At Summer Search, we believe in 'No Ceilings' and envision a world in which young people, regardless of circumstances, can chart their own destiny. In the United States, students from underserved communities –disproportionately BIPOC and first-generation – face systemic inequities in school, in the workforce, and in life. Nevertheless, these young people possess unique strengths, resilience, and limitless potential.

Since 1990, Summer Search has partnered with young people during their transition from adolescence into adulthood by connecting them to expansive opportunities, professional mentoring, and a community of support. Summer Searchers recognize their potential and build a toolkit to navigate and challenge systemic barriers, break new ground for their families and communities, and achieve economic equity and a life of purpose.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Summer Search Philadelphia (SSPH) is seeking a Director of Programs who will oversee quality delivery and performance of programs for an established and far-reaching program serving over 120 high school students, 180 post-secondary students, and a growing alumni base of over 200. Reporting to the Philadelphia Executive Director, this position will directly manage a team of five staff who deliver our core programming including high school mentorship, post-secondary advising, and summer experiences. The Director of Programs will build and maintain crucial partnerships, drive key projects, and make a direct impact on Summer Search Philly participants through developing and implementing program strategies.

This dynamic new role offers the opportunity to learn from and work closely with an experienced Executive Director as a thought partner and to lead a passionate and dedicated team of youth development professionals.

Specifically, the Director of Programs will:

Management

Supervise the entire SSPH program team: a Program Manager, three Program Associates (high school mentors), a Career Navigator and Internship Manager, and a Post-Secondary Program Coordinator.
As a team leader, provide individualized supervision, performance management and evaluation, and on-going training (in partnership with National Learning and Development). Provide nuanced and holistic coaching centered in well-being, critical consciousness, and student support in 1:1 and group settings.
Hold team accountability for data tracking in Salesforce and for achieving programmatic metrics and goals, such as participant engagement and outreach, summer participation, retention, matriculation, internship placements, graduation rate, etc.
Ensure the timely response to student safety issues related to their physical, social, and emotional welfare through overseeing proper interventions and protocols; and instituting crisis management plans to ensure site preparedness.
Facilitate budget management for High School, Transition, Outreach, and/or Summer Experience budgets, including any relevant non-personnel expenses.

Program Strategy and Oversight

Oversee planning and execution of participant events and program model to increase participant engagement and ensure SSPH is fulfilling participant needs from sophomore year of high school through first year post high school graduation.
In close partnership with the Executive Director, innovate and enhance the local strategy and delivery of the program, including group and 1:1 mentoring, post-secondary planning, financial well-being, supporting 120-180 high school participants, 34+ post-secondary year 1s, and indirectly 150+ post-secondary year 2-6 participants.
Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director, helping resolve key programmatic and personnel challenges, offering strategic perspectives that may be less visible to them, and helping identify risks and tradeoffs.
Ensure a high-quality data culture by establishing clear expectations for accurate and timely data collection and utilizing data to analyze key drivers/barriers to program progress and performance.
Maintain and build Summer Search Philadelphia partnerships with schools and Community Based Organizations.
Lead annual recruitment of participants, meeting Summer Search Philadelphia’s recruitment target (63 students for the next program year).
Provide support both nationally and locally for Summer on-call service during summer experiences.
Partner with other Directors of Program across the network to gain perspective to inform local strategies and decisions.
Create and implement internal site policies and expectations to ensure programmatic successes and alignment

WHO YOU ARE

The Director of Programs will be a highly motivated and self-led leader and team player who thrives in an authentic, feedback-driven culture exemplifying curiosity, empathy, teamwork, flexibility, critical consciousness, and a commitment to learning. Specifically, strong candidates will bring:

EXPERIENCE: At least 7 years of professional experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role with responsibility leading people and overseeing programs, ideally in the education, career development or youth development sector.
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT: You coach, guide and support members of your team towards achieving individual and collective goals. As a leader you embody practices to effectively hold space, facilitate professional growth, amplify strengths, and hold staff members accountable. Your management style reflects your ability to be adaptive, responsive, and supportive of your team to show up as their authentic and full self.
STRATEGIC ACUMEN: You anticipate, articulate, and prepare for various outcomes and use this skill to collaboratively develop objectives and priorities that are informed by data and align with the organizational direction.
CRITICAL CONCIOUSNESS: You have an understanding of the root causes of societal discrimination and injustices and are self-reflective about your own privilege and positional power. You apply critical thinking and take action toward liberatory and inclusive practices.
CHANGE MINDSET: You have a desire to learn, grow and improve with an evolving organization. You prioritize transparency and communication and recognize that it is critical to supporting others to thrive amidst change.
TECHNOLOGY: Proficiency in CRM, specifically Salesforce, is a plus.

Additionally, all Summer Search staff bring a commitment to our mission of unleashing students’ potential through mentoring and transformative experiences, as well as the ability to thrive in an environment that values excellence, gratitude, well-being, diversity, authenticity, and collaboration.

LOCATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Work hours are Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. This is a hybrid position with three days a week in office and two days a week remote (subject to change). Occasional work on evenings and weekends for events is required.

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