High School Academic Coordinator, Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia

Posted by on July 02, 2012

High School Academic Coordinator, Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia

Posted on: June 21, 2012

BREAKTHROUGH OF GREATER PHILADELPHIA
High School Academic Coordinator

Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia is a six-year academic enrichment program that builds a path from middle school to college for low-income students from Philadelphia and Camden. Breakthrough also inspires talented college and high school students to become educators and engaged citizens by giving them responsibility for teaching in its programs.

Breakthrough provides rigorous academic enrichment and college preparation for students from 7th through 12th grades through summer and school year programming; it also provides high school and college admissions support and counseling. College and high school students from around the country serve as teacher interns in Breakthrough’s classrooms. Breakthrough emphasizes academic excellence, family involvement, leadership, teamwork, creativity, and diversity. Breakthrough is an affiliate of the national Breakthrough Collaborative. For additional information please visit http://www.breakthroughphilly.org or http://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Academic Coordinator guides Breakthrough’s 7th and 8th grade students and their families through the high school selection and application process, and delivers academic support services to Breakthrough’s 9th and 10th grade students. S/he works closely with Breakthrough’s Middle School Program Site Managers and Program Director and is supervised by the High School Program Director.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

High School Selection and Application Process

Stay abreast of and document critical information about Philadelphia’s public, charter, magnet and private high schools including: test scores, graduation rates, college enrollment rates and college outcomes
Plan and implement Breakthrough’s High School Options curriculum for 7th and 8th grade students:
Coordinate Breakthrough’s annual high school information night for students and families, and High School Extravaganza for students
Advise students and families about academic options for high schools; counsel students and families on how to select an appropriate high school based on student’s academic goals and credentials
Assist students and families in the high school application process
Manage and track students’ high school applications and acceptances

Summer Academic Services for Rising 9th Graders

In collaboration with other program staff, interview and select outstanding college and high school students to serve as
intern teachers in Breakthrough’s rigorous Summer Program. This includes participation in several Saturday ‘Teacher Selection Events’ during the spring.
Work in partnership with Breakthrough’s full-time staff to train summer staff including intern teachers, teacher coaches, and Dean of Students. This includes delivering Breakthrough specific presentations during an intensive two-week orientation.
Manage full operations of Breakthrough’s intensive six-week summer program including supervision of 8-12 college student Intern Teachers, 3 Teacher Coaches and one Dean of Students.

School-Year Academic Services for 9th-10th Grade Students

Implement high quality, engaging academic and enrichment programs and activities with the goal of promoting success in school and completion of college
Develop and maintain relationships with students and their families
Advise students in choosing and gaining entrance into college preparatory courses; monitor and ensure rigorous course placement and academic success
Identify critical needs of students and provide timely and appropriate interventions and/or refer students/families to community resources as needed
Identify and coordinate engaging summer learning and leadership opportunities for rising 10th grade students
Meet and communicate regularly with parents/families on student progress, including conducting regular student/family conferences
Coordinate monthly themed grade meetings/workshops using Breakthrough’s College Bound curriculum
Plan and facilitate 8th grade re-commitment meetings with students and their families
Maintain accurate and up-to-date student records in electronic and paper files in an effort to monitor educational progress and personal growth
Support program evaluation efforts and make continuous program improvements to achieve outcomes
Recruit, train and manage college and high school students to serve as Breakthrough tutors
Perform other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

Strong commitment to the mission and values of the organization
Bachelors’ degree from an accredited four-year university
Experience in education or youth development
Leadership experience
Classroom teaching experience and curriculum development preferred
Excellent verbal, written and visual communication skills
Highly organized with the ability to multi-task and deliver commitments in a timely manner
Ability to work with, motivate and lead a broad spectrum of people (ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, professional, and generational)
Ability to advocate effectively while maintaining positive working relationships
Ability to work both collaboratively as part of a team effort and independently
Willingness and ability to take initiative as appropriate
Strong desire to learn and grow professionally
Disciplined, strong work ethic and comfort with working non-standard hours (weekends and evenings)
Proficiency in the use of the computer, with expertise in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
Familiarity with Philadelphia High Schools preferred
Breakthrough experience is a plus!

HOURS

Breakthrough is a fast-paced, needs-responsive environment. While office hours can be flexible, full-time employees typically work more than 40 hours per week on a regular basis.
Some evening and weekend work is required

BENEFITS

Generous vacation package and no-cost health benefits including medical, dental, and long-term disability.

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/77jk2DW2s5Cp/