Associate Director of Middle School Programs

About the role

Breakthrough Central Texas is a leading college access and success nonprofit in Central Texas. We partner with thousands of middle and high school students to ensure they have the opportunity to succeed in college and beyond. Our mission is to unlock the power of education and provide a lifetime of opportunity to all students.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, high-quality academic advising and mentoring to a caseload of 25 - 30 students.
• Support students in developing academic tools such as study skills, time management, goal setting, and self-advocacy.
• Build trusting relationships with students' caregivers, educators, and school administrators to provide information, guidance, academic intervention, and resources.
• Work effectively with Breakthrough’s Student and Family Support Specialist to connect students and families to non-academic resources.
• Ensure strong 8th/9th grade course selection and academic progress, and work with 8th graders and their families to consider and choose among available high school options and complete relevant admissions requirements.
• Implement and facilitate quality campus-based programming during or after school to promote school success and foster a college-going culture.
• Innovate, facilitate, and evaluate high-quality, developmentally appropriate summer programming for rising 6th through rising 9th-grade students in Austin, Del Valle, and Manor.
• Contribute and/or lead high-functioning committees and/or workgroups that are data-driven and student outcome-focused.
• Create a learning community aligned with Breakthrough’s core values and college-going culture by using appropriate tone and strategies to manage large groups of students.
• Strategically develop relationships with key partners, including teachers, school administrators, district leaders, counselors, and leaders of other community-based organizations on campus.
• Manage complex committee or work-group projects, coordinating coaching, alignment, and strategic input with colleagues and volunteers.
• Set priorities, delegate effectively, manage conflict, promote inclusion, steward team culture and climate, and coach the team to ensure steady progress toward goals while maintaining a sense of belonging and connection.
• Effectively put time and effort where it is needed the most, ask for help, maximize resources, and envision innovative solutions to reach outcomes.
• Prioritize multiple tasks and deliver commitments in a timely manner, possess a disciplined, strong work ethic, and comfort with working non-standard hours (some weekends and evenings).
• Works effectively with the Student and Family Support Specialist to connect students and their families to non-academic providers and resources within the community.

Qualifications

• Content expertise in youth development, college access, and event or program operations.
• Experience or demonstrated capacity in team leadership, inclusive communication, relationship building, activating others, continuous learning & improvement, prioritization & resourcefulness.
• Ability to manage complex projects, exhibit sound judgment, and demonstrate inclusive decision-making in ambiguous situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to build and maintain trust, and foster productive relationships with colleagues, students, families, campus staff, volunteers, community partners, donors, and other key stakeholders.
• Experience working with diverse populations and a passion for social and economic opportunity through educational attainment.

Skills

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits

Competitive salary between $72,000 - $91,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Health, dental and vision insurance (Breakthrough pays 100% of employee premiums). Life insurance. Matching 401K retirement plan. Thirty days of PTO annually, with immediate accrual. Additional leave benefits, including company holidays and FMLA eligibility (varies by year).

Pay

$72,000 - $91,000

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for remote work.

Company

Breakthrough Central Texas is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.