BOSTON, MA (Hybrid), Exempt, Full-Time
This is a hybrid role based in our Boston Innovation Center, with the expectation of working 4 days per week (10-6 M-Th; Friday Flexible) in our Boston office, with occasional Friday time for staff and professional development meetings.
ABOUT THE ROLE: The Possible Zone (TPZ), a nonprofit organization, seeks a Work-Based Learning Coordinator to facilitate career-connected experiences for students. The ideal candidate has a strong track record of overseeing and coordinating internships and other types of hands-on career-focused learning opportunities for young people and is passionate about closing the opportunity gap. The Work-Based Learning Coordinator facilitates and oversees career-connected learning experiences for high school students, which includes teaching a Consult course where students collaborate closely with external organizations to learn in-demand skills, and support students in applying for internal and external internships. These work-based learning experiences are strong vehicles for workforce readiness and career exploration for our students. This role reports to the Senior Director of Career and College Pathways. The Pathways and WBL team consists of another Senior Director and WBL Coordinator. A successful candidate has previous work experience leading internship preparation workshops and classes, as well as experience advising students on pursuing internship opportunities. In addition, a successful candidate would bring experience in other industries to this role. Experience in project management, and in securing and maintaining relationships with external organizations will also be valued. The WBL Coordinator/Manager will play an instrumental role in helping to build out the Pathways/WBL department at TPZ, and in ensuring that our students are successful in pursuing work based learning opportunities that will help them achieve their professional goals. RESPONSIBILITIES: Teach work-based learning courses to high school students (45%) Teach a hands-on work based learning class to small groups of students. Partner with an external organization to engage students in creating a product to meet the client’s needs Support development of key skills to align with careers for the future Empower students to develop social capital and professional networks Support students’ in pursuing internships by teaching internship kick off and end-of-term presentations. Career Advising (35%) Advise juniors & seniors who are pursuing career and industry pathways by providing application support and advice for students applying to trade and technical programs. Promote TPZ scholarships and support seniors in applying for TPZ scholarships. Oversee academic year internship placement through Boston’s Private Industry Council (PIC), TPZ partners, and other local internship opportunities. Planning and leading career-focused workshops (10%) Coordinate a one-day career event that brings together local businesses, entrepreneurs, the community, and young people to explore career opportunities. Support career deep-dive workshops focused on career exploration and career readiness skills. Help recruit students to participate in workshops and college and career "boot camps". General TPZ responsibilities (10%) Attend team meetings, staff meetings Share student stories and successes with TPZ / Communications Other responsibilities as needed QUALIFICATIONS: 3-5 years of relevant experience, preferably in career development and advising Bachelor’s degree or 6 years of commensurate experience Successful track record of advising young people on pursuing work based learning opportunities Experience facilitating hands-on career-connected learning experiences Experience in a matrix organization or in project management Experience with an entrepreneurial venture or start-up strongly preferred Entrepreneurial mindset Ability to communicate across all levels of the organization (written skills if needed) Ability to pivot or innovate when necessary Alignment with our mission and demonstrated commitment to core competencies A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all activities (see Statement below) Compensation & Benefits: Salary range is commensurate with experience, with Coordinator middle range being $70,000 - $75,000 The Possible Zone provides eligible employees with a comprehensive health and insurance package that covers them and their families. We pay 80% of the premium for Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance and 100% of the premium for Basic Life insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability for employees . We also offer robust mental health and wellness resources through partnerships with Calm and Wellable. Additionally, employees will receive a commuting stipend that can be used for walking, biking, transit, or gas; employer contributions to their 401(k); paid parental leave; an average of 20 paid holidays per year; up to 25 days of paid time off per year; opportunities for internal and external professional development which include learning what our students learn in our state of the art STEAM Makespace/FabLab ; and performance-based compensation with merit and bonus potential . Our Compensation philosophy is designed with checks and balances to ensure pay equity and to fairly recognize and reward employees' contributions. DEI Statement: We believe every member of our team and student body deserves opportunities for growth, success and inclusion. We recognize that for many of our students, staff and communities, their life journeys run through oppressive structures and systems (e.g. classism, racism, sexism) — and