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Program Director

This job is no longer available

Boston, MA, United States
Full-time

 Seeking a skillful, highly organized leader eager to play a key role in Apprentice Learning’s growth. Ideal candidate has 3-5 years experience managing an educational program and a skill set that spans strong execution and big picture vision. Candidates must have the ability to model program excellence and manage staff to consistently deliver high quality results. Candidate must be committed to urban youth, and have previous supervisory experience.

Our program scaffolds career education via a school-based program for seventh and eighth graders. In the second half of the seventh grade, students in AL’s partner schools participate in Workplace Explorations, one-day visits where they observe different types of workplaces, interact with professionals, and practice applicable skills. Students begin the Apprenticeship program in eighth grade, gaining valuable exposure to businesses in neighborhoods like the Innovation and Financial Districts. They receive 30 hours of programming over 14 weeks, starting with weekly preparatory classes during school hours where they learn and practice professional skills. They are then matched to a business for a weekly apprenticeship where they work with a mentor. Students learn about the culture and purpose of work and gain skills, a sense of belonging, and confidence, all before they begin high school. Upon finishing an apprenticeship, students and their families receive support to find a job or enrichment program for the summer after eighth grade through our Launch program. Rising ninth grade girls can participate in City Summer Internship (CSI), a five-week paid program which blends classroom-based career education and literacy with workplace internships in STEM-related and other fields where women are under-represented. Some students participate in as many as three of AL’s programs during middle school bringing our total number of participants to nearly 300.

Students gain knowledge and valuable skills such as appropriate workplace behavior, language, dress, and mannerisms; presentation and oral communication skills, and the ability to advocate for oneself; how to engage confidently with unfamiliar adults in unfamiliar settings; and the importance of attendance, punctuality, and persistence to academic and career success. 

Areas of Responsibility: 

Have you wanted to help schools improve the lives of the students they serve? Apprentice Learning is a program that broadens the walls of the classroom to include the wide array of businesses and career opportunities just a short distance away.

We use six innovative classroom lessons to prepare and match students with one of our 60+ business partners for six, once-a-week, two-hour apprenticeship sessions where students learn the culture and practice of a business and put their skills to work alongside a professional mentor.

The Program Director will lead the implementation of our innovative curriculum and manage a team of talented, experienced staff and volunteers. 

  • Manage all aspects of our program in five Boston Public Schools across the city. 
  • Teach in one of our partner schools and support staff at their schools.
  • Supervise 2.5FTE's including one volunteer intern.
  • Engage and support college volunteers.
  • Oversee program safety and logistics.
  • Manage administrative aspects of the program.

 

Educational Background: 
Bachelor's Degree
Skills/Experience: 

The ideal candidate is a high energy individual who loves a fast-paced environment. Specific skills include:

  • Three years experience working with middle school.
  • Ability to work harmoniously as part of a team.
  • Strong time management and organizational abilities.
  • Administration and management skills. Proven ability to oversee daily operations, problems solve and use resources effectively.
  • Networking and community building. Contribute to building supporters who will help Apprentice Learning to grow. This includes building and maintaining relationships with funders, business partners, schools, colleagues, individuals, students, and their families.
  • Ability to authentically engage with middle school students and to inspire them to do their best now and in the future.
  • Willingness to join our school communities and to fully participate as a member of a school community.
Compensation/Benefits: 

Salary is negotiable based on experience.  Generous benefits include four weeks vacation, and health insurance. 

Additional Information: 

Frequent travel on public transportation required. Helpful, although not required to have a car.

Organization Info

Apprentice Learning

Overview
Headquarters: 
Boston, MA
Annual Budget : 
$100-500,000
Size: 
1-10 employees
Founded: 
2012
About Us
Areas of Focus: 
Mission: 

Apprentice Learning provides real-world work experiences for middle school students. We leverage career exploration to teach skills and to nurture dreams.

Programs: 

Apprentice Learning seeks general operating support to provide hands-on career skills and knowledge to underserved middle school students in five partner schools in the Boston Public School system. Using classroom-based lessons and a hands-on workplace apprenticeship, seventh and eighth graders learn and practice essential professional skills. Following their apprenticeship, interested students and families receive extensive support landing a paying summer job after eighth grade. Research shows that teen employment is linked to improved employment and earnings outcomes later in life, and that ninth grade is a critical predictor of high school completion. AL is one of the few nonprofits providing career education experiences to middle school students in order to build positive habits and skills at a time when they are most at-risk for disengaging from school.

Why Work For Us?: 

Apprentice Learning strives to have a board and staff who reflect the students we serve. To that end, staff is expected to recognize and value racial, religious, cultural, ethnic, economic, gender diversity as well as diversity of opinion and learning style. We strive to create a culture where staff, students, families, school and work partners are treated with respect and dignity. Staff is encouraged to engage in ongoing learning to increase personal effectiveness regarding diversity and inclusion. We agree to motivate and encourage one another regarding the everyday practice of diversity and inclusion.

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Listing Stats

Post Date: 
Aug 5 2019
Active Until: 
Sep 5 2019
Hiring Organization: 
Apprentice Learning
industry: 
Nonprofit