Academic Lead

Academic Lead, Providence About SquashBusters SquashBusters is a 30‑year‑old sports‑based youth development program that uses a combination of squash, fitness, academic support and enrichment, community service, and mentoring to improve the lives of youth in Boston, Lawrence, and Providence. SquashBusters’ mission is to challenge and nurture youth in these cities – as students, athletes, and citizens – so that they can recognize and fulfill their greatest potential in life. SquashBusters currently serves 500 middle school, high school, and post‑secondary students. Middle and High School Students practice at least three days a week throughout the school year and participate in weekend practices, tournaments, and summer opportunities. After high school graduation, students join the Post‑Secondary Services Program, and a dedicated staff team supports them in their chosen post‑secondary path, and provides career development, internship placement, and employment opportunities. In Boston, programming takes place at the Badger‑Rosen SquashBusters Center located on Northeastern University’s main campus. In Providence, we work and play out of the Gorgi SquashBusters Center on the campus of Moses Brown School. In Lawrence, we have designed a facility, in partnership with the City of Lawrence and others, that broke new ground for the urban squash movement by placing SquashBusters directly inside a beautiful, new, 80‑unit affordable housing complex on the banks of the Merrimack River in downtown Lawrence. Our core values are Love, Honesty, Attention to Detail, Teamwork and High Standards. Do these match yours? Position Summary The Academic Lead will report to and work closely with the Assistant Program Director (ADP) to set the vision for academic and enrichment programming, establish measurable outcomes each year, and lead the team in delivering on those goals. In addition to this leadership work, the Academic Lead also plans and runs daily academic and enrichment programming for SquashBusters students and oversees the processes for ensuring students’ participation in school year and summer academic, leadership, and career opportunities within and external to SQB’s programming. This person will act as a model for hard work and commitment and will support the creation of a positive, dynamic culture for staff, students, and families. The Academic Lead will work closely with and serve as a mentor to the Program Coordinator, who supports the Academic Lead in running daily academic and enrichment sessions. This leadership role extends to other volunteers, part‑time employees, or partners who support or deliver academic sessions as the team challenges, nurtures, and holds accountable SQB youth so that they recognize and fulfill their potential. Reports to: Assistant Program Director Home Office: Providence, RI Schedule: 10:30‑6:30/7:00 Monday‑Friday during the school year, with occasional weekend or evening hours required. Fridays (or another day) are given off when working a Saturday. Summer hours are slightly reduced. Responsibilities Program Leadership Oversee the creation and implementation of all academic and enrichment programming for middle and high school while working closely with the ADP to ensure the team meets or exceeds its target outcomes each year. Ensure maintenance of student standards and performance benchmarks that indicate progress against team goals. Use data to identify programmatic trends and create and/or adapt programs to meet identified needs. In collaboration with the ADP, oversee academic and team trip budgets. In collaboration with ADP, recruit, train, manage, and develop volunteers, partners, and occasional part‑time staff to support academic programming. Conduct both informal and formal observations of academic team members and provide regular feedback, direction, and mentoring. Collaborate with cross‑site counterparts to execute organization‑wide events and meet organizational goals. Program Delivery: Day‑to‑Day Plan, supervise and direct daily homework help sessions, team building, community service, and leadership activities. Maintain documentation of activities. Collaborate with the Directors of Post‑Secondary Success and Career Success to plan impactful and innovative enrichment activities to prepare students for the transition from high school to post‑secondary. Ensure high school seniors complete the post‑secondary application and financial aid process through a combination of SQB and partner‑led group and individual student sessions. In conjunction with the ADP, develop and implement academic success plans and contracts as needed. Provide students with individual feedback on their progress. Coordinate delivery of academic and enrichment sessions among the team, utilizing resources appropriately. Manage academic volunteers during homework and academic enrichment sessions. Meet with all colleagues to develop an integrated approach to student work and to coordinate and complete shared responsibilities. Actively ensure the physical and emotional well‑being of all students by adhering to SQB safety protocols and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment. Drive students to and from practices, matches, camps, and community service projects. Outreach/Engagement Monitor students’ progress by communicating regularly with school staff, guidance counselors, and other community partners, to support student success. As required, collaborate with these partners to support students’ post‑secondary application processes. Communicate with parents/guardians to ensure that necessary forms and paperwork are complete, and they are aware of their child’s progress, feel like part of the SQB community, and can support their child’s growth and development at home. Organize and lead parent/guardian meetings as needed. Collaborate with full team on recruitment strategy; supporting an outreach/event approach. Recruit volunteers and other resources to support delivery of academic programming. Special Event Management Together with the ADP and Squash Lead, set site‑wide strategy, plans and goals for summer season. Recruit, coordinate, and implement summer programming per these goals. Help students connect to appropriate opportunities such as external summer camps, SAT prep, and employment opportunities. Identify, organize, and participate in community service projects and field trips, including on some weekends or overnights during the year. Chaperone/drive students for squash and other events as needed. Identify and organize workshops or guest speakers on relevant topics throughout the year. Organize special events and programming, such as honor roll dinners and other ceremonies. Administrative Responsibilities Collect and update paperwork for students such as parent contracts, physicals, and report cards and update these details in the Salesforce database. Assist with implementation of program evaluation (T‑Reports) as it relates to enrollment, attendance, retention, academics, community service and character education programming. Maintain classroom to create inviting, productive space and prepare for day’s activities. Manage classroom supplies as well as organize and clean up classrooms at end of day. Plan general weekly/monthly schedule with colleagues and keep appropriate calendars updated. Maintain and organize relevant documents in Teams and SharePoint. Utilize program budgets according to policy by tracking spending and receipts monthly. Relationships Express care by believing in and encouraging youth and being a dependable, warm source of encouragement. Challenge growth by holding youth accountable and maintaining high expectations. Provide support by empowering youth and providing guidance and advocacy. Share power by respecting, including and collaborating with youth. Expand possibilities by connecting youth to opportunities and inspiring and broadening horizons. Core Competencies Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from a variety of backgrounds. Ability to work independently and thrive in a fast‑paced environment. Strong teamwork, organization, communication, and group facilitation skills. Strong leadership and project management skills. Understanding of pedagogical methods and/or curriculum design. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required. Three or more years of relevant professional experience, ideally in a classroom or academic afterschool setting. Experience mentoring, advising, or directing team members a plus. Demonstrated success in managing projects and adhering to deadlines. Passion for working with young people and experience developing trusting relationships with youth and families. A passion for educational opportunities, and a belief in the potential for athletic participation to both drive academic excellence and expand opportunities for success in school and beyond. Ability to regularly work until 6:30 PM on weekdays and to work occasional weekend hours (flex time offered). Valid driver’s license with a clean record and a willingness to drive students to and from SQB in a company van. Spanish language proficiency strongly preferred. Existing eligibility to work in the U.S. Compensation & Benefits Annual salary between $57,500 and $67,500, commensurate with experience. Retirement plan with employer matching up to 5%. 26.5 paid company holidays and days off plus an additional 16 vacation days (with some restrictions). Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance available. Employer paid life and long‑term disability insurance. Free Employee Assistance Program, a cell phone subsidy, and public transportation and parking subsidies available. SquashBusters is an equal opportunity employer and strives to reflect the diverse community it serves. SquashBusters is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and looks to all its staff members to foster and promote its values. #J-18808-Ljbffr SquashBusters