Support Services Associate, The Stepping Stone Foundation

Organization Link
The Stepping Stone Foundation
Position Description

The Foundation: The Steppingstone Foundation is a non-profit organization that designs and implements programs that demonstrate the clear and meaningful connection between education and opportunity for urban schoolchildren.

The Academy: In Boston, The Steppingstone Academy prepares fifth-, sixth- and eighth-grade students, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to get into and succeed at some of the best independent schools and public exam schools in the area.

The Steppingstone Academy has three divisions that serve students entering at three different grade levels.  Each division is comprised of:
* Admission:  the recruitment, selection, and enrollment of Boston schoolchildren.
* Preparation:  a 14-month academic component beginning the summer before a Scholar’s fifth-, sixth-, or eighth-grade year, and finishing in August of the following summer.
* Placement:  the process through which the Steppingstone staff serves as a liaison between Scholars’ families and independent schools.  Staff members work with Scholars and their families on all aspects of the public exam school application, independent school admission, and financial aid application processes.
* Support Services: a variety of services offered to students who have commenced from the 14-month preparation and placement components of The Steppingstone Academy to ensure strong academic and social transitions, and a positive overall school experience throughout middle school, high school, and in preparation for college.

Basic Function:
The Support Services department maintains direct connections with Scholars in grades 6-12, their families, and Boston independent and/or public exam schools.  The primary goal of this position is to provide Scholars with academic and social support to help them achieve success in the years following their commencement from the preparation and placement components of The Steppingstone Academy. Some evening and Saturday work is mandatory.  The Support Services Associate will work a Tuesday through Saturday schedule when appropriate.

Primary Responsibilities:
* Monitor and evaluate the academic and social progress of Scholars to assist with their scholastic and social development and success
* Assist middle school/high school Scholars and their families in preparing for, applying to, and gaining access to college by coordinating workshops, assisting with financial aid applications, campus visits, recommendation writing
* Establish and develop supportive relationships with Scholars, families, and school personnel
* Visit Scholars at their placement schools, with teachers and advisor; attend athletic and artistic events in which Scholars participate
* Work with Support Services team, Program Project Coordinator, and Volunteers in coordinating Saturday mentoring and study hall
* Assist with initiating, organizing, and attending social events, workshops, and discussion forums for Scholars and their families
* Teach and provide administrative support during summer session
* Participate in The Steppingstone Academy admission process

Reports to: Division Director       
Education: Undergraduate degree required

Qualifications:
* Proven track record in education and project management from an established and well-recognized community service organization or school
* Demonstrated understanding and commitment to working with diverse populations in an urban environment
* Knowledge of issues concerning non-traditional students in college-preparatory schools and pursuing college access
* Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced and collaborative environment
* Commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth
* Familiarity with Boston public exam and/or independent schools highly desirable
* College counseling experience beneficial
* Experience and comfort with FileMaker Pro, a plus
* Knowledge of language other than English beneficial, especially Spanish, Haitian-Creole or Vietnamese

Application:  Interested candidates should send cover letter, résumé, and list of three references by fax, email, or mail to: Megan Johnson, Human Resources Coordinator, The Steppingstone Foundation,155 Federal Street, Suite 800 / Boston, MA 02110 / 617.423.6300 est. 239/ fax: 617.423.6303 / jobs@tsf.org / www.tsf.org

The Steppingstone Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any individual, employee, or application for employment on the basis of race, color, marital status, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or handicap, as defined by law.

Compensation
Non Listed
Deadline
Non Listed