Assistant Director of Placement

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PLACEMENT ORGANIZATION SUMMARY : Oliver Scholars prepares high-achieving Black and Latinx students from underserved New York City communities for success at top independent schools and prestigious colleges.

We provide crucial support for our scholars so they can realize their full potential and ultimately give back to the city, the nation, and the world.

POSITION SUMMARY & REPORTING : Reporting to the Chief Enrollment and Academic Officer, the Assistant Director of Placement is an integral part of the placement team.

They have both an internal and external role and is a key player in the operational success of the Admissions & Placement department.

The Assistant Director must be motivated by working with underserved youth and their families and excited by working in an entrepreneurial environment where being innovative and creative is celebrated.

They must have an engaging personality, exceptional interpersonal skills, and a desire to help people since they will spend much time guiding others.

They must be highly detailed-oriented, have excellent organizational skills, and be able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

During certain times of the year, s / he will be required to work Tuesday - Saturday. During the summer program, they will be required to supervise scholars overnight in a residential setting.

RESPONSIBILITIES : Placement & Advocacy Develop and maintain relationships with our partner schools. Advocate for Oliver applicants with Consortium Schools admissions staff under the guidance of the Chief Enrollment and Academic Officer.

Communicate regularly with school partners and scholar families to give updates, request documents, and answer questions .

Lead presentations for parents and students on all parts of the placement process, including interviewing, financial aid, and test preparation.

Conduct one-on-one counseling sessions for families about school options, choice, and fit . Coordinate and administer the standardized tests required for admission.

Resolve family application issues and help organize and keep track of all student applications. Review and revise applications appropriately and maintain the integrity of documents.

Counsel parents of unplaced students on other available educational opportunities Write evaluations and summaries for scholars.

Collaborate with the Chief Enrollment and Academic Officer to develop, implement, and inspire a vision and strategy for growing the high school and middle school placement program;

identify and codify innovative strategies to ensure all students gain entry to the best fit, college preparatory high schools .

Assist with creating and managing a process for administering financial support for family school visits to a growing student body .

Assist the Chief Enrollment and Academic Officer with the development and execution of all placement-related programming, including but not limited to parent and student workshops on interviewing, financial aid, and test preparation during Fall, Winter, and Spring classes .

Maintain general knowledge of Oliver’s program activities and requirements. Regularly update database of school personnel, applicants, and volunteer contacts Participate in review sessions after the summer preparation program to discuss student performance and create a process for counseling students or directing them to support resources.

Collaborate with the Chief Enrollment and Academic Officer on creating data protocols and database tools for compiling, analyzing, and reporting student data.

Assist with the preparation of reports and statistics regarding student success and needs for various stakeholders , such as the Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees Assist with the management of the day-to-day operations of the Placement department and, in conjunction with the Chief Enrollment and Academic Officer, establish departmental priorities in line with overall organizational goals.

Manage all vendors associated with school placement, including test prep companies. Assist the Director of Placement with the research and evaluation processes to assess the appropriateness of new Consortium Schools.

Consortium School Cultivation and Growth Assist the Chief Enrollment and Academic Officer with the research and evaluation processes to assess the appropriateness of new Consortium Schools .

Assist the Chief Enrollment and Academic Officer with deepening relationships with Consortium Schools through annual school visits and cultivation events .

Assist with managing Oliver Scholars’ brand and relationships with Independent School admissions and financial aid officers .

Assist with managing Oliver Scholars’ brand and relationships with Independent School admissions and financial aid officers .

Represent Oliver Scholars at meetings and with school partners . Scholar Support Assist in teaching ISAP class during the summer and Saturday Academy.

Provide support during Winter and Spring classes. Provide support in the planning and execution of the Scholar Immersion Program (SIP), which includes the ISAP (Independent School Application Process) curriculum .

Other Duties Collaborate with other program directors as needed on various Scholar-related initiatives . Participate in Oliver’s organizational and fundraising efforts as requested (e.

g., providing content for grant proposals, funder visits, and Annual Gala). Assist with projects and other duties as needed and requested within the organization .

QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree required. 2-4 years ’ experience working with students and families at another student-focused nonprofit, in K-12 or Higher-Ed.

Deep understanding of the broad educational issues facing educational systems and students of color. Outstanding public speaking and writing skills.

Commitment to the mission of Oliver Scholars. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively. Familiarity with independent schools.

Valid driver’s license and able to travel domestically. DESIRED COMPETENCIES Superior analytical, critical thinking, problem solving, and organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.

Collaborative approach to problem solving and ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels (internally and externally).

Demonstrated flexibility and ability to work under pressure; ability and desire to work in a fast-paced, changing environment and conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines .

Demonstrated willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer programs as needed. Ability to look at situations from several points of view.

• A demonstrated commitment to high professional , ethical standards, and a diverse workplace. Ethics - Treats people with respect;
• Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values. Team Player - Strong social skills and willingness to work together with a small team and provide back up for all;
• adaptable and flexible. Communication - Excellent interpersonal abilities; excellent listening skills; writing and verbal skills;
• assertiveness in presenting ideas while also possessing the ability to be discrete. Decision-Making - Ability to evaluate risks and opportunities;
• uses analytical and problem-solving skills; takes initiative and drives for results; able to prioritize. Execution - Strong project management skills;
• meets deadlines; sense of urgency and responsibility; ability to multi-task and work under pressure; detail oriented. Partnership and Relationship Building - Professional representation of the Oliver Scholars mission as an internal and external ambassador;
• intercultural knowledge and appreciation; strong interpersonal competencies and ability to build partnerships. Strategic Ability - Anticipates future opportunities and consequences;

demonstrates an innovative approach to work; ability to organize chaos into a coherent plan. EEO Oliver Scholars is committed to equal employment opportunity.

We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ( protected class ) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Powered by JazzHR