Join Our Staff

Summer Search Philadelphia currently has an opening for:

Program Associate (full time)

program associate

OUR MISSION

Summer Search is a dynamic national non-profit organization that finds resilient low-income high school students and inspires them to become responsible and altruistic leaders by providing year-round mentoring, life-changing summer experiences, college advising, and a lasting support network. Our leadership development program is committed to providing ongoing and long-term support for low-income high school students. We give our students the opportunities and support they need to transform their lives, achieve their own potential, and create change as role models and everyday leaders.

Founded in San Francisco in 1990, Summer Search now operates seven offices nationwide helping to place more than 1,000 high school students and 2,000 alumni annually on a path of positive change. Summer Search Philadelphia was founded in 2006 and is in its 4th year now serving 95 students from 10 high schools in the Philadelphia area. For more information about Summer Search visit our website at www.summersearch.org.

Job Summary

Program Associates are mentors who help build the resiliency and capacity of urban teen leaders.  They contribute to the success of the organization by working directly with students to reach short, mid and long-term outcomes through three domains: addressing student needs by building relationships that promote personal/social development and life skills, aid in successful summer program placement and preparation ,and ensure college/career-readiness.

Principal Accountabilities

Relationship-Building

• Builds individualized relationships with students based on Summer Search’s mentoring model by utilizing listening skills, providing direct feedback, creating opportunities for introspection and holding students accountable to what they are capable of achieving.
• Organizes and coordinates small and large-group interactions: school lunches, sophomore and college workshops, and Spring/Fall Events

Increasing Resiliency

• Uses an internally developed model of assessment called RAP that Identifies qualities of resiliency: Reflection, Altruism, and Performance (RAP). 
• Works with students in an ongoing way to develop those RAP qualities over time, noticing patterns of thinking and behavior. 

School Attachment/College Readiness

• Understands college readiness requirements and work collaboratively with students and Summer Search’s college and financial aid counselors to ensure students create post secondary education options for themselves and ultimately matriculate to post-secondary education.

Summer Program Preparation and Integration

• Collaborates with Program Manager and Summer Program Coordinator to ensure that each student is appropriately placed on a trip that will challenge them and set them up for success. 
• Works with each student who has passed the 4 week self-selection period to ensure that they are physically and emotionally ready for both their first and second trips; works with each student to celebrate successes on their trips, reflect on learning opportunities and reintegrate their experiences through writing essays, weekly mentoring conversations and group interactions with fellow students.

Program Data Tracking

• Enters and tracks data accurately on a daily basis, for now in Raiser’s Edge donor database and then in Efforts to Outcomes student database, so data can be used to assess student progress, staff evaluations, and organizational learning.
• Works with Program Manager and Senior Mentors to consistently assess and measure own results of program activities. 
• Utilizes data tracking and analysis as a learning opportunity, including oral presentations of student assessments and observations.

Administrative

• Assist with general administrative duties including answering phones, processing mail, routing information, program logistics and events, and filing.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree
• 3-5 years of work experience after college
• Previous work with adolescents, teaching or non-profit experience a plus.
• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Self-starter who is comfortable in a close-knit team-oriented setting
• Flexibility and eagerness to learn and work on different tasks as needed
• Strong command of Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with database operations
• Bi-lingual a plus

Benefits

Summer Search is committed to creating an environment that is supportive of learning, growth and staff development. Our intense investment in staff includes:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Medical, dental, vision, FSA, life and disability insurance
• 401 (K) Plan and employer matching program after 6 months of employment
• Paid holidays and vacation

How to Apply

To apply to Summer Search, please attach your resume with a cover letter that speaks to why you are applying to Summer Search. Include in your letter your track record of performance, your desire to learn, and your ability to overcome challenges. Send your application to Sarah Ham in Human Resources at philadelphiahire@summersearch.org.

No phone calls please.