Description
ABOUT US AND OUR PHILOSOPHY
SMASH empowers brilliant, underrepresented students with rigorous science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, culturally-relevant coursework, and access to resources and social capital that allow them to pave a successful career in tech and entrepreneurship. SMASH Academy, a year-round STEM-focused academic program that serves underrepresented high school students, has been described by US News and World Report as "Perhaps the most ambitious program to encourage African American and Latino students in STEM fields". Now in its 17th year, SMASH Academy is scaling through an ambitious expansion strategy to achieve national impact.
A research-based organization, SMASH informs and leverages research projects examining inequity in access and opportunity across K-12, higher education, and workplace contexts in order to improve the outcomes for underrepresented students in STEM fields. SMASH is funded by private donors, foundations, and corporate giving.
When SMASH scholars graduate from SMASH Academy, they enter their senior year of high school and officially become a part of our SMASH Alumni Program. The alumni program includes, but is not limited to: SMASH Admit (college preparatory program), SMASH Rising (internship preparatory program), SMASH Persist (college persistence program), Career Placement Programming, SMASH Alumni Board, SMASH Alumni Summit, and the Alumni Newsletter.
Working at SMASH is about fast growth, personal commitment, and the tenacity to challenge the status quo. This is a pivotal time for SMASH as we build on the success of our education programs and scale our work dramatically. This is not for the faint of heart, but if you have what it takes to change the face of STEM, join us.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Admit is our program supporting and preparing our SMASH seniors for the rigors of college. Admit provides seniors with the vital skills needed to embark upon all aspects of the college admissions process and make an informed college decision. In addition to one-on-one college coaching, Admit will host academic year workshops focused on (but not limited to): financial aid and scholarship support, college essay brainstorming, editing, and technical writing support, improving study skills and habits during senior year of high school, general college application support, and college fit.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting to the College Admit Lead (CAL), the College Admit Coach (CAC) will play an integral role in delivering and sustaining the transformative educational experience that SMASH Alumni need to pursue, persist, and succeed in STEM. This will include, but is not limited to: Advising a cohort of 35-40 SMASH seniors from September to May, supporting students to goal completion through one-on-ones and workshop engagement. This is approximately a 9-month assignment (September to May), with a part-time engagement throughout the duration of the program. Attendance at all training dates, workshops and events is mandatory. Although the majority of the position will function as described below, some aspects are subject to change due to evolving programmatic needs. Some weekend work is required.
TIMELINE
Training Days | September 8-9 | 5 hours
Admit Kickoff Meeting | September 11 | 2 hours total
35-Week Program | September 11 - May 17 | Part-Time (7 hours per week)
Admit Debrief & Wrap Up (May) | 2 hours total
- Attendance at all dates is mandatory. Please do not consider applying for this role if you are unable to attend all of the mandatory dates above.
This is a 100% remote position. The position can be done virtually, from a home office or, if feasible, from any virtual location with reliable Internet connection (at least 25 Mbps download speed). The responsibilities listed below demand a quiet space and we expect Coaches to provide their own equipment. You will need a personal computer (desktop or laptop) that has a working webcam, speaker and microphone for video conferencing capabilities (i.e. Zoom, Google Hangouts, Cisco Webex, etc).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
As a College Admit Coach, you will be responsible for:
- Assisting 35-40 SMASH seniors in their growth and development by constructing and executing meaningful college application plans. You will support your cohort to apply for SMASH colleges and universities, complete financial aid applications, scholarship applications, ensure attendance at all programming events, among other key deliverables;
- Attending all workshops, staff training, staff meetings, and kick off meetings
- Working collaboratively and professionally with the College Admit Lead; timely communication with manager is critical
- Utilizing SMASH curriculum and specific guidelines to individually support alumni
- Collaborating with College Admit Lead to ensure alumni communication is sent & received
- Completing staff surveys and actively engaging in all program evaluation deliverables
- Building rapport with and maintain communication with the SMASH team, particularly in regards to alumni engagement and progress
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated effectiveness working with underrepresented, low-income youth in diverse academic and professional fields
- Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field required; advanced degree preferred (completed or in progress)
- A minimum of two years college counseling and/or relevant work experience
- Content competency and enthusiasm for subject area required
- Commitment to SMASH’s mission; willingness to embrace goals/values is essential
- Desire to teach with technology and improve technological skills
- Excellent facilitation skills, classroom management and teaching skills; openness to various and/or new teaching paradigms
- Willingness to be self-reflective and reflexive about your individual teaching philosophy and practice
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Apply for this position below. The application includes a place to upload your resume and cover letter and to provide a written response to specific prompts:
- What is your college coaching philosophy?
- If a senior shared “it’s too expensive to go to college out of state” how would you advise?
These positions will close when filled.
Benefits
COMPENSATION
The compensation for this position is $25/hr with a maximum of 224 hours for the entire duration of the position. Should the employee miss any hours of required meetings or events, the total compensation will be adjusted accordingly. If your assignment ends earlier than we anticipate for any reason, your compensation may also be reduced accordingly. While we cannot offer a benefits package for this position, we can reimburse you for any approved work-related expenses. Access to a laptop is also necessary; SMASH cannot provide one. These policies are subject to variation based on specific circumstances.
STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/harassment based on: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. Above and beyond discrimination/harassment based on “protected categories,” SMASH also strives to prevent other subtler forms of inappropriate behavior (i.e., stereotyping) from ever gaining a foothold in our office. Whether blatant or hidden, barriers to success have no place at SMASH.
We value a diverse workforce: people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.