The BHSEC Smart Scholars program was established in 2010 in order to provide the foundation for the Diversity Initiative’s goal – to ensure that students, who come from diverse cultures and backgrounds have an opportunity to complete the high school and college programs at BHSEC Manhattan with the same rate of success as their peers. It focuses on increasing the access to our early-college experience for qualified, deserving and often underrepresented students from across New York City. The Smart Scholars Program provides additional academic support, mentorship, professional and leadership development, and a sense of community to students, from historically underrepresented and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, during their four years at BHSEC Manhattan. The program encourages participation from all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, religion, economic status, immigration status, or any other identity in an effort to create an inclusive and collaborative school environment.

Opportunity

The Smart Scholars Program Coordinator will work with the Smart Scholars Directors to accomplish organizational goals and achieve our vision of serving as a network of support, resources, and community for students who have been historically underrepresented in postsecondary higher education.

S/he will support Smart Scholars by taking a leadership role in student-facing aspects of the program: Smart Scholars Peer Mentorship Program, Brothers@Bard, and the Summer Scholars Experience programming in addition to providing social-emotional support to Smart Scholars through frequent and consistent check-ins.

The Smart Scholars Peer Mentoring Program is a year-long mentoring program that pairs 9th and 10th grade students with students in the college program (Year 1s and Year 2s). The Program Coordinator will be responsible for working with the Advanced and Traditional Mentors to ensure the implementation and effectiveness of the mentorship, in addition to working with the Director of Smart Scholars to design and facilitate engaging and informative workshops for participants.

The Smart Scholars Program Coordinator will also provide substantial support in executing the annual rising-9th grade Smart Scholars Summer Program in July. The Smart Scholars Summer Program is three weeks long and is designed to support students from historically underrepresented and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds in their academic and social transition to BHSEC Manhattan. Students take classes and go on field trips throughout the summer program.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Co-design and co-facilitate workshops and initiatives for Smart Scholars  that facilitate a strong, supportive and welcoming community
• Engage Smart Scholars in workshops and experiences that encourage and increase  identity, professional and leadership development
• Keep the Smart Scholars community, and BHSEC-M community at large, informed of upcoming Smart Scholars events and programming
• Work with Program Directors to plan and coordinate the mentorship application and selection process
• Support the planning of, coordinate, and co-facilitate Mentor trainings
• Provide Mentors with support and guidance in planning events and programs, scheduling regular check-in meetings and providing access to resources
• Recommend tips and strategies on effective marketing and advertising strategies to ensure optimal event attendance and participation
• Ensure Mentors are fulfilling the responsibilities and expectations of their positions
• Co-design and structure the 3-week summer programming for incoming students
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Smart Scholars.

Time Commitment and Compensation

• This is a 12-month position, benefits-eligible position. The salary range is $50,000-$55,000 per year. The work schedule will be 40 hours each week, with typical work hours being 9am-5pm.  Please be advised that this is a grant-sponsored position, contingent on funding and so barring any unforeseen financial exigencies, this position is expected to be renewed on an ongoing, yearly basis.

Location:  Bard High School Early College Manhattan located at 525 E Houston Street, New York, NY

Start Date:  April or May 2024

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, sociology, or related field preferred, H.S. diploma required.
• 1-2 years of relevant professional experience, preferred.
• Able to demonstrate strong background and experience in leadership roles/involvement as a student and/or in the workforce.
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion, student advocacy, and student development
• Skills: Experience working with, supporting and advocating for historically marginalized students; demonstrated ability to support students in leadership and identity development; knowledge and experience in workshop design, large group facilitation, and event planning; ability to manage multiple projects; knowledge in implementing effective mentorship programming
• Able to work during after-school hours (at least until 5pm).