We link high-potential Black students in Chicago to the path to, through, and beyond college. For Black students to become tomorrow’s leaders they must have access to educational resources and tools today.

LINK’s goal is to mitigate the effect of systemic and structural forces impeding Black students by improving and increasing educational opportunities and access. By equipping our Scholars with the knowledge, skills, resources, and social equity that further college completion and career placement, LINK is increasing the economic mobility and stability of Black students and cultivating a diverse leadership pipeline for our city.

Since 1966, we have successfully supported over 2,500 low- to moderate-income students. In the 2023-2024 academic year, we will serve 300+ middle and high schoolers. Our Scholars represent more than 60 Chicagoland neighborhoods, with a focus on supporting ten South and West Side communities: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Garfield Park, Greater Grand Crossing, North Lawndale, Roseland, South Shore, and Washington Park.

Looking to make a difference by linking students to opportunities so they can take a new path—one that leads to their full potential and our city’s vibrant future? Then join our team!

Position Summary

As an integral part of the Program Team, the Scholar Support Associate works closely with the Manager, Scholar Support to support scholars throughout their time in the LINK Unlimited Scholars program. Scholar Support Associates are experts at building relationships, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. They are also knowledgeable in child development and adolescent mental health. The Scholar Support Associate understands how to leverage partnerships with families, mentors, schools, and community partners to provide comprehensive support to scholars.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

Scholar Support & Case Management

Manage and provide wrap-around/comprehensive case management support for a caseload of approximately 60-70 Scholars for their four years in the LINK Unlimited Scholars high school fellowship.
Build and maintain relationships with Scholars, families, and mentors.
Develop targeted monthly communication objectives to ensure Scholars are engaged and have a positive experience so as to support student retention and successful completion of our high school fellowship.

Collaborative Leadership & Team Support

Assist with the development and execution of the LINK Unlimited Scholars program components including college/career awareness, leadership, civic engagement, monthly Saturday programming for all scholars, retreats, Summer Learning, and other events for Scholars and Mentors.
Attend cohort orientations and all programmatic events.
Collaborate with the Director, Scholar Support to create and provide Scholars with resources for college, scholarships, financial aid, and college immersion opportunities.
Participate in collective staff responsibilities and conduct interviews for incoming LINK scholars.
Other duties as assigned.

Data Management

Collect and analyze program-related data to inform programmatic strategies and goal progress.
Collect necessary data to report on scholar engagement and academic performance to evaluate scholar performance in the program.
Ensure School Partner Agreements are completed and honored.
Ensure Scholar data is collected and regularly input into Salesforce and other data collection platforms.
Ensure communications with Scholars and partner schools are entered into Salesforce.
Report on Jr. LINK Scholar engagement and academic performance to evaluate Scholar performance in the fellowship.

Characteristics

Exemplifies the LINK Unlimited Scholars’ mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with all policies and procedures of the organization.
Cheerful and welcoming demeanor.
Strong work ethic.
A self-starter, creative, and forward thinker.
Must have the utmost integrity and an ability to process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
Exercises good judgment with an ability to manage situations with tact and discretion.

Work Schedule

Full-Time, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, but requires 40-50 hours per week. Hybrid schedule: remotely twice a week (Mondays & Fridays) and in-office Tuesday through Thursday. Must be able to occasionally work varied shifts dependent on events and staffing needs. Requires some evening/weekend work.

Compensation

Salary range $47k-$52k; to be determined based on experience and skills. Full-time employees are eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance, Retirement, PTO days, 11 Holidays, and a holiday shut down from Christmas Eve through New-Year’s day.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. Cover letters without salary requirements will not be considered.

LINK Unlimited Scholars is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required.
1-2 years of relevant work experience in College Access or Success, Social Work, or other related Educational or Social Service areas.
Experience working with urban youth, specifically Black youth preferred.
Knowledgeable in child development and adolescent mental health.
Project management experience and ability to manage multiple project deadlines.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong interpersonal, negotiation, problem solving, collaboration, and customer service skills. Ability to propose new approaches, methods, or technologies to improve processes and outcomes.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to interface effectively with scholars, partners, donors, faculty, and volunteer leaders.
Ability to draft correspondence and other materials with minimal supervision.
Must be able to prioritize and independently manage projects from implementation through completion; able to multi-task and meet deadlines in a complex environment.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on a team.
Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Adobe Suite. Experience with Salesforce and mass email platforms such as MailChimp is preferred.
Must have the ability to learn new or updated software.
Must have flexibility to on occasion work a slightly later or varied schedule to support programming activities and special events. Requires some evening/weekend work.