Middle School Student Advising and Program Coordinator

ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH CENTRAL TEXAS 

Founded in 2002, Breakthrough Central Texas is changing lives with our community and student-centric approach to postsecondary access and completion. We work with families and local stakeholders to foster investment in and bring highly sought resources to Central Texas schools. By developing authentic community partnerships, hiring experienced educators who increasingly reflect the communities we serve, and pairing them with well-trained AmeriCorps members, we are able to provide in-school and out-of-school time programs and services to thousands of deserving students each year and support them to realize their postsecondary aspirations. 

We are proud to have validated that our long-term commitment to students and their families is improving outcomes and increasing the number of first-generation college graduates in the region. Data show that Breakthrough participants are consistently outperforming their peers in on-time high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment, and postsecondary degree and certificate attainment. Breakthrough Central Texas is poised to leverage the state’s favorable policy environment, abundant current and developing partnerships, and its latest strategic plan in the direction of the organization’s new north star: promoting equity in college attainment rates across the entire Austin region. Toward that end, by 2025, Breakthrough will expand its impact to serve more than 3,000 students in Central Texas. 

WHY WORK AT BREAKTHROUGH CENTRAL TEXAS? 

The Breakthrough Central Texas team firmly believes in the potential of all students, and their right to postsecondary success and self-determined lives of choice. Join us if you are a builder and a nurturer, equally committed to making college-going and degree attainment accessible for the youth in our region, while also fostering an inclusive team culture that supports us all to do our best work. 

ABOUT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT ADVISING & PROGRAM COORDINATOR ROLE The Middle School (MS) Advisor and Program Coordinator plays a critical role in the organization’s ability to provide meaningful programs and services to students and families. Breakthrough students begin their experience with the program typically in sixth grade. MS Advisor and Program Coordinators design and lead the programs and services the students first interact with, helping propel them on their path to college success. The role includes advising middle school students and their families to achieve academic success and overcome nonacademic barriers that may arise. 

It also includes the design and implementation of engaging learning programs in the summer, after school, and on occasional Saturdays. The role requires supervision skills and the ability to collaborate with a high-performing team. To achieve the above, MS Advisor and Program Coordinators: 
Supervise, Coach & Support 

• Supervise AmeriCorps members, teaching interns, instructional coaches, and school-year interns to ensure highest performance and optimal student outcomes
• Coach direct reports to achieve team and individual goals while supporting their professional growth and development

Collaboration & Team Work 

• Meet regularly and work collaboratively with other staff members and volunteers in order to support students and families 
• Contribute ideas, innovations and support to help a team meet goals 
• Participate in committees and workgroups to engage in team planning, organizational change work, and other collaborative work as needed 

Program Organization and Implementation 

• Design, plan, and lead an academic, six-week summer program for 150 or more students;
• Design, plan, and lead Saturday and after-school programs during the academic year to promote school success and foster a college going culture 

Results Orientation & Driving Outcomes 

• Support program evaluation efforts and make continuous program improvements to achieve outcomes 

Develop & Curate Partnerships 

• Develop relationships with key partners such as campus staff and community organizations, serving in strong support of Breakthrough’s relationship with schools and community partners 

Advise & Support Students 

• Serve as advisors to a group of 40 to 60 students to provide regular, timely, and culturally competent guidance in support of the students’ postsecondary paths 
• Manage large groups of students to build a positive learning community aligned with Breakthrough’s core values and college-going culture 
• Develop and maintain relationships with a diverse group of students and families
• Track student progress and identify critical needs in order to provide timely and appropriate interventions
• Perform other job-related duties as required 

ABOUT YOU 

You are a strong candidate for the Middle School Advisor and Program Coordinator role if, above all, you are a champion for closing the opportunity gap and increasing social and economic equity and mobility through educational attainment. You are a servant leader, and feel at your best in deep relationships with the communities in which you serve. You love to support students in their learning and their plans for college. You enjoy coaching and leading young, aspiring educators to succeed in teaching students during Breakthorugh’s summer and out-of-school learning experiences. You bring content expertise in education, youth development, and event or program operations. You will also bring experience or demonstrated capacity in: 

• Classroom and youth development program management experience (3+ years) strongly preffered
• Leading students, in groups of varying sizes from small group to large assemblies, to achieve learning objectives 
• Supervising individuals and teams to achieve ambitious goals and to grow professionally, including coaching aspiring educators and others on how to be effective classroom teachers and project leaders 
• Organizing elaborate projects, such as student schedules, field trips, booking transportation or other school-like administrative tasks 
• Creating, revising, or training others in the use of high-quality curriculum to support learning outcomes 
• Providing high-quality advising services to students, with a focus on building authentic relationships and a skill at advocating for the student’s success in school and other settings 
• Collaborating with others on a team in complex tasks and projects, while also working independently
• Tailoring communication to meet the needs of a variety of audiences including students, families, staff members, school personnel, and individuals who speak a language other than English
• Developing your own professional skills, with a humility to your own competencies and identity
• Approaching conversations about identity, power and privilege with awareness, humility and a quest for greater understanding 
• Using a variety of technology platforms including operating systems, student databases, and online tools such as Google Suite 
• Prioritizing multiple tasks and delivering commitments in a timely manner 
• Possessing a disciplined, strong work ethic and comfort with working non-standard hours (some weekends and evenings). 

LOCATION

This role will be serving our students in the Del Valle community.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

• Competitive salary between $53,500-$69,500, depending on experience and qualifications
• Health, dental and vision insurance; Breakthrough pays 100% of employee only premiums
• Long-term disability and life insurance 
• Matching 401K retirement plan 
• Thirty days of annualized PTO 
• Generous leave policy 

The salary range listed represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for the year in which the position is filled. The actual salary offered for this position will depend on a number of factors including overall years of experience, relevant years of experience, skills and qualifications. At Breakthrough Central Texas, we offer a compelling total compensation packet with additional benefits. 

Breakthrough Central Texas is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its relations with its applicants, staff members, and families, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. People of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.