Elementary/Middle School Public Service Fellowship

Overview

Bridges is a youth-development program that is committed to the long-term success of Baltimore City youth and to providing life-changing opportunities to independent school students. In the 2024-2025 program year, Bridges will work with 798 young people – 440 Baltimore City youth ages 9-23 and 358 independent school students – through our sites at The St. Paul’s Schools, Gilman School, The Bryn Mawr School, and McDonogh School.

The Opportunity

Bridges is seeking soon-to-be college graduates or professionals early in their careers for our Elementary/Middle School Public Service Fellowship. We are seeking candidates who are interested in spending two years leading Bridges’ core programs with elementary and middle school students and families. This work includes facilitating a five-week summer program, an afterschool program with elementary school students and high school aged volunteers, and a middle school enrichment program.

The Bridges Public Service Fellowship is designed to jumpstart a career in human or social services and/or clarify career aspirations in education, counseling, public policy, and non-profit management. During the entirety of the fellowship, the holder of the role will be mentored by a Site Director who is a veteran educator.

Public Service Fellows (PSF) will take a lead role in executing high-quality programs for Baltimore City students ages 9-14, as well as high school aged volunteers. Key responsibilities will include:

• Summer Institute: The PSF assists the Site Director in the planning, execution, and evaluation of the Bridges Summer Institute, a five-week education and enrichment program for Bridges’ rising 4th - 9th grade students. Over the summer, the PSF is primarily responsible for managing a team of head counselors and high school volunteers, as well as leading assemblies and large events for the program.
• School Year Programs: During the school year, the PSF will:
  • Direct the after-school program for fourth and fifth grade students, and recruit and train high school volunteers at the host school where they are placed. This involves writing curriculum, facilitating sessions, training volunteers, and driving the bus for student pickup and drop-off.
  • Assist with planning, executing, and evaluating weekend enrichment programs for sixth through eighth grade students. This involves communicating with students and families, facilitating sessions, and managing students at weekend events. Fellows will be required to be on-site for weekend enrichment one Saturday per month for 3.5 hours, September through May.
• Communications: The PSF is a part of the Bridges News Team and will be responsible for capturing photos, videos, and stories for Bridges’ marketing and communications via social media and newsletter.

Ideal Candidates

• Have an undergraduate degree (or an anticipated college graduation date of Spring 2026) with a record of academic success.
• Have experience and/or interest in working with youth between the ages of 8 and 18 and success in at least one post-high school leadership role. (Candidates with experience as a volunteer or student in Bridges are also encouraged to apply.)
• Are able to form strong relationships with people regardless of background.
• Are effective communicators with a variety of audiences, including families, students, teachers, volunteers, partners, staff, and host school leadership.
• Have a learner’s attitude, seek feedback, and adapt to new situations.
• Thrive both autonomously and as part of a team.
• Keep an attitude of optimism and positivity about their work.
• Are comfortable using workplace technology including e-mail, text, Microsoft Office and Google suite, and adapting to other tools as needed.
• Have the ability to drive a 14-passenger van or minibus several days a week (~6 hours/week) for student pick-up/drop-off. We will train you!!!

Details

• Hiring and Compensation: PSFs will be hired and employed by the school at which they are placed (see “Location” below). The salary for the first year (12 months) of this full-time role at each site is $45,000. The PSF will also have access to a full benefits package provided by the school employer (medical, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plan; paid time off; etc.).
• Start Date and Commitment Window: The fellowship is a 2-year, 2-month role that is set to begin in June 2025 and conclude at the end of July/beginning of August 2027 (depending on Summer 2027 program schedule).
• Supervision: This role reports to the Site Director at one of three host school sites and will receive regular supervision and mentorship.
• Location: PSFs will be placed at one of three Bridges program sites, including Bridges at Gilman School (Baltimore, MD), Bridges at The Bryn Mawr School (Baltimore, MD), and Bridges at McDonogh (Owings Mills, MD).
• Hours: This role is a 40-hour-per-week position and regularly requires work on evenings & weekends. Your individual 40-hour schedule will be agreed upon with your supervisor.

To Apply

• Please send a resume via e-mail to hiring@bridgesbaltimore.org. We will be reviewing resumes on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply before January 31, 2025.
• Please name your resume in the following format: “PSF - Last Name, First Name - r”
• In the e-mail body, please include your name, how you learned about this opportunity, and 1-3 sentences summarizing your interest in this role.
• Bridges will confirm receipt of resumes with an automated e-mail.

To Learn More about Bridges

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Bridges Baltimore and its partner organizations are committed to creating a supportive learning environment where all individuals are valued for their unique contributions and are able to achieve their highest potential. We strongly believe that a diverse and inclusive environment is the best learning environment for our students and prepares them to live, work, and thrive in an increasingly global and multicultural community. We reject all prejudice, particularly those based on race, national and ethnic origin, religion, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, and physical characteristics.