Associate Director, Scholar Support & Partnerships

Title: Associate Director, Scholar Support & Partnerships
Department: SEO Scholars, High School
Reports To: Senior Director, SEO Scholars Program
Compensation: $94,000 - $110,600
FLSA: Exempt
Location: Hybrid – 3 days/week in office 

LOCATION & SCHEDULE

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in New York City and requires in-person presence at least three days per week. Upon hire, candidates must reside within a commutable distance of SEO’s office at 55 Exchange Place, New York, NY 10005.

Academic Year Schedule (September–May)

• Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM or 11:00 AM–7:00 PM at the SEO office
• Saturday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM onsite at SEO programming locations

Summer Schedule (June–August)

• Monday–Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM onsite daily at SEO programming locations

 

ABOUT SEO

Founded in 1963 during the Civil Rights Movement, SEO closes educational and career opportunity gaps for 7,000 ambitious young people annually. 

ABOUT SEO SCHOLARS

SEO Scholars is a free, eight-year, academic program that transforms public high school students in New York City, San Francisco, North Carolina, and Miami into college graduates. SEO Scholars successfully educates and mentors students to and through college. 100% of Scholars are accepted into four-year colleges, 85% of Scholars graduate with a Bachelor’s degree, and 80% are first-generation college graduates.

 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Associate Director, Scholar Support & Partnerships leads a team responsible for mentoring, enrichment programs, and student services - ultimately ensuring Scholars receive holistic academic, social-emotional, and professional development support. This role also oversees parent and family engagement efforts for 9th to 11th-grade Scholars, aligning programming with information and tools for caregivers to support their Scholar’s’ academic and career journey. The Associate Director manages key partnerships with nonprofits, corporations, and government agencies to expand Scholar access to volunteer mentors, internships, financial literacy, STEM, arts, entrepreneurship, outdoor leadership, pre-college experiences, and more. Reporting to the Senior Director, the Associate Director’s primary responsibilities are as follows:

 

Mentoring, Enrichment & Student Support (50%)

• Lead the strategy, execution, partnership management, and evaluation of mentoring, enrichment programs, and student services to align with SEO Scholars’ mission.
• Oversee strategic partnerships with current summer enrichment providers, including:
  • Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
  • ArchForKids (Architecture/Design)
  • NFTE (Entrepreneurship)
  • Bricks4Kidz (Engineering/Coding)
  • Invest in Girls (Finance)
  • Veronica Arts Media (Filmmaking)
• Grow existing and launch new experiential learning program partnerships, including: study abroad, career exposure & internships, outdoor leadership & adventure programs, and pre-college summer programs.
• Ensure compliance with student support and mental health standards in collaboration with the Chief Operating Officer and student services team.
• Utilize data analytics to assess program impact, student engagement, and areas for improvement.
• Work with SEO leadership and external partners to secure funding and expand opportunities.

 

Parent & Family Engagement (20%)

• Develop and lead engagement initiatives that provide families of 9th, 10th and 11th graders with the tools to support their Scholars’ academic, social, and career growth.
• Plan and facilitate family workshops, webinars, and information sessions on topics including:
  • Supporting Scholars’ academic progress and time management.
  • Understanding college access, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
  • Preparing for summer enrichment, internships, and pre-college programs.
  • Mental health, social-emotional well-being, and resilience building for Scholars.
• Create and distribute family newsletters and digital resources to keep parents informed about upcoming programs, deadlines, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure family voices are included in program design and decision-making.
• Partner with external organizations to offer parent-focused programming and workshops.

 

Staff Leadership & Team Development (30%)

• Provide 1:1 coaching, professional development, and performance management for 3 direct reports: Senior Manager of Mentoring, Manager of Enrichment Programs, and Senior Manager of Student Services.
• Lead weekly team meetings to ensure strategic alignment and progress.
• Support Social Services team with onboarding, and training for social work interns.

 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in Education, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• 4+ years of leadership experience managing a team with a strong track record in coaching and staff development.
• Expertise in student services, social work, mentorship, or experiential learning.
• Experience building partnerships with educational nonprofits, corporate sponsors, or government agencies.
• Knowledge of NYC public school systems, community organizations, and agencies (DYCD, DOE, CBOs) is preferred.
• Ability to work a Tuesday–Saturday schedule with occasional evenings.

 

CORE COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

• Passion for education equity and commitment to closing the opportunity gap for first-generation, low-income students.
• Proven leadership in coaching, team development, and program oversight.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to cultivate and manage external partnerships with corporate, nonprofit, and academic institutions.
• Proficiency in Salesforce, Excel, and data tracking systems.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus.

 

 

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 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 founded on the belief that talent is everywhere; but opportunity is not. Our programs are designed to educate, train, mentor, and amplify the voices of our participants to give them a seat at the table – every table.  We propel human potential.

SEO is an innovator in education, mentorship, and creating educational career   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/