that’s what makes our organizational culture and work so necessary and important. We believe that diversity in perspective, backgrounds, ethnicities and lived experience is a strength, and from that strength, we can accomplish great things with the students we serve. Together as students, staff, organizations, communities, volunteers, and partners, we are intentional about creating safe spaces where all members can speak authentically and be themselves. We are committed to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity. As members of The Possible Zone community, our progression along this ongoing journey raises thoughtful questions, reveals biases, and opens conversations. We celebrate one another and are unified in our commitment to young people, excellence, and innovation. This work is our shared responsibility and our opportunity to welcome all members who share in our mission and strive to provide pathways that further prepare students in achieving their desired success. COVID Vaccination Policy: The Possible Zone is requiring that all employees receive a primary series of COVID-19 vaccination as well as a booster dose. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen, and receives a booster dose when eligible. In order to be qualified for employment at The Possible Zone, final candidates must comply with the vaccination requirement or receive an approved exemption. ABOUT THE POSSIBLE ZONE: What if all young people could follow their dreams? What if they had the opportunity to design and launch a company or social-venture they were passionate about? What if they knew what an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, industrial designer, data scientist, marketing executive, electrical engineer, biotech researcher, advanced manufacturer, roboticist, game designer, journalist, nonprofit leader or mayor does and why? What if they were given the opportunity to intern in these positions and work settings while still in high school? And what if they had the chance to learn the foundational professional and technical skills needed to succeed in any of these careers? And very importantly, what if they develop a mindset, where their imagination and creativity can be fully explored, where everything is possible and where no boundaries exist? Would young people believe they could pursue these careers or any others they choose? Would they become what they had dreamed? At The Possible Zone, our resounding answer is YES! We are on a journey to develop a transformative model and facility in the heart of Boston’s most diverse and youth-populated communities. TPZ is an eleven-year-old non-profit organization that has served well over 1,000 students with programming, internships and advisory services during high school toward the mission of economic equity. Our program has demonstrated strong impact in terms of high school graduation, matriculation into post-secondary education and careers, and strong Social Emotional Learning and Identity Development. As we further expand into Boston, TPZ Programming will catalyze a Boston Community Ecosystem that will include students, parents, high schools, community organizations, large corporations, local entrepreneurs, technology companies, venture capitalists, and post-secondary education institutions. Our intent is to join and continue to enhance a Student Ecosystem in Jackson Square and surrounding communities that are similar to those that have emerged in other Greater Boston areas such as Kendall Square and the Seaport District. Collectively we will dream, learn, work, and ultimately create leadership opportunities for economic mobility and prosperity for our students and their surrounding community. Importantly, TPZ is highly committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. And as we establish success in our Boston Headquarters, we will scale our efforts to replicate TPZ’s blueprint at a National level. We envision a program and space that serves tens-of-thousands of students over the next decade(s). When a student enters the program, they will be greeted, coached, taught, counseled and supported by highly trained, caring staff and partners in entrepreneurship and business, leadership and team building, passion and perseverance, learning and accountability and empathy and integrity. challenged to pursue their passions and launch ventures in everything from electronics, software, digital media, services, fashion, food, to consumer goods equipped with the life skills essential to thrive in the emerging economy building social networks through connection to professional mentoring and internships with hundreds of local companies supported when needed through wrap-around services in academic tutoring, ESL, mental health, food security, and college success by partner organizations Ultimately, through their experiences and growth at TPZ, and with our partners, our students will be prepared and inspired to attend college, alternative post-secondary education and launch careers in their community, where they will pursue their passions in business, STEAM, Community and Entrepreneurial organizations. Our students - all students - deserve to pursue their passions and achieve economic equity. CURRENT SCALING (WHAT’S NEXT?) In 2022, TPZ opened a 35,000 sq. ft. Innovation Center that can serve up to 1,000 students annually. The organization employs 70 professionals with plans to grow in Boston and beyond in the coming years. TPZ offers a strong professional development ethos; a fast-paced entrepreneurial culture, innovative curriculum; pedagogy, and a commitment to excellence and student impact. Powered by JazzHR