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POST-SECONDARY MENTOR
SUMMER SEARCH, BOSTON
At Summer Search, we believe in 'No Ceilings' and envision a world in which young people, regardless of circumstances, can chart their own destiny. In the United States, students from underserved communities - disproportionately BIPOC and first-generation - face systemic inequities in school, in the workforce, and in life. Nevertheless, these young people possess unique strengths, resilience, and limitless potential.
Since 1990, Summer Search has partnered with young people during their transition from adolescence into adulthood by connecting them to expansive opportunities, professional mentoring, and a community of support. Summer Searchers recognize their potential and build a toolkit to navigate and challenge systemic barriers, break new ground for their families and communities, and achieve economic equity and a life of purpose.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Post-Secondary Mentor is an exciting and dynamic position at Summer Search Boston. The Post-Secondary Mentor will work with participants starting in their senior year through their first year after High School as they plan for, transition into, and progress through their chosen post-secondary pathway whether that be college, a vocational track, a gap year program, or joining the military or workforce.
This Post-Secondary Mentor will join a team of four, comprised of two additional post-secondary mentors, a post-secondary program manager, and a director of programs. We are passionate about working with youth and committed to building long-term, holistic, individualized relationships with each student to support them in their journey through high school and beyond.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Post-Secondary Mentor will be responsible for a caseload of participants between the ages of 17-24. They will support each student in developing and implementing plans that are specific to their needs, interests, and strengths as they transition from high school towards their post-secondary goals.
Specifically, the Post-Secondary Mentor will advance Summer Search's mission through the following job responsibilities:
Direct Services: Student Mentoring and Program Facilitation (60%): Utilize Summer Search's approach to mentoring using lenses of trauma sensitivity, social and emotional learning, critical consciousness, and adolescent development while navigating situations commonly faced by first-generation, low-income participants. Identify, document, and connect participants to events, stakeholders, and other resources that will support them in their educational attainment, career readiness, and sense of financial well-being.

• 12th Grade - Mentor a caseload of approximately 30-35 high school seniors. Over their senior year of high school, provide holistic, student-centered, individualized mentoring with the following:
  • Conduct monthly 1:1 mentoring with participants online/by phone or in-person.
  • Conduct in-person monthly Group Mentoring workshops.
  • Revise and implement workshops that are specific to each cohort's needs and strengths.
  • Work with organizational partners to track student progress and engagement.
  • Provide college or alternative post-secondary pathway advising as needed.
• 1st Year Post High School- Mentor a caseload of 25-35 students in their first year after High School to support their life transitions as new challenges and skills arise. This will include:
  • Conduct 1:1 mentoring every 6 weeks with participants online/by phone or in-person.
  • Refer participants to Career Program Manager for 1:1 coaching specific to their career goals.
  • Utilize CONNECT (Summer Search's career resource portal) as a resource for participants to expand their network and build career readiness awareness.
  • Provide mentoring and support towards post-secondary completion and career guidance as needed.

Program Design & Delivery (25%):

• Enhance current group mentoring workshop curriculum on an ongoing basis to remain relevant to participant needs.
• In collaboration with other post-secondary program coordinators, managers, and director, support the development of new curriculum as it relates to post-secondary program.
• Design and implement events for all post-secondary participants from high school seniors through four years after High School.
• Conduct intentional and strategic outreach for all post-secondary programming, including career coaching and internship program.
• Coordinate other program pieces related to educational attainment, career readiness, SEL and financial well-being such as: scholarship processes, mass communications, college visits, high school partnerships, student retreats and other special projects as needed.
• With School and Community Engagement staff's guidance, lead outreach presentations and application workshops for prospective students, and provide 1:1 follow up as needed.

