Center Lead (Richmond)

HIGHER ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM INC•Richmond, VA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Higher Achievement is seeking passionate Part-Time Center Leads to support middle school students in their academic and personal development. As a Center Lead, you will build meaningful relationships with students, lead engaging afterschool programming, and help them grow into confident, high-achieving learners prepared for high school and beyond. This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact, serve as a mentor and role model, receive paid training, and build experience in education, youth development, or social impact. The position offers consistent afterschool hours, making it a good fit for individuals balancing school or other jobs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 3 years of experience working with youth (middle school preferred) in a professional or structured volunteer capacity; or current college enrollment in education, youth development, or a related field with some applied or course study experience.
Demonstrated experience independently managing groups of 10-15 middle school scholars in a structured setting.
Demonstrated agility and flexibility to independently manage and lead with short-term notice.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate expectations and provide direction to scholars and volunteers.
Basic technology proficiency, including accurate attendance tracking and timely data entry.
Criminal background check prior to hire to include state/local municipalities, school district clearances and grant required checks.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in afterschool programs, education, or youth development organizations.
Bilingual (English/Spanish).
Experience supporting academic instruction, tutoring, or enrichment programming.
Familiarity with behavior management strategies and maintaining structured, high-expectation environments.
Alignment with Higher Achievement Core Values: Scholar-Centricity, Striving for Excellence, Power of Community, Voice, and Social Justice.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage groups of 5–15 middle school scholars across core program components, including Learning Blocks, Electives, Community Meetings, and transitions, ensuring a structured, engaging, and enriching environment.
Maintain the continuity of program flow and adapt in real time to unanticipated needs, including short-term leadership coverage.
Build strong relationships with scholars through mentoring, encouragement of personal growth, and reinforcement of positive behaviors.
Promote leadership, teamwork, and self-advocacy while setting and upholding high expectations for engagement and behavior.
Model and uphold Higher Achievement’s culture of high expectations, positive behavior, and scholar engagement across all program elements.
Ensure completion of high-quality homework in Learning Blocks; coach scholars in study skills, test preparation, and academic projects; support and direct volunteers; and guide scholars through academic and enrichment activities, including high school applications, group passion projects, and online learning.
Design and implement engaging activities aligned to scholars’ interests in Electives; provide structure and behavior management; and incorporate scholar feedback to drive participation and ownership.
Facilitate Community Meetings focused on relationship building, social justice, and high school readiness.
Plan and prepare for program components (~3 hours/week) and attend staff meetings for planning and professional development.
Execute daily site operations, including attendance tracking, scholar check-ins, meal setup/service, basic data entry, and maintaining a clean, organized environment.
Communicate with families regarding scholar progress, engagement, and program expectations.
Additional duties may include translation support for multi-lingual scholars and families; shuttle chaperone support and tasks for transporting scholars; scholar recruitment events and initiatives; and other duties as assigned by supervisor.