticulous data tracking and management; experience using Salesforce or a similar database is a plus.Experience with Microsoft Office & Teams.
LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Fluent in Spanish is a plus.
OTHER DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Academic or applied knowledge of adolescent development 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.

LOCATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Work hours are Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm with occasional weekend and evening special events.This is a hybrid role with the expectation of working 3 days in office and 2 days remote. Work location can be split between our Summer Search office in Center City, and a partner high school. This hire must be able to travel to partner schools in the Philadelphia region.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This is a non-exempt position with a starting pay rate of $24.60- $26.57 per hour equivalent to $47,988-- $51,823 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,lifeand 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, and professional development funding).
A four-week paid sabbatical after five years of continuous employment.
Individual, local,regionaland national training
A commitment to developing leaders from within theorganization.
An organizational culture that supports staff well-being and holistic self-care/community care
Ample opportunities to connect with the students and communities weserve.
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 consciousnessin order toimpact 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
Select "Apply for this Position" below to submit a resume and targeted cover letter that describes your strength, skills, and experience facilitating or teaching groups of young people, and your work experience within the Philadelphia region. Please address cover letters to Sydney Salley, Program Manager

SUMMER SEARCH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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