Family Advisor (OH, IL, IN, MI, WI, IA, AL, MS, LA, MN, MO, KY, AR, TN or near a major airport in OK, NC, SC, VA, WV, MD, DE, Washington DC, FL, GA)

About the role

As a Family Advisor for National Math Stars, you are the first and most frequent point of contact for our families and Stars. You will work closely with approximately 30-35 families on your caseload from their acceptance to their graduation from the program, meeting with them monthly or as needed to provide invaluable support throughout their 10-year journey with us.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support a caseload of 30-35 families
• Conduct a minimum of one advisory meeting with each family every two months (some meetings may require availability during evenings and weekends)
• Co-create individualized goals and plans with each Star and their family and track their progress towards these goals
• Be available to families as needed via email, text, or phone call for questions or concerns related to the program or support they are seeking
• Aid families in connecting with external resources (e.g., mental health providers or housing assistance) when the support they require falls beyond our program's scope of services
• Schedule family meetings with appropriate program staff
• Track relevant data to ensure that families are meeting the minimum commitment requirements for the program
• Provide families with constant encouragement and support for their child to continue to succeed on their journey with National Math Stars
• Financial and Enrichment Support
• Pack and deliver welcome packs to families at the beginning of every year
• Partner with families to ensure their annual budget funds are spent in alignment with their child’s STEM interests and goals and allow their child to participate in STEM enrichment opportunities during the school year and summer
• Manage a contingency budget and assist in determining when to use it for families who may face additional obstacles for their child to fully participate in our program (e.g., childcare, transportation, etc.)
• Support families in navigating the STEM enrichment space by helping them identify opportunities for their child
• Work with STEM enrichment providers to finalize registrations and manage payments for our Stars’ participation in their programs
• Build partnerships with STEM enrichment providers across the state to expand the opportunities available for our Stars
• Math Development Progress
• Check in regularly with math mentors and math course instructors to stay updated on each Star’s progress in their math mentoring and math courses
• Advise families on their child’s mathematical development, and provide feedback on areas of strength or growth
• Communicate any required updates from math mentors and math courses to families
• School Advocacy and Selection
• Build relationships with each Star’s school to understand the current support and academic program designed for our Stars
• Partner with families to support any school advocacy conversations such as those involving math acceleration, testing and participation in gifted and/or special education programs, and supports or accommodations required for our Stars to be successful in their schools
• Support families in researching and selecting schools at key transition points (e.g., elementary to middle school) or when families are seeking a transition for other reasons
• Building and Nurturing Community
• Moderate family discussion forums
• Assist the Director of Family Advising and Director of Math Community to organize and run in-person and virtual family events
• Affiliate with the Director of Family Advising to create monthly family newsletters highlighting key program updates and celebrations
• Affiliate with regional parent leads to run regional community events
• Data Entry and Management
• Ensure that each Star’s and family’s journeys are well documented in our CRM
• Use data and dashboards to evaluate Star and family progress and schedule additional check-ins or support as necessary

Qualifications

• Experience in K–12 education, especially with gifted/profoundly gifted learners and/or students from low-income and diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge of the STEM enrichment landscape (programs, competitions, camps, after-school options) and enjoyment of helping families navigate it
• Ability to build deep trust with families and make thoughtful recommendations when the “right answer” isn’t obvious
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, startup-like environment where priorities evolve and you’re comfortable creating structure as you go
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal), high organization, and follow-through
• Ability to manage basic logistics and small budgets
• Availability for occasional evenings/weekends (family meetings and events)

Skills and Experience

• Coursework or background in advanced math
• Familiarity with gifted/special education programs and policies in your area
• Nice-to-haves (not required):
• Experience in K–12 education, especially with gifted/profoundly gifted learners and/or students from low-income and diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge of the STEM enrichment landscape (programs, competitions, camps, after-school options) and enjoyment of helping families navigate it
• Ability to build deep trust with families and make thoughtful recommendations when the “right answer” isn’t obvious
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, startup-like environment where priorities evolve and you’re comfortable creating structure as you go
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal), high organization, and follow-through
• Ability to manage basic logistics and small budgets
• Availability for occasional evenings/weekends (family meetings and events)

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license in your state and reliable access to a car