Immediate Opening CT SY 24-25 Director of Student Life (New Haven)

School Year: 24-25Y

School: AF Amistad High School

Start date: Immediate

About Achievement First:

Change requires change agents. Across our growing network of high-performing public charter schools, our students in historically underserved communities enter our doors looking for a great education. We are looking for you. We are a network of innovators, of dedicated educators committed to pursuing excellence for ourselves and our students, of content nerds with a deep knowledge and love of subject matter, and of advocates with an unwavering commitment to inspiring all students to reach the high expectations that help them succeed.

We believe in the fierce urgency of now. In our classrooms, our students benefit from high-quality, rigorous and engaging instruction infused with a contagious enthusiasm for content and learning. Our students know they can and will achieve, and every day we work to provide them with opportunities for deep intellectual engagement across all subjects and content areas. Our students will graduate from top colleges and universities and then will have access to all of the life and leadership opportunities that flow from a great education. Our students will change the world.

About the role:

The Student Life Director plays a pivotal role in developing and managing key enrichment, admissions, and school culture initiatives. This individual will oversee and develop external partnerships, create job opportunities for students, and lead the planning and execution of numerous school-wide events. This position requires project management skills and experience in youth development. The Director will also mentor students, helping them build resumes and gain essential employment skills, such as securing internships and other job-related opportunities.

This is an exciting opportunity to directly impact the lives of highly motivated high school scholars, helping them to develop a love of learning in key enrichment areas and preparing them for the competitive college application process. Our students work extremely hard and are held to very high expectations regarding both their academic achievement and character development. Students are expected to operate in accordance with our core values both in and outside of school.

Role and Responsibilities:

Community Partnership and Service:

• Cultivate relationships with external partners and build community partnerships for extracurricular programming and community service opportunities.
• Track community service hours for scholars in service of strong college applications.
• Run the student internship program, securing opportunities and teaching students how to be employed.
• Manage a small volunteer mentoring cohort.
• Ensure scholars have access to working papers.

Student Life Events-Planning:

• Design, plan, and execute a calendar of extracurricular events and programs for students, including large school-wide events like field day, family BBQ, potluck, spirit week, and staff vs. student basketball games.
• Plan and oversee cultural celebrations such as Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and day of service events.
• Organize and lead all major senior events, including Senior Signing Day, Graduation, and prom.
• Plan events, acquire necessary materials, lead staff professional development sessions related to events, and get students involved in the planning process.

Student Government Liaison:

• Oversee the student government process and elections.
• Facilitate and mentor SGA meetings, student-led events, and monthly retreats.

Scholar Incentives, Joy, and Communication:

• Facilitate scholar creation of the yearbook.
• Design incentive events and prizes for attendance, homework, and testing (etc.).
• Serve as social media captain, managing the school's Facebook and Instagram accounts.
• Write the Weekly Student Memo, student announcements, and scholar-facing communication.

Experience and Qualifications We are looking for candidates who bring experience and skills in the following areas:

• A bachelor's degree
• Experience in program- and project-management, including organizing and leading projects.
• Understanding of urban school district settings and the high expectations for students and staff necessary to dramatically improve student achievement.
• Experience in youth development and navigating that space, such as involvement with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, after-school programs, or running camps.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills

We are looking for candidates who exhibit these characteristics:

• Acute attention to detail and excellent organizational skills, particularly in managing multiple events with overlapping timelines.
• A strong focus on results and the flexibility, energy, and willingness to do "whatever it takes" to help kids and colleagues succeed.
• Ability to work autonomously, collaboratively, and take direction as needed, especially in supporting operations and culture teams.
• Belief in the Achievement First mission and educational model.
• Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and "roll-up-my-sleeves" attitude.
• Willingness to work during evening events (5-7 PM).
• Spanish proficiency is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Employees at Achievement First are provided with a competitive salary. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual's skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role.
• As a regular full time employee of Achievement First, you will be eligible for benefits that include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as a 403(b) retirement benefit package with match and paid Family Leave.