Sponsor-A-Scholar Program Director

Posted by on February 14, 2003

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
SPONSOR-A-SCHOLAR PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Philadelphia Futures, a 13-year old educational nonprofit organization, is seeking a Director for its centerpiece program, Sponsor-A-Scholar ("SAS"). SAS assists inner-city high school students to prepare for and succeed in college. The Director is responsible for a staff of eight to ten employees who orchestrate the provision of mentoring, academic enrichment, college guidance, cultural activities, and career exploration to 250-300 high school students. Students enter the program in the ninth grade. Each student who enters college is eligible to receive $6,000 for college-related expenses, which has been contributed by a financial sponsor.

Major responsibilities include:
1. Leading a staff of eight to ten employees, including a Program Assistant, four to six school Coordinators, an Academic Coordinator, and several college interns. Coming from a wide range of backgrounds, including social work, education and student services, staff members are in constant contact with students, mentors, school personnel and parents to ensure that students remain on track to college and take maximum advantage of the program’s services. The Director not only manages the staff members but is responsible for their individual and group professional development.

2. Marketing the program to diverse constituencies, including students, mentors, sponsors, parents and school personnel, whose collective involvement is essential to the academic success, motivation and personal development of each student.

3. Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement in the program’s effectiveness, including constant review and refinement of the academic enrichment programs to ensure that they are meeting the academic needs of the students.

4. Contributing to increasing college access and success for all first generation, low-income students in Philadelphia through active participation in the college prep community, partnerships with school personnel, and advocacy with higher education institutions.

5. Organizing and planning events and program communications.

6. Managing the requirements for public contracts.

7. Overseeing program evaluation and assessment.

The successful candidate will have leadership experience, be able to work effectively in a collaborative decision-making environment, and be comfortable addressing issues of race and class as they affect program students, mentors and staff. Experience in a college prep or comparable education program is a plus.

The SAS Program Director reports to the Executive Director of Philadelphia Futures and is a member of the executive staff that sets direction and develops strategies for the organization.

Philadelphia Futures is seeking a person who will make things happen for our students – a dynamic leader who will demonstrate initiative, creativity, understanding and vision.

Please send resume and salary requirements to Joan C. Mazzotti, Executive Director, Philadelphia Futures, 230 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 or e-mail joanmazzotti@philadelphiafutures.org