About BEAM

The mission of BEAM is to create pathways for students from low-income and underserved 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 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.

 

About the role

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 or California 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 are dedicated to creating pathways for students who lack access to STEM opportunities, helping them become future scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and computer scientists. We believe in providing every child with the opportunities a top-notch education offers, actively engaging them in problem-solving, critical thinking, and mathematical exploration, and empowering them to be the leaders of their own learning. We immerse students in deep mathematical experiences through rigorous summer programs and challenging year-round activities, provide academic support, mentorship, and advising, and prepare them for collegiate studies in STEM disciplines, enabling them to attend advanced academic programs, excellent high schools, and strong-fit colleges.

DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION

The BEAM Summer Away Site Director will work collaboratively with other members of the leadership team: the Associate Site Director, Director of Student Life, Director of Academics, and Guidance Counselor, to manage a team of 8-10 counselors, 8-10 faculty members, and 1-4 nurses. You will lead staff training, preparation, implementation, and smooth operation of the summer program, ensuring both academic success and a positive camp environment for our students and our staff. 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 (approximately 40 - 50 hours)

• Complete required BEAM onboarding, including background checks and a mix of asynchronous and synchronous virtual training. 
• Read and internalize the BEAM Leadership Handbook and engage with BEAM’s full-time staff in virtual meetings to understand the various components of running a BEAM camp. Site Directors are allowed to make selected customizations for their camp and are expected to create a site-specific Leadership Handbook that documents such customizations and can be shared with the other leaders.
• Lead virtual meetings with the other members of the Leadership Team to start building a collaborative leadership community and to prepare for “Pre-camp week”. The “Pre-camp week” represents the days when leaders and staff meet for training and logistical preparation before students arrive at camp. (2-3 meetings of 1 hour each)
• In collaboration with the members of the Leadership Team, plan the content, staff training, and schedule of the “Pre-camp week” based on templates and guidance from BEAM. More details in the next section. Leaders are expected to start planning virtually and finalize the plan during the  “Leadership Retreat” (Pre-camp Leaders only days). 
• Plan the schedule for the “Leadership Retreat” based on templates and guidance from BEAM.
• Participate in virtual meetings with BEAM full-time staff and BEAM’s College Campus host staff to fine-tune Campus logistics.
• In collaboration with the BEAM full-time staff, communicate with students’ parents and caregivers about the start of camp and student travel logistics. 
• Support final selection of your site leadership team (if needed)
• New York Only: Attend New York State Department of Health's Summer Camp Operator Orientation (if needed) and obtain necessary certifications.

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 are ready and the camp is set for a successful start.

• Leadership Retreat: In partnership with the leadership team, Site Directors will: 
• Align on leadership roles and responsibilities, and site-specific operational policies, and add it to the Site Leadership Handbook
• Establish a set of working norms and communication expectations among one another and the staff
• Agree upon a set of team-building activities or social events to build a strong staff culture 
• Walk through all pre-camp training materials and assign training modules to the team
• All-Staff Pre-Camp Training and Set-Up: 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 
• Set up 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
• Site Directors and other members of the leadership team will arrive one week before the arrival of students and two days before the arrival of the full camp staff. Leaders will also depart camp one day after the staff.
• Leadership Team Retreat (Days 1 and 2 of Pre-Camp Week, starting at 9:30 am on Day 1. Leaders who require a long commute are expected to arrive the night before day 1, and College dorm or hotel accommodations will be paid for by BEAM.)
• All-Staff Pre-Camp Training and Set Up (Days 3, 4 ,and 5 of Pre-Camp Week)

During Camp (22 Days)

During camp, the Site Director will oversee daily operations, guide and support leaders 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.
• Communicate consistently with the BEAM Local Program Director and the BEAM Finance Team.
• Staff Leadership
• Facilitate daily and/or weekly check-ins with site leadership, faculty, and staff
• Guide and support other leaders, making sure work expectations are clear, that staff receive appropriate coaching and support, and BEAM Summer Away is implemented with fidelity.
• 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 on time
• Academic Leadership
• Observe faculty teach and provide coaching feedback, in coordination with Senior Faculty and Academic Director, who also have observation roles. 
• Make sure summative feedback to faculty is recorded and shared with BEAM Central staff.
• 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 with the rest of the site leadership, including but not limited to:
• Managing petty cash for the summer
• Preparing for and coordinating field trips
• Facilitating family visits
• Planning and supervising evening time with students
• Organizing staff dinners

Post Camp Wrap-Up:

• Complete the SD clean-up checklist.
• Make sure staff complete all students’ evaluations.
• Complete staff evaluations and make sure all leaders complete their staff evaluations and 1:1 debriefs before leaving campus.
• Attend the BEAM-led multi-site Summer Camp 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.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust plans and approaches based on feedback, evolving needs, and challenges that arise during the program.
• Math Proficiency: Solid understanding of Enrichment math concepts and the ability to guide faculty in the implementation of engaging curricula.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior work experience with middle school students. 
• Prior work experience with students in LA or NYC public schools or serving students from a comparable background. 
• Fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Korean, or another language commonly spoken by BEAM’s LA families or NYC families.
• Experience running training workshops for adults. 
• Mediation training and/or experience. 
• Restorative justice training and/or experience. 

WORK SCHEDULE:

Los Angeles:

• Campus: Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA
• Dates:
• Leadership Team Planning: June 21 (arrival); June 22 (9:30 am start)-June 24 
• All Staff Pre-camp Training: June 24 - June 27 (arrive by 3 pm on travel day)
• Camp (with students): June 28 - July 19 
• Staff Wrap-up: July 20- July 22
• Leadership Wrap-up/Depart: July 23

Upstate New York:

• Campus: Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY
• Dates:
• Leadership Retreat: 06/28 (arrival); 6/30 (9:30am start) - 6/29
• All Staff Pre-camp Training: 07/01 - 07/04  (arrive by 3pm on 07/01 travel day)
• Camp (with students): 07/05 - 07/26
• Staff Wrap-up:  07/27 - 07/29
• Leadership Wrap-up/Depart: 07/30

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

• $32.50 per hour for Pre-Camp work
• $10,750 for Camp and Wrap-up

Benefits

BEAM provides a number of benefits, including:

• Transportation expenses to/from the staff’s residence to a BEAM Summer Away campus location are covered by BEAM within BEAM's approved travel guidelines. This includes flight cost if needed. Details about the expense approval criteria and the travel booking process will be provided later.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the  college campus cafeteria and snacks, with options for dietary restrictions
• 2–3 staff dinners during camp to relax, connect, and celebrate together

Hiring Process

• Application, including resume and answers to a few short questions. 
• Virtual interviews with BEAM staff. Details will be sent by email.

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

 

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Beyond a commitment to nondiscrimination, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

BEAM is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of an individual’s race (including traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles, such as braids, locks and twists), ethnicity, religion (including clothing or facial hair worn in accordance with the religious tenets), color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, breastfeeding, gender (including actual or perceived sex, gender identity, and gender expression including a person’s actual or perceived gender-related self-image, appearance, behavior, expression, or other gender-related characteristic, regardless of the sex assigned to that person at birth), sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, status as a veteran, active military service member, or uniform service member, marital or partnership status, familial status, caregiver status, age (18 or older), predisposing genetic characteristics, disability, creed, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, unemployment status, salary history, credit history, an individual’s status as having a known relationship or association with a member or members of a protected category, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, promotion, discipline, and termination. 

All personnel decisions will be made in accordance with the principles of equal employment opportunity and subject only to valid (job-related) requirements for employment, benefits, or promotional opportunities.