Graduation Candidate Retention Advocate

About Us 

At Acceleration Academies, we believe in transforming the lives of students who have disengaged from traditional schooling. Through personalized, flexible learning and innovative educational practices, we empower young adults to earn their high school diploma tuition-free. Partnering with school districts nationwide, our dropout recovery and student re-engagement programs are supported by cutting-edge technology and a commitment to compassionate teaching. 

Position Title: Graduation Candidate Retention Advocate

Location: Lowcountry Acceleration Academies 

Reports To: Academy Director

Employment Type: This is a full-time position funded through Title 1 funds. Employment is contingent on the yearly categorical allocation from Lowcountry School District. 

Minimum Requirements

Education: Associate degree or higher (Bachelor’s preferred)

Years of Experience: 2 years of relevant experience

Background Check: Appropriate state and federal criminal history clearance

Role Expectations 

The GCRA is to increase parent and family engagement, conduct home visits to identify attendance barriers, update GC commitment schedules on a weekly basis, create a supportive and coordinated family plan to keep GCs tracked for high school graduation, and provide weekly progress reports to GCS on the caseload including parents of all minors, coordinate and lead Title I parent meetings and student engagement sessions. The GCRA will provide intensive intervention for a caseload of GCs who have not met engagement or progress expectations (PW, High Risk, 100 Days), support retention goals through research-based best practices for re-engagement strategies, arrange for coordinated family and adult student meetings each week (virtual and in-person) for students not making satisfactory progress in their course using Edmentum data and the protocol checklist for family meetings, utilize the GPI (Graduation Persistence Index) results to identify potential barriers that would limit academic success, and work with staff and stakeholders to eliminate those barriers through coordinated services. This position would also require rotating evening and weekend hours. (Preferred - Bilingual)

Core Competencies 

The following core competencies define what the organization requires of its employees to succeed and how we expect overall goals to be accomplished each and every day.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Caring & Inclusiveness
• Flexibility & Adaptability
• Honesty, Integrity & Reliability
• Results-Orientation

Role-Specific Competencies 

These competencies are specific to the GCA position. 

• Organizational Planning & Time Management
• Commitment & Motivation
• Relationship Management
• Coachability & Learning Orientation
• Resiliency & Stress Management

Role Responsibilities

• Arrange for coordinated family and adult student meetings each week for students not making satisfactory progress in their course using Edmentum data and retention protocol for LAA.
• Utilize the GPI (Graduation Persistence Index) results to identify potential barriers that would limit academic success and work with Life Coach to eliminate those barriers through coordinated services. 
• Conduct home visits to identify attendance barriers and a supportive and coordinated family plan to keep GCs tracked for high school graduation. 
• Clearly articulate the value of a high school diploma in a way that inspires hope and optimism and moves people to action
• Access and develop community based partnerships to target referral sources and resources for Graduation Candidates
• Participate in a variety of outreach/marketing activities and events in the local community, including school fairs, organizational expos, presentations at public parks and gatherings, activities at churches and food pantries and any place where young adults may benefit from learning about Acceleration Academies diploma program
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Inspirational presence, reliable leadership, and excellent group and individual rapport-building and communication skills (written and verbal) in a range of relationships and environments
• Comfortable learning new technology for organizing and voter engagement that is critical to program implementation, training and tracking
• 1-3 years of experience working in a sales or community outreach capacity preferred
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, changing environments with ability to maintain long hours, including irregular times such as nights and weekends
• Computer and telephone app proficiency; must be able to learn and adapt to various computer systems and platforms
• Must have dependable, daily access to a vehicle that you can use every day to drive to events and activities in the community is required. Mileage, gas and phone data to be reimbursed.
• Fluency in Spanish or other languages spoken by people in the communities we serve
• US work authorization
• Community Organizing, Election Campaign and Canvassing Experience preferred

Why Join Us? 

Being part of Acceleration Academies means joining a team dedicated to transforming student outcomes. Here, you’ll directly impact students’ lives, championing their growth, resilience, and path to graduation. 

We Value Our Team’s Well-being 

We prioritize the holistic well-being of our team members and their families through comprehensive total rewards: 

• Competitive Compensation: Recognizing your hard work with market-aligned salaries. 
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with up to a 4% company match to help secure your future. 
• Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, Company Paid Life Insurance, Supplemental Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, and Accident insurance options are available to protect you and your loved ones. 
• Flexible Paid Time Off: Encouraging a healthy work-life balance through adaptable PTO. 
• Wellness Support: Employer-paid financial wellness programs and access to mental health resources. 
• Employee Referral Incentives: Rewarding you for helping us build a talented team. 
• Professional Development: Certification reimbursement programs to invest in your growth. 

Physical & Work Environment 

• Regularly required to sit, talk, hear, and use hands; frequently stand, walk, reach; occasionally lift up to 20 lbs. 
• Work environment aligns with a collaborative classroom setting and may involve exposure to outdoor weather. 

Ready to Make a Difference? 

If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact and shaping the future of education, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in redefining what’s possible for students everywhere. 

Third-Party Agency & Recruiter Notice for Acceleration Academies 

Agencies presenting candidates to Acceleration Academies must have an active, nonexpired Master Services Agreement with the Acceleration Academies Talent Acquisition Department. Agencies may only submit candidates for positions they have been formally engaged in working on by an Acceleration Academies Recruiter. Any resumes submitted outside these terms will be considered the property of Acceleration Academies. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Acceleration Academies is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will evaluate all qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. 

Salary : $45,000 - $50,000