Summer Institute Dean Internship 2023

Summer Dean Internship - Paid

Internships Available in NYC

June 16, 2023 - August 15, 2023

ORGANIZATION AND PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Sadie Nash Leadership Project provides award-winning experiential social justice education to more than 500 young women and gender-expansive youth of color in New York City and Newark each year. Operating with love and rigor, we use the tools of popular education to build critical consciousness, community, and college readiness. Our programs include a nationally recognized summer institute, in-school and after-school classes, college access and persistence support, and an advanced-level fellowship to design and implement an original social justice project. We strengthen, empower, and equip our participants to lead lives in committed pursuit of joy and liberation for self and community.

Our flagship program is our award-winning Summer Institute (SI). SI is an immersive 6-week program for high school students, where young women and gender-expansive youth explore themes related to leadership, feminism, and social justice. Through classes, workshops, field trips, and intimate conversations with local and national leaders, we introduce concepts of power, identity, and privilege so that our participants (lovingly called Nashers) can articulate and critically analyze their personal experiences within a broader political context. Throughout the summer, participants learn to identify and appreciate their leadership skills while building strong bonds with peers and staff that continue long beyond the program. 

The Summer Dean Internship operates during SI, with Deans supporting the program through facilitation, direct mentorship, and administrative support. Deans operate at four sites: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Newark, NJ. SNLP is planning for an in-person summer program, with classes/activities occurring in-person and adhering to public health guidelines for safety during the pandemic. Although protocols are subject to change, all Deans will be expected to be available for the in-person meetings of their SI site. In accordance with SNLP COVID-19 policy for staff members, all Deans will be required to submit proof of vaccination in order to be hired for the position.

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW:

The Summer Dean Internship is a uniquely engaging and dynamic learning opportunity for motivated leaders to gain hands-on experience in radical youth work and facilitation within the context of a feminist, social justice organization. Deans serve as liaisons between our Nashers and other stakeholders, act as teaching assistants, facilitate daily groups and weekly workshops, and support a range of program administration needs in Summer Institute. Deans should demonstrate clear leadership experience and an interest in social justice education and direct mentorship. This opportunity offers Deans the chance to sharpen curriculum development and classroom management skills, build foundational knowledge of healing-centered youth work, and gain a deep understanding of social justice nonprofits. 

Prior to beginning work with Nashers, Deans receive training focused on healing-centered engagement, radical youth work, workshop development, and group facilitation practice. 

The Dean position requires availability from Monday, June 16, 2023 until Tuesday, August 15, 2023. This position is a full-time commitment, with the number of hours per week varying between 30-40 hours per week during the program dates between July 5 - August 11. During the training period (June 12 - June 30) and the close-out administration days (August 14 - August 15), the hours will typically be in the range of 20-30 hours per week. 

ELIGIBILITY:  

Dean applicants are self-identified women and gender-expansive folk who MUST meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Completed high school (or equivalency) in or before 2021, and will be attending a post-secondary program (community college, trade school, graduate school) in Fall 2023
• Current Sophomores/Juniors at 4-year colleges

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program activities will be in-person and adhering to public health guidelines for safety during the pandemic. The essential duties and responsibilities of Deans are as follows: 

Mentorship, Leadership, and Facilitation

• Mentor a group of 10-15 Nashers through the Summer Institute
• Lead morning discussions with mentee groups
• Serve as a teaching assistant in assigned courses
• Lead tours for visitors
• Chaperone field trips 
• Develop and facilitate original workshops on social justice topics of their choosing

Administrative Support

• Monitor and follow-up on attendance and engagement of Nashers in mentee group
• Prepare for guest speakers
• Manage event logistics (including in the virtual setting if applicable)
• Track attendance, distribute and collect evaluations, and pick up class materials (if applicable)
• Participate in regular debrief meetings with other staff at assigned site

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong critical thinking skills, work ethic, and attention to detail
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to learning and utilizing restorative practices 
• Demonstrated leadership in academic, professional, extracurricular or volunteer settings
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups in terms of ideologies, race, religion, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, and ability
• Creative, good-humored, team-oriented, flexible and mature
• Is punctual, reliable, and organized
• Interest in social justice learning and youth development
• Excitement about putting SNLP mission and goals into practice
• (Preferred) Experience working with youth of color, particularly ages 14-19
• (Preferred) Experience with facilitation and classroom management 

This internship description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the Deans. Deans may be required to perform other duties requested by their supervisor.

COMPENSATION

This internship position carries a maximum compensation of $4,000, including time for orientation, training, and final reporting.

KEY DATES OF THE POSITION:

June 16-23: Site Leader, Dean, and Faculty Training 

June 26-30: Orientations for Nashers & Families

July 5 - Aug 11: Summer Program 

Aug 14 - Aug 15: Close-Out Administration Work 

SNLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are looking for a diverse applicant pool and  strongly encourage women of color, immigrants, gender-expansive people, members of the LGBTQI community, and applicants from low-income and working class backgrounds to apply.

If you have any questions, please email summer@sadienash.org. Please visit www.sadienash.org for more information on SNLP. Thank you for your interest in our work and in this position!