BREAKTHROUGH OF GREATER PHILADELPHIA

High School Academic Coordinator

Position Announcement and Job Description

Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia is a six-year academic enrichment program that builds a path from middle school to college for low-income students from Philadelphia and Camden. Breakthrough also inspires talented college and high school students to become educators and engaged citizens by giving them responsibility for teaching in its programs.

Breakthrough provides rigorous academic enrichment and college preparation for students from 7^th through 12^th grades through summer and school year programming; it also provides high school and college admissions support and counseling. College and high school students from around the country serve as teacher interns in Breakthrough's classrooms. Breakthrough emphasizes academic excellence, family involvement, leadership, teamwork, creativity, and diversity. Breakthrough is an affiliate of the national Breakthrough Collaborative. For additional information please visit www.breakthroughphilly.org or www.breakthroughcollaborative.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Academic Coordinator guides Breakthrough's 7^th and 8^th grade students and their families through the high school selection and application process, and delivers academic support services to Breakthrough's 9^th and 10^th grade students. S/he works closely with Breakthrough's Middle School Program Site Managers and Program Director and is supervised by the High School Program Director.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

High School Selection and Application Process

• Stay abreast of and document critical information about Philadelphia's public, charter, magnet and private high schools including: test scores, graduation rates, college enrollment rates and college outcomes
• Plan and implement Breakthrough's High School Options curriculum for 7^th and 8^th grade students:
  • Coordinate Breakthrough's annual high school information night for students and families, and High School Extravaganza for students
  • Advise students and families about academic options for high schools; counsel students and families on how to select an appropriate high school based on student's academic goals and credentials
  • Assist students and families in the high school application process
  • Manage and track students' high school applications and acceptances

Summer Academic Services for Rising 9^th Graders

• In collaboration with other program staff, interview and select outstanding college and high school students to serve as intern teachers in Breakthrough's rigorous Summer Program. This includes participation in several Saturday 'Teacher Selection Events' during the spring.
• Work in partnership with Breakthrough's full-time staff to train summer staff including intern teachers, teacher coaches, and Dean of Students. This includes delivering Breakthrough specific presentations during an intensive two-week orientation.
• Manage full operations of Breakthrough's intensive six-week summer program including supervision of 8-12 college student Intern Teachers, 3 Teacher Coaches and one Dean of Students.

School-Year Academic Services for 9^th-10^th Grade Students

• Implement high quality, engaging academic and enrichment programs and activities with the goal of promoting success in school and completion of college
• Develop and maintain relationships with students and their families
• Advise students in choosing and gaining entrance into college preparatory courses; monitor and ensure rigorous course placement and academic success
• Identify critical needs of students and provide timely and appropriate interventions and/or refer students/families to community resources as needed
• Identify and coordinate engaging summer learning and leadership opportunities for rising 10^th grade students
• Meet and communicate regularly with parents/families on student progress, including conducting regular student/family conferences
• Coordinate monthly themed grade meetings/workshops using Breakthrough's College Bound curriculum

• Plan and facilitate 8^th grade re-commitment meetings with students and their families
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date student records in electronic and paper files in an effort to monitor educational progress and personal growth
• Support program evaluation efforts and make continuous program improvements to achieve outcomes
• Recruit, train and manage college and high school students to serve as Breakthrough tutors
• Perform other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong commitment to the mission and values of the organization
• Bachelors' degree from an accredited four-year university
• Experience in education or youth development
• Leadership experience
• Classroom teaching experience and curriculum development preferred
• Excellent verbal, written and visual communication skills
• Highly organized with the ability to multi-task and deliver commitments in a timely manner
• Ability to work with, motivate and lead a broad spectrum of people (ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, professional, and generational)
• Ability to advocate effectively while maintaining positive working relationships
• Ability to work both collaboratively as part of a team effort and independently
• Willingness and ability to take initiative as appropriate
• Strong desire to learn and grow professionally
• Disciplined, strong work ethic and comfort with working non-standard hours (weekends and evenings)
• Proficiency in the use of the computer, with expertise in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Familiarity with Philadelphia High Schools preferred
• Breakthrough experience is a plus!

HOURS

• Breakthrough is a fast-paced, needs-responsive environment. While office hours can be flexible, full-time employees typically work more than 40 hours per week on a regular basis.
• Some evening and weekend work is required

BENEFITS

Generous vacation package and no-cost health benefits including medical, dental, and long-term disability.