Academic Lead

Squashbusters, Inc. • Boston, MA

5d • $57,500 - $67,500 • Onsite

About The Position

The Academic Lead will report to and work closely with the Boston Program Director (PD) to set the vision for academic and enrichment programming, establish measurable outcomes each year, and lead the team in delivering on those goals. In addition to this leadership work, the Academic Lead also plans and runs daily academic and enrichment programming for SquashBusters students and oversees the processes for ensuring students’ participation in school year and summer academic, leadership, and career opportunities within and external to SQB’s programming. This person will act as a model for hard work and commitment and will support the creation of a positive, dynamic culture for staff, students, and families. The Academic Lead will work closely with and serve as a mentor to the Program Coordinator, who supports the Academic Lead in running daily academic and enrichment sessions. This leadership role extends to other volunteers, part-time employees, or partners who support or deliver academic sessions as the team challenges, nurtures, and holds accountable SQB youth so that they recognize and fulfill their potential.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Three or more years of relevant professional experience in a classroom or academic afterschool setting.
• Demonstrated success in managing projects and adhering to deadlines.
• Passion for working with young people and experience developing trusting relationships with youth and families.
• A passion for educational opportunities, and a belief in the potential for athletic participation to both drive academic excellence and expand opportunities for success in school and beyond.
• Ability to regularly work until 6:30/7:00 PM on weekdays and to work occasional weekend hours (flex time offered).
• Valid driver’s license with a clean record and a willingness to drive students to and from SQB in a company van.
• Existing eligibility to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Experience mentoring, advising, or directing team members a plus.
• Spanish language proficiency strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the creation and implementation of all academic and enrichment programming for middle and high school while working closely with the PD to ensure the team meets or exceeds its target outcomes each year.
• Ensure maintenance of student standards and performance benchmarks that indicate progress against team goals.
• Use data to identify programmatic trends and create and/or adapt programs to meet identified needs.
• In collaboration with the PD, oversee academic and team trip budgets.
• In collaboration with PD, recruit, train, manage, and develop volunteers, partners, and occasional part-time staff to support academic programming.
• Conduct both informal and formal observations of academic team members and provide regular feedback, direction, and mentoring.
• Collaborate with cross-site counterparts to execute organization-wide events and meet organizational goals.
• Plan, supervise and direct daily homework help sessions, team building, community service, and leadership activities. Maintain documentation of activities.
• Collaborate with the Directors of Post-Secondary Success and Career Success to plan impactful and innovative enrichment activities to prepare students for the transition from high school to post-secondary.
• Ensure high school seniors complete the post-secondary application and financial aid process through a combination of SQB and partner-led group and individual student sessions.
• In conjunction with the PD, develop and implement academic success plans and contracts as needed.
• Provide students with individual feedback on their progress.
• Coordinate delivery of academic and enrichment sessions amongst team, utilizing resources appropriately.
• Manage academic volunteers during homework and academic enrichment sessions.
• Meet with all colleagues to develop an integrated approach to student work and to coordinate and complete shared responsibilities.
• Actively ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all students by adhering to SQB safety protocols and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment.
• Drive students to and from practices, matches, camps, and community service projects.
• Monitor students’ progress by communicating regularly with school staff, guidance counselors, and other community partners, to support student success. As required, collaborate with these partners to support students’ post-secondary application processes.
• Communicate with parents/guardians to ensure that necessary forms and paperwork are complete, and they are aware of their child’s progress, feel like part of the SQB community and can support their child’s growth and development at home.
• Organize and lead parent/guardian meetings as needed.
• Collaborate with full team on recruitment strategy; supporting that outreach/event approach.
• Recruit volunteers and other resources to support delivery of academic programming.
• Together with the PD and Squash Lead, set site-wide strategy, plans and goals for summer season. Recruit, coordinate, and implement summer programming per these goals.
• Help students connect to appropriate opportunities such as external summer camps, SAT prep, and employment opportunities.
• Identity, organize and participate in community service projects and field trips, including on some weekends or overnights during the year.
• Chaperone/drive students for squash and other events as needed.
• Identify and organize workshops or guest speakers on relevant topics throughout the year.
• Organize special events and programming, such as honor roll dinners and other ceremonies.
• Collect and update paperwork for students such as parent contracts, physicals, and report cards and update these details in the Salesforce database.
• Assist with implementation of program evaluation (T-Reports) as it relates to enrollment, attendance, retention, academics, community service and character education programming.
• Maintain classroom to create inviting, productive space for and prepare for day’s activities.
• Manage classroom supplies; organize and clean up classrooms at end of day.
• Plan general weekly/monthly schedule with colleagues and keep appropriate calendars updated.
• Maintain and organize relevant documents in Teams and SharePoint.
• Utilize program budgets according to policy, tracking spending and receipts monthly

Benefits

• Retirement plan with employer matching up to 5%.
• 26.5 paid company holidays and days off plus an additional 16 vacation days (with some restrictions).
• Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance available.
• Employer paid life and long-term disability insurance.
• Free Employee Assistance Program, a cell phone subsidy, and public transportation and parking subsidies available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level