High School Coordinator, College & Careers

Overview

MetroSquash was founded in 2005 as an out-of-school time program for Chicago Public School students. The first MetroSquash class consisted of 10 students in fifth grade, and utilized squash courts and classroom space at the University of Chicago. Each year, a grade level was added to realize a pathway of service from 5th grade through post-secondary completion. In 2015, the organization successfully raised over $8M to construct a permanent home - the Hussain MetroSquash Center in Woodlawn. MetroSquash now has 20 full time staff serving over 400 students and their families each year. In 2018, MetroSquash opened its first satellite location in Evanston to serve students just north of Chicago. MetroSquash Evanston currently serves 40 6th-8th graders and utilizes academic and court space at the McGaw YMCA. The program is now exploring plans to expand to the West Side of Chicago

The High School Coordinator, College & Careers plays a crucial role in planning and delivering high-quality programming to help prepare high school students for college and career success. The High School Coordinator, College & Careers also helps to ensure the smooth transition to their best fit postsecondary institution and persistence through their first year. The High School Coordinator, College & Careers is supported by and reports to the Manager of College & Careers.

Key Responsibilities​:

• Plan and lead college & career readiness programming including workshops, college college visits, and other activities aimed at preparing MetroSquash high school students for college and career success.
• Provide individualized support for 11th and 12th grade students and their families with identifying their best-fit postsecondary path. This includes but is not limited to advising, exposure opportunities, and one-to-one meetings with students and their families.
• Support students through their first year of college, or postsecondary program, helping to ensure that students have the necessary support and resources to persist through their first year.
• Collect, manage, and monitor key academic performance data, using salesforce, to guide student supports.
• Plan, organize, schedule and execute additional workshops and 1:1 student meetings to support students with their postsecondary applications, keeping in mind key, national deadlines
• Collaborate with the Squash & Fitness Team to gain an understanding of college squash options, ensure that students are fully supported every step of their way, and that they are prepared for whatever path they choose.
• In collaboration with the College & Careers Team, play a key role identifying opportunities to introduce college & career programming and pathways to middle school and other high school MetroSquash students.
• Work with the Academics & Enrichment Team to stay abreast of student academic standing and progress, providing support and guidance on a consistent basis so that students reach their academic goals.
• Stay abreast of the local and national college access and success landscape, ensuring that all programming is top-notch and that students are well-prepared for their next endeavor.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Qualities: ​Candidates should possess the following: Bachelor’s Degree in education, counseling, or related field; 2+ years experience working with traditionally underrepresented students, particularly at the high school level; demonstrated ability to thrive in high-functioning, fast-paced environment; strong communication and problem-solving skills; demonstrate meticulous organizational and time management skills; comfort with data tracking and goal-setting; possess exceptional professional judgment and discretion, with unquestioned responsibility, persistence and diligence; strong ability to work independently; strong interpersonal skills with a willingness and desire to engage with diverse stakeholders. Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a 12-15 passenger van a must.

Hours: General hours are Monday through Friday 11am-7pm, though adjustments are necessary due to the organization’s response to COVID-19. The position entails weekend work – particularly on Saturdays during the school year, and eventual travel for tournaments and college campuses during the school year.