Statement of Purpose Advisor

Phillips Academy • Andover, MA

2d • Remote

About The Position

The Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a critical element of graduate school applications. IRT Scholars applying to 7-12 programs must draft and refine multiple school-specific SOPs. To support this work, the Institute for Recruitment of Teachers (IRT) hires External SOP Advisors, often alumni to assist scholars in drafting, revising, and finalizing SOPs, as well as other application materials including writing samples, resumes/CVs, and personal history statements. External SOP Advisors are temporary, part-time employees of Phillips Academy Andover. Advisors work with IRT Scholars during the Fall SOP Advising period, an eight-week engagement running from September to November. Advisors are expected to introduce themselves to assigned scholars, hold initial meetings, and complete onboarding and training during July. IRT seeks advisors from a wide range of graduate disciplines and professional fields, with particular interest in expertise in: Anthropology, Communications, Economics, Education Policy & Leadership, Interdisciplinary Humanities, K–12 Teaching, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology.

Requirements

• Reliable access to a computer, cell phone, and internet (fully remote position)
• Must have completed or be currently pursuing a graduate degree
• Experience working with diverse, non-traditional, and first-generation student populations
• Experience editing, grading, and reviewing graduate-level writing

Nice To Haves

• Multilingual abilities are a plus
• IRT alumni are preferred

Responsibilities

• Complete onboarding and training in July (approximately 10–15 hours total)
• Advise 1–5 IRT Scholars (estimated workload: approximately 3 hours per week per advisee)
• Hold weekly meetings during the eight-week advising period (September 21–November 16)
• Conduct an initial meeting of approximately 60 minutes, followed by weekly meetings of 30–40 minutes
• Provide feedback on at least one SOP draft per week through IRT’s Canvas course
• Review writing samples, resumes/CVs, and supplemental essays at least once during the advising period
• Adhere to IRT’s grading and accountability system

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level