2019 Summer Institute AmeriCorps Logistics/Communications Team Leader (PM)

The UMass Amherst Upward Bound Program is a year-long college preparatory program for first generation and/or low income high school students from Springfield, MA. Upward Bound is a social justice-based program; we acknowledge the barriers that face our students due to issues of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, ability and other differences. Upward Bound is an intentionally inclusive program that recognizes and celebrates diversity. Our program is committed to providing our students opportunities to access higher education.

The Summer Institute is a 6-week residential experience hosted at UMass Amherst for 40 – 60 high school students. The Summer Institute is designed to expose students to a college-like experience that supports the positive academic, emotional, and personal development of our students in preparation for success in college and life afterwards. The Summer Institute provides participants with the experience of living on a college campus; taking academic courses, engaging in artistic, musical and other fun and educational activities as well as preparing for college and career success. Upward Bound students will participate in programming that includes: academic classes, mentoring and tutoring, academic advising, exploration of social justice based themes, life skills workshops, and development of time management and critical thinking skills.

Upward Bound is looking for energetic, team-orientated people that enjoy working with young people. The summer program is intensive, and challenging; potential candidates should expect a fast-paced and dynamic workplace. The program begins June 24th – and ends August 10th. Training will be provided.

Members must be at least 18 years-old and U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or lawful Permanent Residents. DIAL/SELF AmeriCorps protects against discrimination on the basis of color, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, or disability. We make reasonable accommodations for interviews and service.

 

Position Description:

  • Provide the Upward Bound administrative team with logistical and communications support in implementing the Upward Bound program.
  • Support staff in supervising Upward Bound participants (high school aged). Special responsibility for evening transitions to and from production to dorm and at lights out.
  • Manage weekly, daily and summer calendars. Communicate these calendars and all upcoming events electronically, on paper and visually throughout program spaces.
  • Create weekly program communications for students, families and staff.
  • Take nightly attendance and report changes in student attendance program wide.
  • Assure all students are in designated spaces accounted for during the evening.
  • Monitor individual student concerns and communicate them with the full administrative team (RS, ARS, UB Director, and Assistant Directors, Team Leads).
  • Help align program and student knowledge between academic and residential spaces.
  • Conduct a daily logistics debrief to RS and AM Logistics Team Lead.
  • Communicate daily with administrators about afternoon and evening activities and events including production, recreation activities/ excursions, study hall and lights out.
  • Plan, with the administrative team, communications, program visuals, and activities that help implement the positive behavioral program.
  • Attend, monitor, and participate in lunch each day. Assist in post-lunch transitions.
  • Assist in the logistics of planning program-wide activities, as needed.
  • Attend and participate in staff development activities and weekly staff meetings.
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Relevant college degree. Recent graduates and/or graduate students welcome.
  • Leadership and success in an academic and/or community capacity.
  • Attention to detail, able to meet deadlines and work well under pressure.
  • Organized with effective communication skills and a professional attitude.
  • Awareness of factors affecting student access and success in higher education for marginalized students, students from diverse backgrounds, and students with disabilities.
  • Capacity to work in a positive, team-oriented environment.
  • Past participation in or with Upward Bound/TRiO programs or in similar academic/summer residential programs, including tutoring. Ability to work with high school-aged youth. Office experience preferred.
  • Interest in exploring social justice themes such as equity and access to higher education, issues of race, class, gender, ability, and sexual orientation amongst other important issues facing the national and the global community.

 

Dates of Program: June 10th – August 10th (10 weeks)

Compensation: $2,500 stipend plus a $1,612 educational award upon successful completion of summer program service

 

To Apply:

Please provide a letter of intent and your resume.  In your letter of intent please address the questions listed below:

  1. Why are you interested in serving with UMass Upward Bound AmeriCorps?
  2. What roles do you think race and class play in terms of access to higher education in the U.S.?
  3. Please discuss your experience working with high school aged students?
  4. What importance do you believe academic tutoring and mentoring play in supporting the development of high school aged students?
  5. What skills and strengths do you have that would support your success in the position?

We will contact you and confirm the receipt of the materials. Upon review of the submission, we will contact you if you have been determined to be a finalist and provide you with an application form and request additional information including a list of references. Interviews will be conducted upon review of the application and additional materials, if appropriate. Early applications will receive priority. We will review applicants on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

 

UMass Upward Bound & AmeriCorps will conduct a background check that includes a state CORI, FBI Fingerprint, and National Sex Offender Registry Check, as per UMass and AmeriCorps requirements

*Satisfactory completion of the National Service background check process is a requirement for participation in UpwardBound DIAL/SELF AmeriCorps

Submit all materials at upwardbound@umass.edu. Please email us ONE (1) PDF document including ALL requested information in your email attachment. Please put Communication & Logistics Team Leader in the Subject Line.

 

For additional information contact:

Bridget Hynes, Assistant Program Director, at bridgethynes@umass.edu