Assistant Director, 10th Grade

Disclaimer: SEO has identified an internal candidate as a finalist for this position.

Title: Assistant Director, 10th Grade
Department: SEO Scholars, High School
Report to: Associate Director of Programs
Compensation: $85,400 - $100,500
FLSA: Exempt
Location: Hybrid – 2 days/week in office

• This is a full-time, exempt position with a hybrid schedule requiring in-person work three days a week (including required Saturdays) and virtual work two days a week. The typical weekly schedule is as follows:  
• Fall Term: Tuesday through Saturday (3x a month); Monday through Friday (1x month)
• Spring Term: Tuesday through Saturday (3x a month); Monday through Friday (1x month)
• Summer Term: Monday through Friday
• In-person attendance is required for all Saturday programming dates. 
• Upon hire, all candidates must be within commutable distance of SEO’s offices at 55 Exchange Place, Suite #501, New York, NY 10005. 
• Work requires local travel beyond the office for Saturday programming at the following locations (subject to change): 
• Long Island University
• Baruch College

ABOUT SEO
For more than 60 years, SEO has created a more equitable society by closing the educational and career opportunity gap for ambitious Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and Native American young people. All are welcome to apply to our programs.

ABOUT SEO SCHOLARS  

SEO Scholars provides motivated, low-income public high school students with a rigorous out-of-school supplemental academic curriculum, college guidance, and the leadership development necessary to gain admission to and succeed at competitive colleges and universities. (Learn more here: SEO Scholars).

POSITION OVERVIEW & RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Assistant Director, 10th Grade oversees the design and delivery of comprehensive programming for 10th-grade Scholars, including Summer Academy Career Exploration, Academic Advising, Mock SAT, College Tours, and Family and School Partner Engagement. Reporting to the Associate Director of Programs and Student Success, this role ensures seamless program implementation through effective cross-departmental collaboration, fostering academic excellence and holistic development. Leading a team of three Program Managers and one Program Coordinator, the Assistant Director plays a pivotal role in creating impactful learning experiences and achieving program goals.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT (40%) 

• Oversee the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of SEO Scholars programming for a cohort of 300 10th-grade Scholars, delivered on Saturdays, after school, and during the summer.
• In collaboration with the Senior Student Services Manager, create, implement, and oversee the process for appropriate psychosocial guidance for Scholars to ensure they adhere to program policies and expectations to support their successful program completion.
• Lead the development and execution of key 10th-grade initiatives, including the College Tour, Scholar Council, and College and Career Exploration programs.
• Represent the 10th grade in cross-functional collaboration sessions, ensuring cohesive and exceptional learning experiences for Scholars across departments.

STUDENT ADVISING (30%)

• Foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, inclusivity, support, and a strong college-going mindset among Scholars.
• Manage the academic advising process for 10th-grade scholars, including planning and conducting 1:1, small-group, and large-group meetings for students and parents.
• Track, manage, and analyze critical student data, including attendance, assignment completion rates, and advising outcomes, to ensure Scholars stay on track for success.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT (15%)

• Partner with external organizations during Summer Academy Weeks 5 and 6 to provide Scholars with meaningful career development opportunities through experiential learning.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director and external vendors to ensure all Scholars successfully participate in Mock SAT preparation and achieve measurable score improvements.
• Develop and implement family engagement strategies, including events and communications, to increase family awareness and support for their Scholars’ 10th-grade journey.

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT (15%)

• Provide individualized coaching, feedback, and development to three 10th-grade Program Managers and a Program Coordinator, fostering professional growth and a high-performing team.
• Cultivate a positive, collaborative team culture that values intellectual curiosity, inclusivity, and a supportive community.
• Plan and facilitate weekly team meetings, 1:1 check-ins, and other collaborative sessions to ensure alignment and productivity.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s degree in relevant field preferred 
• 4+ years of experience teaching or working directly with high school students in public or private middle/high schools, with a strong preference for teaching or case management roles.
• At least two years of experience in a supervisory, lead teaching, or coaching role.
• Proven experience in case management, including tracking and addressing student performance, psychosocial needs, and program adherence to support holistic student success.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and inspire a high-performing team with a track record of success in achieving program goals.
• Experience managing complex projects with multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Demonstrated passion for closing the achievement gap on the high school and college level for first-generation and low-income students 

CORE COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

• Exceptional leadership skills and aptitude in building a strong culture and community   
• Excellent interpersonal skills, strong work ethic, and high level of accountability  
• Highly detail-oriented with superior written and oral communication skills  
• Highly adaptable and solutions-oriented with an ability to solve complex problems  
• Bilingual Spanish/English is highly desirable 
• Ability to work a Tuesday through Saturday schedule.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
SEO offers a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plan including low-cost health, vision, and dental options, a generous holiday schedule and PTO policies, disability coverage, fully paid time off for new parents, and employer contributions to health reimbursement and retirement accounts. We are constantly working to improve our benefits each year based on the needs of our employees. We value wellness and strive to consistently use a DEIB lens to put people first and foremost. The compensation listed in this posting reflects what SEO believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and SEO reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. 

EEOC Policy

At SEO we are committed to cultivating a team that embodies the backgrounds and experiences of the constituencies we serve and the communities we live in, and a workplace that reflects the impact we make in the world. Candidates from all communities – including people of color, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ Community, veterans, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity is not just the law, it is our commitment.
Sponsors for Educational Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer – M/F/D/V. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or characteristics, or any other legally protected status. If you need accommodation while applying for a role with SEO, due to a disability, please email SEO Talent.

THE ORGANIZATION
Established in 1963 by Michael Osheowitz, SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity), is an educational non-profit focused on improving outcomes for students from underserved backgrounds. For over 60 years, SEO has been an innovator in education, mentorship, and creating educational programs and opportunities that maximize the full potential of our participants. Each year SEO serves 7,000+ participants nationally, and the organization is widely recognized for developing best-in-class programs with exceptional results. Not every SEO participant is on the same journey, but all are hungry for opportunity and SEO creates an ecosystem of excellence. Learn more about SEO's programs here: https://www.seo-usa.org/our-programs/