Associate Director of College Access

About Minds Matter Boston

Minds Matter Boston (MMB) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to connect driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. For the last 15+ years, every Minds Matter Boston graduate has gained admission to a 4-year college, and 97% of alumni are still enrolled or have graduated from a 4-year college. 

The organization is poised to dramatically expand both its service population and scope of services as part of its strategic plan—with the goal of increasing student enrollment by 75% and deepening its programming by 2024. We are seeking an Associate Director who is passionate about our mission and is energized by our growth and expansion.

Position Overview

The Associate Director of College Access is a critical member of the leadership team who is responsible for leading our three year, intensive college preparation program for over 150 high school students. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a passionate leader to grow and further develop a proven program.

The Associate Director reports to the Director of Programs (DoP). This is a highly collaborative position that works with stakeholders throughout the organization, including all Minds Matter Boston staff members, the volunteer corps, the student body, and school, and CBO partners.

The Associate Director should be available to begin work by June 1. During the school year, regular work days for this position are Tuesday–Saturday. This is a hybrid work position, staff members are in-person at least 2 days per week.

Core Responsibilities

College Access Program Management

• Motivate all stakeholders, students, staff and volunteers, to fully engage as participants of the MMB community on Saturdays and beyond.  
• Execute on our vision for community building for our  college access program; oversee the execution of all major community events. 
• Recruit, manage, and support our Team Leads, a team of  volunteers who prepare for and deliver all Saturday session content at all grade levels. This includes creating and implementing an observation and feedback process.
• Recruit, manage, and support our team of paid test prep and writing instructors. This includes creating and implementing an observation and feedback process. 
• In collaboration with the the Program Manager (PM), oversee Saturday program operations. 
• Using the program calendar and a clear vision for success, oversee the week to week sessions and content created for each grade level. MMB core value: Commitment.
• Facilitate and support with content for volunteer trainings on topics such as effective mentorship, engaging youth, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and more. 
• Manage and track key data related to Saturday programming success and participant experience. 

Program Vision & Implementation

• Collaborate with the Director of Programs (DoP) to influence and implement the long-term vision and strategy for our college access programming.
• Work with the PM to oversee the student concerns process to individually support all students and mentors.
• With the support of the DoP, oversee the mentor and mentee recruitment processes
• Work with the PM to oversee the Summer Programs strategic planning, partnership development, application, and selection process.
• Create a vision and implementation plan for MMB’s volunteer recognition program.
• Create a vision for our guardian and student engagement strategy and suppor the PM and Program Coordinator (PC) to execute on them.

Essential Qualities

• Collaborative, open to feedback and new ideas
• Student-centered and people-first 
• Passionate about Minds Matter’s mission; understands the importance of investing others in our work
• Committed to pursuing ongoing personal and professional development related to diversity, belonging, equity and inclusion
• Self-starter, ready to take initiative
• Organized, with close attention to detail

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in educational or youth-centered nonprofit settings
• High cultural competence with experience serving diverse populations and students from low-income communities
• Experience managing, motivating, and leading adults
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree required

Minds Matter Boston is an equal opportunity employer and is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from those who identify as people of color and first-generation college graduates.