Director of College and Career Academy

DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE & CAREER ACADEMY

LUCY Outreach is a nonprofit organization offering multilingual, culturally responsive programs and services to Camden City and Camden County, NJ youth and young adults, ages 7-28 , and their families, who have a low income.

At LUCY we empower our youth on their journey to become community leaders by providing programs that offer a safe-haven, and support their educational, social, emotional, and physical growth.

Resilience – We are passionate and tireless in pursuit of our mission to help youth to persevere through all obstacles.

Respect – We listen with empathy and respect and treat each other with kindness and dignity.

Inclusivity – We celebrate the diversity of the youth and provide access to opportunities where they can explore and apply the power of their unique experiences. 

Safety – We provide safe spaces and experiences that enhance the social, emotional, and physical well-being of the youth.

Empowerment – We believe youth have boundless potential and we invest in them to create a brighter future for our communities and our world. 

Currently, ninety-four percent of LUCY participants live at or below the poverty line, attend underperforming schools and have limited access to higher education and fair wage employment opportunities. Ninety-five percent of LUCY’s College and Career Academy participants are first generation students. Since LUCY’s founding in 2007, all 478 active high school seniors participating in the program have graduated high school and entered college and/or the workforce. 

LUCY is recognized as an LGBTQ safe and brave space in Camden City and Camden County.

POSITION OVERVIEW

LUCY is seeking a full-time Director of College & Career Academy. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position will oversee College & Career Academy and be responsible for the coordination of all college and career programming and resources at LUCY. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years of relevant experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector or within a high school or college setting. In addition, preferred candidates have strong familiarity of resources and requirements for students from low-income backgrounds, such as New Jersey EOF. 

This is a full-time, exempt position. Due to the seniority of this role, this position will spend a majority of their time on-site, with the occasional opportunity to work from home. Hours will include evenings and occasional weekends, depending on planned programs, trips and events.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

●     Establish strategy and vision for the College & Career Academy at LUCY Outreach

●     Support LUCY Scholars in navigating the complexities of college and career planning, including setting and achieving their academic and professional goals

●     Design, implement and oversee the development and use of a college and career curriculum

●     Build community relationships and partnerships for internships and postsecondary opportunities for college and career

●     Manage and oversee the College & Career Academy staff, including College Coordinator, Career Coordinator, and Youth Night Coordinator; provide guidance, support, and supervision of all programming efforts under the CCA umbrella

●     Support and assist Executive Director and Grant Writer with writing grants of and reporting of grant fund spending within the College & Career Academy

●     Perform other duties as requested

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

●     Commitment to and passion for the mission of LUCY, and ability to model its values

●     Competent with Microsoft Office and Google Business Suite

●     Familiarity with college and career readiness software tools (i.e. Naviance)

●     Ability to understand financial reports and budgets, including managing grant funds

●     Thorough understanding of college and career opportunities related to New Jersey

●     Excellent managerial skills and ability to evaluate the work of others

●     Proven ability to collaborate, support and train staff, interns and volunteers

●     Knowledge and understanding of Camden or similar communities, and the challenges faced by first generation Scholars, a plus

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

●     Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in School Counseling, Education or Social Work

●     Experience as a high school or college counselor or similar work is preferred

●     5 or more years of relevant experience required

●     Knowledge of the college process including high school course selection, SAT/ACT testing, Common App, college application process, financial aid process & FAFSA, EOF, CSS and the like

●     Knowledge of college scholarship resources and application process 

●     Knowledge and experience with trade, technical and career programs, including military

●     Experience with youth; ability to communicate with, supervise, and empower youth from diverse backgrounds; comfortable utilizing and communicating through social media

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

●     Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer

●     Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at a times

WORKING AT A YOUTH-SERVING ORGANIZATION                                                                               All LUCY Outreach staff are required to be fingerprinted, background checked and attend a Child Assault Prevention training prior to employment. Position also requires a valid driver’s license in good standing and mandatory drug testing with negative result.

SALARY/BENEFITS                                                                                                     The salary range for this position is $65,000-$80,000.                                                                    Additional employee benefits include, but are not limited to:

●     Vacation days, sick days, flexible working hours, opportunity for hybrid work

●     403B with 3% employer match

●     Employer sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance

●     Professional development opportunities and memberships

●     Great culture and opportunity for growth

LUCY is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer. We celebrate all forms of diversity, and are committed to diversity in the workplace, and creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal state or local laws.

For more information or to apply, please send a cover letter and resume to accounts@lucyoutreach.org