About BEAM

The mission of BEAM is to create pathways for students from low-income and historically marginalized communities to become scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and computer scientists. Led by staff with these same technical backgrounds, BEAM believes that pathways to STEM careers are created through community, individual support, and access to advanced work that typically lies outside most school curricula. We work to directly support students and to transition them to other supportive enrichment programs that enable their future success.

BEAM's model provides continuous support from middle school through college graduation, including intense academic summer programs for middle school students (after 6th and 7th grade), weekend classes and mentoring, and STEM-focused support through college. Our program includes not just access to learning advanced math but also support finding and applying to other opportunities, including support with college admissions and financial aid. In addition to our academic content, bringing students into community is a key part of our mission and all of our work is designed to support that goal.

BEAM has grown from a small summer program serving 17 students in the summer of 2011 to a year-round, national program, serving 420+ students at six summer program sites and 600+ students in year-round programming in New York City and Los Angeles this school year. In addition, our BEAM National pilot program now reaches over 500 elementary-aged students in seven different states, working to create a new nationwide pathway modeled on our local work.

With our recent strategic plan, our team has committed to transforming the organization from a successful startup to a more mature and scalable organization that can drive change across the country.

SITE DIRECTOR, BEAM SUMMER AWAY

 

Join the BEAM team this summer and make a difference!  We are seeking passionate leaders to join our Summer Away summer programs in New York City as Site Directors. This is more than a summer role - it’s an opportunity to lead, mentor and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians!

Why Join BEAM?

At BEAM, we foster a vibrant community of educators and students who are actively engaged in problem-solving, critical thinking, and mathematical exploration. We empower students by making them the leaders of their own learning while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION

BEAM is seeking a Site Director for each of its Summer Away sites this summer. Working closely with the Associate Site Director, Director of Student Life, Director of Academics and Guidance Counselor, you will manage a team of 8 counselors, 8 faculty members and 1-2 nurses. You will lead the preparation, implementation, and smooth operation of the summer program, ensuring both academic success and a positive camp environment for our students. Your leadership will not only shape the classroom experience but also help cultivate a strong community of students and staff, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of our students. 

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Pre-Program Preparation

In the months leading up to the camp, the Site Director will engage in comprehensive preparation to ensure a successful summer program. This preparation will set the foundation for a smooth and impactful camp experience for both students and staff. 

Self-Preparation and Planning

• Complete Site Director Management Training with BEAM staff
• Create a site specific Leadership Handbook using a BEAM provided template
• Support final selection of your site leadership team
• Complete required BEAM onboarding, including background checks and training
• Attend NYC Department of Health's Summer Camp Operator Orientation and obtain necessary certifications
• Asynchronous training on BEAM’s mission, mandated reporting, etc. 
• New York Only: 
• Certificate of Fitness for Fire and Emergency Drill Conductor (F-07)
• Certificate of Fitness for Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems and Other Related Systems (S-95)
• Attend the NYC Department of Health’s Summer Camp Operator Orientation
• Submit paperwork required by the NYC Department of Health for summer camp operators.
• Obtain up-to-date certifications for the below (one may be waived in some cases when another staff member already has one):
• Complete SD Management Training with BEAM staff, including but not limited to: (5-6 hrs, flexible timing)
• Create Site Leadership Handbook (10 hrs of work, self-paced)
• Support final selection of your site leadership team (5 hours)
• Complete BEAM Onboarding, including but not limited to: (2-3 hours)

Pre-Camp Week Training and Set-Up

During the week before students arrive, you will collaborate with the leadership team to finalize preparations for the summer program, set team expectations, and ensure that staff is ready and the camp is set for a successful start.

• In partnership with the leadership team, Site Directors will: 
• Align on leadership roles and responsibilities and site specific operational policies, add it to the Site Leadership Handbook
• Establish a set of working norms and communication expectations among one another and staff
• Agree upon a set of team building activities or social events to build a strong staff culture 
• Walkthrough all pre-camp training materials and assign training modules to the team
• Setup facilities (signage, supplies, room assignments) in preparation for staff arrival
• In partnership with the leadership team and BEAM support staff, Site Directors will:
• Welcome staff upon arrival and provide access to camp materials and accommodations
• Confirm all staff have completed their required HR onboarding (I-9, online training, etc.)
• Facilitate team-building activities
• Facilitate all-staff and role-specific training modules 
• Setup facilities (signage, supplies, room assignments, etc.) in preparation for student arrival
• Walkthrough “run of show” for the first day of camp and discuss common scenarios and how to address them
• SDs and their leadership team will arrive one week prior to the arrival of students and one day prior to the arrival of the full camp staff. 
• Leadership Team Retreat (Day 1 and 2 of Pre-Camp Week)
• All-Staff Pre-Camp Training and Set Up (Day 3, 4 and 5 of Pre-Camp Week)

During Camp (20 Days)

During camp, the Site Director will oversee daily operations, support faculty and staff, and ensure a positive, safe environment for students. You will manage staff coordination and logistics, ensuring the camp runs smoothly and meets its educational goals while fostering an inclusive atmosphere.

