What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pathways Work Based Learning Advisor position at The Possible Zone?
PATHWAYS/WBL ADVISOR
THE POSSIBLE ZONE
BOSTON, MA
Full-Time, Salaried (Exempt)
The Possible Zone (TPZ), a nonprofit organization, seeks a Pathways/Work-Based Learning(WBL) Advisor to teach classes to our high school students on preparing and applying for internships, and researching and applying to post-secondary programs. The ideal candidate has a strong track record of internship management for young people or supporting college and career readiness, and is passionate about closing the opportunity gap. This role is based in our Boston Innovation Center, with the expectation of working 4-5 days per week in our Boston office, typically from 10am-6pm, with the possibility of one remote day per week.
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 postsecondary 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 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.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Pathways/WBL Advisor will report to the Senior Director of Career and College Pathways. The Pathways/WBL Department at TPZ currently consists of 4 staff members, and supports our high school students in exploring potential career options, pursuing internships and applying to post-secondary programs, including college and career training programs. As our student numbers are increasing, we seek additional capacity to work directly with our students, through one-on-one meetings, school day and after school classes, and longer “bootcamps” during school breaks and summer time. The Pathways/WBL Advisor will play a significant role in increasing our capacity to provide direct programming and support to our high school students.
A successful candidate will have experience in internship management, college and career readiness and counseling work with underserved communities and an interest in teaching school day and after school classes to high school students. Previous work experience leading internship preparation workshops and classes, as well as advising students on pursuing internship opportunities, will be valued. Experience in project management, and in securing and maintaining relationships with external organizations is important. In addition, knowledge of the college and career training landscape is essential, as the Advisor will help seniors research, apply and commit to post-secondary programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
45% Directly work with TPZ high school students
The Possible Zone offers a robust compensation and benefits package including high-quality health benefits and an employer contribution to your 401(k) plan.
$68,000-$80,000 Depending on Experience
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.
THE POSSIBLE ZONE
BOSTON, MA
Full-Time, Salaried (Exempt)
The Possible Zone (TPZ), a nonprofit organization, seeks a Pathways/Work-Based Learning(WBL) Advisor to teach classes to our high school students on preparing and applying for internships, and researching and applying to post-secondary programs. The ideal candidate has a strong track record of internship management for young people or supporting college and career readiness, and is passionate about closing the opportunity gap. This role is based in our Boston Innovation Center, with the expectation of working 4-5 days per week in our Boston office, typically from 10am-6pm, with the possibility of one remote day per week.
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 postsecondary 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 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.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Pathways/WBL Advisor will report to the Senior Director of Career and College Pathways. The Pathways/WBL Department at TPZ currently consists of 4 staff members, and supports our high school students in exploring potential career options, pursuing internships and applying to post-secondary programs, including college and career training programs. As our student numbers are increasing, we seek additional capacity to work directly with our students, through one-on-one meetings, school day and after school classes, and longer “bootcamps” during school breaks and summer time. The Pathways/WBL Advisor will play a significant role in increasing our capacity to provide direct programming and support to our high school students.
A successful candidate will have experience in internship management, college and career readiness and counseling work with underserved communities and an interest in teaching school day and after school classes to high school students. Previous work experience leading internship preparation workshops and classes, as well as advising students on pursuing internship opportunities, will be valued. Experience in project management, and in securing and maintaining relationships with external organizations is important. In addition, knowledge of the college and career training landscape is essential, as the Advisor will help seniors research, apply and commit to post-secondary programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
45% Directly work with TPZ high school students
- Teach school break & summer post-secondary and essay bootcamps
- Teach weekly senior application class
- Teach a hands-on work based learning class
- Assist students’ in applying for and pursuing internships by teaching internship kick off and end-of-term presentations.
- Help oversee academic year internship placement through TPZ partners, and other local internship opportunities
- Meet 1:1 with students via zoom or in-person
- Provide feedback on essays, applications and scholarships
- Partner with Careers of the Future aligned industry partners 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
- Modify existing templates and create new curriculum and lesson plans
- Plan and execute field trips, speaker events and events focused on college and career exploration
- Collaborate with TPZ’s Operations, Partnerships, and Development Departments to identify relevant speakers
- Support student recruitment for bootcamps and workshops
- Collaborate with Research & Evaluation to align on data collection
- Assist students in applying to career and college success partner organizations
- Advise seniors who are pursuing career and industry pathways by providing application support and advice for students applying to trade and technical programs.
- Provide college and career workshop(s) in the summer to support transition
- Provide advising to alums who have stopped out
- Help collect data on alums in collaboration with Research & Evaluation
- Attend team meetings, staff meetings
- Share student stories and successes with TPZ / Communications
- Other responsibilities as needed
- 3-5 years of relevant experience in internship management, college and career counseling
- Bachelor’s degree or 5 years of commensurate experience
- Successful track record of teaching college and career readiness to high school students in underserved communities
- Experience in project management- utilize strong organizational skills to track student progress and share outcomes
- Entrepreneurial mindset- identify new ways to teach material and reach students in nonprofit setting
- Communication Skills- strong written skills helpful to support students’ applications and share updates across the organization
- Growth mindset- ability to pivot when necessary and learn from mistakes
- Alignment with our mission and demonstrated commitment to core competencies
- A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all activities (see Statement below)
The Possible Zone offers a robust compensation and benefits package including high-quality health benefits and an employer contribution to your 401(k) plan.
$68,000-$80,000 Depending on Experience
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.
Salary : $64,000 - $75,000
