Program Associate SY '26-27

Program Associate

Location: Boston, MA Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Reports To: Site Leader

Since 1999, Tenacity has empowered more than 45,000 Massachusetts youth to graduate from high school and achieve post-secondary success through academic enrichment, racket sports, fitness, and life skills development. We provide year-round programs in Boston, Worcester, and Chelsea that build literacy, critical thinking, and healthy habits while fostering supportive relationships between students and staff.

Tenacity students consistently exceed local graduation and college completion rates—95% graduate from high school, and 75% pursue or complete post-secondary education, compared to 79% and 38% citywide, respectively. Recognized as a leader in in-school, after-school, and summer learning, Tenacity equips young people with the academic, social, and physical foundation to thrive both on and off the court.

Job Summary

The ACE Academy Program Associate supports the successful recruitment, engagement, and retention of middle school students participating in Tenacity's after-school and summer programs. Under the leadership of the Site Leader, this role plays a key part in delivering high-quality academic, literacy, fitness, and family engagement programming designed to foster students' personal, social, and academic growth.

The Program Associate engages students in all aspects of Tenacity programming, including leading small academic or racket-sport groups, supporting classroom push-ins, and serving as a bus chaperone. They collaborate closely with site staff to ensure consistent attendance, positive behavior, and strong family communication. The position also involves planning and facilitating special events, maintaining accurate student records, and supporting the transition of 8th-grade students and their families into high school programming.

This role requires flexibility, teamwork, and a passion for youth development, as responsibilities may include occasional evening and weekend events, summer programming, and collaboration with school-day teachers and family engagement teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruitment and enrollment of middle school-aged students for the Ace Academy.
• Participate in the maintenance of student enrollment and engagement records in the Tenacity data management system.
• Under the leadership of the Site Leader, support a high rate of student retention and site attendance through the offering of consistent and engaging programming.
• Engage students in all aspects of Tenacity Ace programming.
• Participation in the planning and facilitation of Tenacity activities at the assigned site, including ceremonies, field trips, and other activities, which will involve some evenings and/or weekends.
• Based on the assigned site, serve as a bus chaperone for student transportation from programming.
• Support site behavior management structures and individualized student support.
• Under the leadership of the Academic Coordinator, support academic programming by leading small groups of students.
• As needed, push-in to classrooms during the school day that have high concentrations of Tenacity students.
• During the summer, assist with the Summer Tennis, Reading and Pickleball program.
• Under the leadership of the Rackets and Fitness Lead, support rackets programming by leading station activities.
• Support caregiver/family participation in Tenacity and school activities, including open houses, parent/teacher conferences, events, performances, etc.
• Support the families of 8th graders in the high school selection process and connect families with the College and Career Prep team working with Tenacity's high school students.
• Participate in regular team meetings focused on quality execution of lesson plans and preparation of materials or equipment.
• Attend all Tenacity-wide team meetings and events.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree a plus, majors in education, social work, human development, or similar fields preferred.
• An ability to model a "Growth Mindset" for students, other staff, and oneself.
• Experience working with middle school students, ideally in a capacity that targeted socio-emotional growth.
• Strong interpersonal, team development, organizational, and skills.
• Passion for improving the quality of education for children living in low-income, urban communities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft product suites.
• Some tennis experience a plus.
• Driver's license desired.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $42,000 - $48,000 annually (based on experience) Tenacity offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Tenacity is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.