Associate Director of College Access

Legal Outreach has been a cornerstone of academic excellence in New York City for over 40 years, raising the bar for urban youth from under-resourced communities. Through intensive legal and educational programming, we equip students from 8th grade through high school with the vision, rigorous skills, and unwavering support necessary to matriculate at the nation’s most selective colleges and universities.

Position Summary

Legal Outreach is seeking an energetic, strategic, and high-impact leader to serve as the Associate Director of College Access. This is an elevated role designed for a professional who is ready to move beyond coordination into departmental leadership. Reporting directly to the Managing Director of College Access and Executive Director, the Associate Director will oversee the execution of the College Bound curriculum, manage high-stakes external partnerships, and drive the data-informed strategies that ensure our students reach their highest academic potential.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Implementation

• Curriculum Delivery: Lead and facilitate high-level weekly workshops for high school cohorts, ensuring academic rigor and student engagement throughout the academic year.
• Programmatic Oversight: Design and implement community-building initiatives and after-school advisory groups to foster a culture of excellence and mutual support.
• Executive Reporting: Partner with the Managing Director of College Access and Executive Director to analyze program efficacy; draft comprehensive reports and provide data-driven updates on student progress.

College Admissions & External Relations

• Strategic Partnerships: Lead the coordination college tours, fairs, and representative visits, cultivating relationships with admissions officers at selective institutions.
• Admissions Advocacy: Serve as a primary advocate for students by coordinating the personal essay workshops with summer staff and instructors, crafting compelling, highly personalized recommendations and assisting in the navigation of complex financial aid and application landscapes.

Student & Family Advisement

• High-Stakes Counseling: Provide guidance, motivation, and referrals to College Bound seniors and their families, demystifying the college process and ensuring 100% matriculation to competitive programs.
• Advisory Management: Conduct specialized workshops for seniors focused on essay development, interview prep, and transition-to-college skills.

Data Analysis & Performance Tracking

• Academic Monitoring: Develop systems to collect and analyze student academic data, using results to tailor interventions and support for students falling below performance benchmarks.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: A 4-year degree is required; an advanced degree in Education, Social Work, or Public Administration is preferred.
• Communication: Exceptional public speaking skills and strong writing abilities.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in data management, and virtual conferencing platforms.
• Experience: Proven track record in college access, youth development, or educational leadership, specifically working with under-resourced urban populations.
• Disposition: A positive, "all-hands-on-deck" mentality with the ability to inspire and motivate high-achieving teenagers.

• Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental insurance.
• Time Off: Generous vacation package and flexible hybrid programming schedule after probationary period.

Spanish speaking is a plus.