Academic & Career Services Coordinator, TX

The Social Justice Learning Institute is dedicated to improving the education, health, and

well-being of youth of color by empowering them to take hold of their educational future

using research as a tool for community and social change. SJLI trains students to conduct

research on problems in their community using a rigorous yearlong curriculum while

providing basic academic support (i.e., tutoring, homework assistance, academic

counseling, etc.) and college preparatory education. SJLI youth learn what it takes to

achieve academically to go to college and become civically engaged, solution-oriented, and

critical participants in the democratic experience. SJLI envisions an educational system

where youth become engaged citizens who discover their best talents and apply them to

help improve the world they live within.

Job Summary

At SJLI, the Academic and Career Services Coordinator provides students with mentorship

and guidance in their academic, personal, and professional development.

This includes, but is not limited to, case management, developing individual academic

plans, academic intervention counseling, developing partnerships with job/career

organizations, and working alongside school administrators, parents, and community

organizations to achieve these goals. These goals culminate in fully preparing students to

be eligible to apply to a 4 year/2 year institution and/or in a pipeline to be gainfully

employed after graduation. It is essential to build networks with community organizations

to be able to connect students with opportunities that can propel them in their personal

pursuits.

Responsibilities:

1-on-1 Student Support

● Establishes and maintains relationships with students

● Facilitates meetings with students, counselors, teachers, and parents

● Develops individual academic plans with students

● Supports academic intervention work

● Connects students to on-campus resources

● In partnership with the Program & Curriculum Coach, establishes relationships with

on-campus site staff and administrators.

Postsecondary Planning

● Plans and coordinates college field trips

● Connects students to SAT/ACT prep courses

● Familiar with Common Application and Apply Texas for HBCUs, Texas public and

private colleges and universities, and community colleges.

● Creates and facilitates financial aid workshops

● Assists with navigating financial aid

● Assists with the college application process for youth

● Creates and facilitates college application workshops

● Works with college recruiters to do presentations in class

Data Management

● Ability to use SJLI’s online databases

● Responsible for collecting and inputting student data from various sources

● Able to collect, track, and input data effectively

● Ability to create site data reports

● Create monthly reports

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

● Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills

● Experience in working with young people from a youth development perspective

● Has a social justice framework and is knowledgeable of the tenets of equity.

● Able to demonstrate a commitment to the Social Justice Learning Institute's goals,

guidelines, and principles

● Able to maintain confidentiality

● Possesses a valid Texas Driver’s License

● Ability to obtain a live scan clearance

● Available to work on weeknights and weekends

● Able to form strong relationships with a wide range of constituents, including, but not

limited to, parents, students, staff and leadership

● Ability to collaborate in a team environment

Core Competencies:

At SJLI, how we approach our work is as important as what we achieve. The following core competencies reflect the values, skills, and mindsets that are critical for success in the Academic & Career Services Coordinator role and throughout our organization. These competencies guide our hiring decisions, inform our performance

evaluations, and shape our professional development efforts. We seek candidates who demonstrate

strength in these areas and a commitment to continual growth and learning. 

Team Member Competencies:

● Growth Mindset: Demonstrates a willingness to learn, adapt, and improve

continuously in response to evolving youth needs and social justice landscapes.

● Mission Driven: Shows a strong commitment to SJLI’s mission and values,

integrating them into all aspects of youth programming and advocacy work.

● Communication: Exhibits excellent verbal and written communication skills,

adapting style to various audiences, including youth, community partners, and

stakeholders.

● Ownership: Takes responsibility for youth programs, outcomes, and stakeholder

relationships, showing initiative and follow-through.

● Cultural Humility: Demonstrates respect and openness to diverse perspectives

and experiences within the youth communities SJLI serves.

● Workload Management: Effectively prioritizes tasks and manages time to meet

deadlines and achieve program goals.

Leadership Competencies:

● Develops and Motivates Others: Inspires and supports the growth of youth

participants, volunteers, and team members in program activities and advocacy

efforts.

● Emotional Awareness: Demonstrates empathy and understanding in

interactions with youth, team members, and community partners, particularly

when addressing sensitive social justice issues.

● External Relationship Builder: Cultivates and maintains strong partnerships

with youth-serving organizations, schools, and other key stakeholders to advance

SJLI’s youth-focused initiatives.

● Continuous Improvement Minded: Consistently seeks ways to enhance youth

programs, engagement strategies, and advocacy efforts for greater impact.

● Strategic Thinking: Aligns youth programs with SJLI’s broader goals and

mission, anticipating challenges and opportunities in youth engagement and

advocacy.

● Manages with Data: Uses data-driven insights to inform decision-making,

evaluate the effectiveness of youth programs, and improve outcomes.

Candidates are encouraged to share how they have demonstrated these competencies

in their past experiences and how they would apply them in this role. SJLI is committed

to supporting the ongoing development of these competencies through mentorship,

training, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or 1-2 years of counseling or tutoring experience. Although

this is an entry-level position, understanding the field is essential, including knowledge and

understanding of SEL development and working with students.