Data & Evaluation (15%):

• Ensure meticulous data collection on a weekly basis in our Salesforce database to execute the organization-wide programmatic metrics and goals, such as outreach, mentoring touchpoints, matriculation, and college persistence.
• Analyze data in collaboration with the Program Manager to adapt approaches and supports as needed.
• Participate in elements of an evaluation plan designed to assess program quality, fidelity, and outcomes and to inform individual staff development and continuous improvement of program model (e.g. Complete feedback surveys after mentoring sessions)

WHO YOU ARE
The Post-Secondary Mentor will be a highly motivated team player who thrives in an authentic, feedback-driven culture exemplifying curiosity, empathy, teamwork, flexibility, critical consciousness, and a commitment to learning. Specifically, strong candidates will bring:

• EXPERIENCE: At least 2 years of professional experience serving first-generation students from low-income backgrounds and/or communities of color (high school or college-aged). Group facilitation experience strongly desired. Academic or applied knowledge of adolescent development and/or training in restorative/transformative justice work is a plus.
• COMMUNICATION EFFECTIVENESS: Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to lead and facilitate engaging group mentoring workshops for high school participants. Utilizes active listening skills and reflects others' viewpoints in relationship building with diverse groups of stakeholders.
• DEPTH MENTORING: You understand and create an environment where all people feel safe enough to explore, discuss, question and reflect on past, current or future experiences in one-on-one or large group discussions.
• CRITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS: You have an understanding of the root causes of societal discrimination and injustices and are self-reflective about your own privilege and positional power. You apply critical thinking and take action toward liberatory and inclusive practices.
• ACCOUNTABILITY: You hold yourself and others responsible for processes, decisions, actions, and commitments to results to drive high quality outcomes. You're responsive to the needs of stakeholders and follow through on commitments.
• TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION: You value many voices, are comfortable creating space for dialogue and handle interpersonal issues constructively. You inspire and foster commitment, connection, enthusiasm and trust and motivate others to achieve common goals.
• TECHNOLOGY SKILLS: Proficiency in using databases and Excel for data entry and management; experience using Salesforce or a similar student database is a plus.
• LANGUAGE SKILLS: Bi-lingual English/Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Mandarin a plus.

In addition, all Summer Search staff bring a commitment to our mission of unleashing students' potential through mentoring and transformative experiences, as well as the ability to thrive in an environment that values excellence, gratitude, well-being, diversity, authenticity, and collaboration.
WORK HOURS AND LOCATION
Work hours are Mon-Fri 10am-6pm with occasional weekend and evening special events (i.e. student interviews, orientations, summer prep sessions, community events, etc.). This position is hybrid with 3 days in office, 2 days working remotely, with some in-person trainings and meetings that may fall out of that expectation. Our programming schedule varies based on participant needs and academic calendar; percentages mentioned above reflect responsibilities across the year. Access to a car or reliable transportation to travel to the office and schools in the greater Boston area is required.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This is a non-exempt position with a starting pay rate of $31.14-$34.82 per hour equivalent to $60,725-$67,910 annually. Summer Search is committed to transparent, equitable compensation practices. Salaries are benchmarked using current market data and salary bands are created to demonstrate the growth potential within the band. Typically, offers are made at the starting place of the salary band. The Hiring Manager partners with the Talent Team to ensure offers are appropriate, competitive and maintain internal equity.
Well-being, flexibility, and ongoing learning and development are pillars of our culture. We value our staff and are committed to creating an environment where every individual feels seen, heard and valued. Investments in our staff include:

• Medical insurance with up to 90% employer contribution
• Dental, vision, FSA, life and disability insurance plans
• 401 (K) and Employer Match up to $2,000 annually
• Generous time off including 15 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 18 holidays (2 floating holidays of your choice, a birthday day-off, 10 company-wide holidays, and a 1-week December closure). Plus, Re-Fresh Friday's - a paid full day off the first Friday of every month!
• A comprehensive Employee Recognition Program (years of service awards, spot awards, and professional development funding).
• A four-week paid sabbatical after five years of continuous employment.
• Individual, local, regional and national training
• A commitment to developing leaders from within the organization.
• An organizational culture that supports staff well-being and holistic self-care/community care
• Ample opportunities to connect with the students and communities we serve.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
With a staff that cares deeply about social justice and equity, we believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds create a rich work environment and enhance our ability to pursue our mission. We are committed to building an organization that values critical consciousness in order to impact how we work with students, as well as how we work together as a team. We hope you will join us as we continue to build a justice-centered organization that fosters a work environment where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued.
TO APPLY
Click "apply to this position" below to submit a resume and targeted cover letter, addressed to Lariona Jacobs, Post-Secondary Program Manager, that answers the question, "Why are you interested in the Post-Secondary Mentor opportunity at Summer Search?"
SUMMER SEARCH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.