Organization Overview
The mission of Onward We Learn is to prepare and inspire young people in Rhode Island to become the first in their families to attend and complete college. From the time they join through their early years of college, participants experience the steady, nurturing presence of caring adults and participate in programs that focus on academic enrichment, personal development, career exploration, and college preparation.
Onward We Learn encourages people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); those who are the first in their family to attend college; LGBTQIA+ community.
Purpose of the Position
The Director of Middle School Success (Director of MS Success) leads the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of Onward We Learn's Middle School Advisory System for grades 6-8. This role involves supervising and providing mentorship to Middle School Advisors, Program Coordinators, and a Program Operations Specialist, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, impactful educational programs that align with the organization's goals for college and career readiness. The Director of MS Success plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of Onward We Learn, supporting grant development, and fostering collaborative initiatives to enhance the educational journey of middle school students.
Job Responsibilities
Leadership and Supervision:
- Supervise and develop work plans for Middle School Advisors and a Program Operations Specialist, providing tactical assistance and prioritization support.
- Provide coaching and mentorship to the team through regular one-on-one meetings and team meetings, in addition to leading professional development sessions on student engagement, data analysis, and program evaluation.
- In collaboration with the Director of Recruitment & Admissions, provide the Middle School Advisors with guidance, coaching, and training on recruitment and admission strategies.
- Ensure team adherence to Onward organizational policies and all relevant school policies and legal requirements, including mandatory reporting.
- Lead the recruitment and onboarding process for new advisors, ensuring effective integration into the team and familiarity with organizational protocols.
Program Development and Implementation:
- Lead the strategic planning and implementation of middle school programs, collaborating with the Chief Program Officer and other key staff to ensure programs are effective, engaging, and aligned with educational standards and organizational objectives.
- Regularly evaluate program outcomes against established goals, utilizing feedback and data to refine and enhance program offerings, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of students and schools.
- Work closely with school districts, administrators, and community partners to coordinate resources and support, facilitating successful student transitions from middle to high school.
- Identify opportunities for new program development that address gaps in college and career readiness, incorporating best practices in youth development and educational equity.
- Advocate for and support the successful transition of students into high school, coordinating resources with school districts and community partners.
- Oversee the allocation of resources for middle school programs, including budgeting, staffing, and logistics, to maximize impact and efficiency.
- Support family engagement strategies within middle school programs, ensuring parents and guardians are informed, involved, and supportive of their children's educational journey.
Organizational Support:
- Contribute to the strategic direction and management of Onward We Learn, participating actively in leadership meetings and cross-functional collaboration.
- Support grant development and collaborative initiatives, enhancing the organization's impact and reach.
- Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including school administrators, community partners, and funders, to support organizational objectives.
Data Analysis and Reporting:
- Oversee the utilization of Onward's CRM by Middle School Advisors, ensuring accurate and timely data entry, reporting, and compliance with data privacy and security policies.
- Analyze CRM reports on students' program attendance and engagement, academic milestones, achievement of personalized academic goals, and completion of college readiness activities to identify trends, inform program improvements, and demonstrate impact to stakeholders.
- Collaborate with Middle School Advisors to identify and implement interventions team-wide and individually, as needed, ensuring sustained high levels of participation and the effectiveness of academic support strategies.
- Ensure compliance with data privacy and security policies, maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of student information.
- Master's degree in education, public administration, or related field, or a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of five years of relevant experience.
- A minimum of three years of work experience in secondary education, developing relationships with school-based personnel, managing programs, and administering grants.
- Deep understanding of the college preparatory process, youth development theories, and the needs of under-represented and first-generation students.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
- Proficiency in data analysis and reporting, with the ability to use technology to drive decision-making and program improvements.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, and Excel) and able to learn and effectively use the latest software and technology systems employed by Onward.
- Commitment to Onward We Learn's mission, values, and strategic objectives.
- Ability to act as an advocate and ambassador for the organization, with a strong sense of ownership and pride in performance.
- Flexibility to work weekend and evening hours as needed for program support and special initiatives.
Preferred
- Fluency in a second language relevant to Onward We Learn's student population
- Prior knowledge of public, charter, and/or private education systems, community resources, and higher education
Total Rewards and Benefits
Onward We Learn offers a comprehensive benefits package that helps our employees live their best lives and grow personally and professionally. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, flex spending accounts, generous paid time off, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and a 403(b)retirement plan with organizational match.
Onward We Learn, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer.
Compensation details: 68000-102000 Yearly Salary
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