College Access Coordinator – West End House Boys and Girls Club – Allston, MA

The West End House (WEH) is an independent Boys & Girls Club in the City of Boston that has been transforming the lives of immigrant and urban youth since its founding in 1906. Our mission is to inspire and enable young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to realize their potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

Boston youth need support to get ready for college, get into college and get through college. Education is a key factor in an individual’s financial stability – college graduates earn, on average, nearly twice the weekly earnings of an individual with only a high school diploma. As they attempt to find their way on college campuses, low-income students face challenges ranging from insufficient financial aid to often debilitating social isolation and alienation.

By providing sufficient supports, including intensive case management, WEH’s College Success Program increases the likelihood that young people will have the right tools to enter and complete college, and so have an increased likelihood of securing meaningful, long-term careers. A new position in the College Success Program, the College Access Coordinator focuses on year-round academic support and enrollment activities (getting ready and getting in).

Primary Responsibilities

College Exploration: Introduce 8th through 10th graders to local colleges through organizing workshops, leadership programs, and site visits, which may include attending a class and presentations by WEH alumni who are current students of that school.
Financial Aid: Ensure financial aid counseling for WEH young people and introduce college affordability by working with partner uAspire.
SAT Prep: Support students SAT exam preparation by overseeing usage of an online study program, and gather and use data to target specific areas for intervention.
Junior and Senior Advising: Ensure caseload of teens (100 to 150 juniors and seniors) reach milestones necessary for high school graduation and college acceptance, using a case management approach. Related activities include data tracking, monitoring, and guidance around college applications and financial aid.
High School Partnerships: Work closely with Brighton High School and Another Course to College to identify youth in need of academic support and college preparation, and provide needed program services.

Qualifications & Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in education preferred
Minimum of 2 – 4 years of related experience, prior experience in higher education a plus
Experience advising, mentoring, and/or counseling young people of diverse backgrounds
Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills; bilingual skills a plus
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team
Proven effectiveness in developing and supporting resilience and leadership in young adults
Demonstrated experience with curriculum development, workshop facilitation and program coordination
Valid driver’s license required. Willing to drive a 16-passenger bus.
Pass a background and driving record check
Strong time-management and organizational skills
Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Experience with databases, particularly SalesForce, a plus.
Hours: Full-time year-round, 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday with the possibility of weekend and later evening hours.

How to apply

Qualified candidates should email resume and a brief cover letter, describing why you are interested in working at West End House and how you learned about this position, by April 6th to Michele Mitsumori, Coordinator of Administration and Finance, at jobs@westendhouse.org . Please include “College Access Coordinator” in the subject line of your email.

The West End House Girls & Boys Club is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

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