• Site Leadership
• Liaise with campus staff to solicit feedback and ensure BEAM is being a “good guest,” which includes complying with all campus regulations and reporting ongoing needs or challenges that need to be addressed by campus staff
• Staff Leadership
• Facilitate daily and/or weekly check-ins with site leadership, faculty, and staff
• Communicate daily updates to all staff and respond to ongoing questions or concerns elevated by the leadership team
• Collaborate with staff to make updates to program policies or procedures that are not working as planned
• Work with site leadership to make timely, thoughtful decisions when conflicts arise and communicate those decisions to staff
• Ensure all surveys, assessments, and evaluations are administered in a timely manner
• Academic Leadership
• Observe faculty teach, in coordination with the Senior Faculty members who also have observation roles 
• Provide coaching feedback to faculty, in coordination with the Senior Faculty members who also have coaching roles
• Provide and record summative feedback to faculty  
• Community Leadership
• Oversee the campus environment, the safe passage of students (into campus, to their class, and through dismissal), staff/student interactions, etc.
• Conduct community meetings, especially when a reset is needed 
• Handle student behavior situations if/when they escalate 
• Follow up with families regarding student behavior or attendance issues
• Lead by example in setting the tone of the program (e.g., find the balance of academic and social leadership; treat students with respect; center students as doers of mathematics in the classroom) 
• Follow crisis plans; provide leadership in case of crisis  
• Ensure alignment of practice with policy 
• Other logistical tasks to coordinate on with the rest of site leadership, including but not limited to:
• Managing petty cash and MetroCards for the summer
• Preparing for and run field trips
• Supervising Open Math Time
• Organizing staff dinners
• Scheduling math circles
• Follow crisis plans; provide leadership in case of crisis  
• Ensure alignment of practice with policy 
• Other logistical tasks to coordinate on with the rest of site leadership, including but not limited to:
• Managing petty cash and MetroCards for the summer
• Preparing for and run field trips
• Supervising Open Math Time
• Organizing staff dinners
• Scheduling math circles

Post Camp Wrap-Up:

• Completing the SD clean-up checklist  
• Complete staff evaluations and 1:1 debriefs
• Attending the BEAM-led multi-site SD step-back meeting

QUALIFICATIONS

We understand that there are many paths to acquiring experience and therefore welcome candidates from diverse and nontraditional backgrounds for this role who have demonstrated equivalent transferable skills to carry out the major duties outlined in this job description. 

• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated experience in managing teams, providing feedback, and fostering collaboration among staff and faculty.
• Commitment to Equity: A passion for creating inclusive classrooms where all students feel valued, capable, and supported.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with staff, faculty, students, and families.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to manage conflicts and make thoughtful, timely decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks, schedules, and logistical elements simultaneously.
• Math Proficiency: Solid understanding of math concepts and the ability to guide faculty in the development of engaging curricula.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust plans and approaches based on feedback, evolving needs, and challenges that arise during the program.

Los Angeles:

• Campus: Harvey Mudd College
• Dates:
• Staff (SD: 31 days on site, Staff: 29 days on site, 2 travel days)
• Leadership Team Planning: 06/23 - 06/24
• All Staff Pre-camp Training: 06/25 - 6/27
• Camp: 06/29 - 7/20
• Wrap-up: 07/21 - 7/23
• Students (20 camp days, 2 travel days)
• Camp: 06/29 - 7/20

Upstate New York:

• Campus: Marist College
• Dates:
• Staff (SD: 31 days on site, Staff: 29 days on site, 2 travel days)
• Leadership Team Planning: 6/30 - 7/1
• All Staff Pre-camp Training: 7/2-7/4 (7/5 flex day)
• Camp: 7/6 - 7/27
• Wrap-up: 7/28 - 7/30
• Students (20 camp days, 2 travel days)
• Camp: 7/6 - 7/27

 

Commitment to Diversity

BEAM believes that our staff, at all levels and across all roles, should represent the backgrounds of the students we serve. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Beyond a commitment to nondiscrimination, we strongly encourage applications from underrepresented and marginalized communities.

Compensation, Benefits and Other Details

Compensation

• $48.28 per hour for Pre-Camp work
• $9,300 for Camp and Wrap-up

Work Schedule

• Staff Dates: 30 workdays for Site Directors, 29 workdays for staff, plus 1 holiday
• Leadership Team Planning: June 30
• All Staff Pre-Camp Training: July 1–3 (with July 4 holiday)
• Camp Dates: July 7–August 7 (24 student days)
• Wrap-Up: August 8–11

Benefits

BEAM provides a number of benefits including:

• Lunch and snacks, with options for dietary restrictions
• 2–4 staff dinners during camp to relax, connect, and celebrate together

Hiring Process

We ask all applicants to submit an application, including their resume and answers to a few short questions. After reviewing your materials, we will contact you regarding next steps. We believe in the importance of demonstrated ability. Some applicants will proceed to an interview to allow our hiring team to learn more about their skills and experiences. We work hard to recognize the time you put into the process and we won't load you down with any unnecessary bureaucracy.

For accommodation requests related to the job application process, please contact HR at accommodations@beammath.org.