Summer Search Seattle is seeking a Program Associate to manage a caseload of approximately 36 high school students, building long-term relationships and providing regular mentoring through a combination of groups and individual conversations from sophomore year through senior year of high school. Joining a supportive program team that currently serves over 300 high school students, this hire will have the opportunity to practice Summer Search’s unique approach to mentoring, prepare students for two challenging summer experiences, support post-secondary readiness and matriculation, and join a team that is committed to learning, social and racial equity, and the students we serve.
Specifically, the Program Associate will advance Summer Search’s mission through the following job responsibilities :
Student Mentoring and Program Facilitation (60%)
1 : 1 Mentoring
- Mentor a caseload of approximately 36 high school students, building relationships and conducting regular mentoring at school, in our office or by phone.
- Utilize a unique mentoring methodology based upon adolescent social-emotional development, cultural relevance, and critical consciousness. Enable conversations that allow students to reflect upon the impact of identities and social / cultural context on their lives.
- Hold students accountable to year-round program participation, as well as demonstrating a personal commitment to students that results in a high level of engagement throughout their Summer Search experience.
- Monitor and promote students’ academic and extracurricular participation and performance, as well as post-secondary readiness requirements.
- Communicate with students’ families, especially regarding details about summer experiences and career opportunities.
Group Mentoring
Before each session, prepare by reviewing group mentoring curriculum, gathering materials and sending student reminders.Create a safe community where students can be honest with each other by ensuring each student has the space to be heard and challenged respectfully and setting-up physical space that is conducive to achieving the objectives of each session.Recognize a student safety situation and how to respond and care for both the individual student and the group.Observe and respond to group needs and adapt facilitation style accordingly.School Engagement and Relationship Building (15%)
With School and Community Engagement staff’s guidance, lead outreach presentations and application workshops for prospective students, and provide 1 : 1 follow up as needed.With School and Community Engagement staff, establish and nurture relationships with staff partners at your partner high school(s).Know the resources and people available at your partner high school(s) and how these resources intersect with Summer Search.With School and Community Engagement staff, engage school partners proactively in supporting students and coordinating logistics.Respond promptly and thoughtfully to requests from school partners.Administration and Project Management (25%)
Enter and track program data accurately and daily in Salesforce database to assess student progress and drive organizational learning, to ensure high levels of program quality and professional development.Perform duties that support student engagement in program elements, including summer experience and post-secondary workshops and preparation.Provide curriculum feedback to inform iterative curriculum development.Participate in regular meetings with direct supervisor and fellow mentors to share experiences, problem solve collaboratively, support and learn and build self-awareness of own mentoring.Participate in elements of an evaluation plan designed to assess program quality, fidelity and outcomes and to inform individual staff development and continuous improvement of program model (e.g., complete feedback surveys after mentoring sessions)Participate in other projects as assigned.WHO YOU ARE
Program Associates exemplify curiosity, empathy, teamwork, flexibility, critical consciousness, and a commitment to learning. Specifically, strong candidates will bring : Required experience / knowledge here.
EXPERIENCE : At least 2 years of professional experience working with student populations served by Summer Search (e.g. low-income families, students of color, LGBTQIA , English Language Learners, and diverse religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds). Group facilitation experience strongly desired. Academic or applied knowledge of adolescent development and / or training in restorative / transformative justice work is a plus.DEPTH MENTORING : You understand and create an environment where all people feel safe enough to explore, discuss, question, and reflect on past, current or future experiences in one-on-one or large group discussions.ACCOUNTABILITY : You hold yourself and others responsible for processes, decisions, actions, and commitments to results to drive high quality outcomes. You're responsive to the needs of stakeholders and follow through on commitments.TEAMWORK : You value many voices, are comfortable creating space for dialogue and handle interpersonal issues constructively. You inspire and foster commitment, connection, enthusiasm, and trust and motivate others to achieve common goals.CRITICAL CONCIOUSNESS You understand the root causes of societal discrimination and injustices and are self-reflective about your own privilege and positional power. You apply critical thinking and act toward liberatory and inclusive practices.TECHNOLOGY SKILLS : Proficiency in meticulous data tracking and management; experience using Salesforce or a similar database is a plus.LANGUAGE SKILLS : Spanish language skills are a plus.In addition, all Summer Search staff bring a commitment to our mission of unleashing students’ potential through mentoring and transformative experiences, as well as the ability to thrive in an environment that values excellence, gratitude, well-being, diversity, authenticity, and collaboration.
LOCATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
This is a hybrid role, primarily remote with in-person requirements. This hire will regularly work from home with opportunities to engage with students at their schools or off-campus. Reliable transportation to travel to the office and schools in the South King County region is required. There may also be periodic requirements to visit the office in Tukwila for training sessions or team-building activities.
