Academic Director, BEAM Discovery New York

Join the BEAM team this summer and make a difference! We are seeking passionate leaders to join our Discovery summer programs in New York City as Academic Directors. This is more than a summer role - it’s an opportunity to lead, mentor and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians!

Why Join BEAM?

At BEAM, we foster a vibrant community of educators and students where students are actively engaged in problem-solving, critical thinking, and mathematical exploration. We empower students by making them the leaders of their own learning, while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Description of Position

As an Academic Director, you will play a crucial role in shaping the learning experience for middle school students in our Discovery program. Working closely with the Site Director, Director of Student Life, and Guidance Counselor, you will manage a dedicated seasonal staff of 23-29 counselors and 8-9 faculty members. Your leadership will not only shape the classroom experience but also help cultivate a strong community of students and staff, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of our students.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Pre-Program Preparation

In the months leading up to the camp, the Academic Director will engage in comprehensive preparation to ensure a successful summer program. This preparation will set the foundation for a smooth and impactful camp experience for both students and staff.

Self-Preparation and Planning

• Complete SD Management Training and Faculty Coach training with BEAM staff
• Review Site Leadership Handbook (3-5 hrs of work, self-paced)
• Support final selection of your faculty team
• Support Student Course Assignments
• Participate in synchronous virtual faculty training and virtual course planning retreat

Pre-Camp Week Training and Set up

During the week before students arrive, you will collaborate with the leadership team to finalize preparations for the summer program, set team expectations, and ensure that staff is ready and the camp is set for a successful start.

• Attend Leadership Team Retreat
  • Align on leadership roles and responsibilities
  • Plan team-building activities or social events
• Set up facilities and ensure all logistical needs are met for staff arrival
• All-Staff Pre-Camp Training and Set-Up
  • Lead faculty-specific training (academic modules)
  • Review pre-camp training materials and assign training modules
  • Confirm staff completion of required HR onboarding (I-9, online training, etc.) and complete employer portion of I-9

During Camp (24 Days)

The majority of the summer will be spent providing academic leadership, overseeing faculty performance, and ensuring a positive and effective learning environment. The Academic Director will also take on leadership tasks that support both faculty and staff while maintaining a smooth campus operation.

Academic Leadership

• Observe faculty teaching and provide coaching feedback (3 observation cycles per faculty member)
• Facilitate collaboration space for faculty twice a week
• Offer guidance on OMT best practices
• Provide and record summative feedback for faculty

Site Leadership

• Liaise between faculty and campus staff to meet classroom needs

Staff Leadership

• Facilitate daily/weekly check-ins with site leadership and faculty
• Communicate updates and address ongoing faculty concerns
• Collaborate on decisions during conflicts and communicate outcomes to staff and students
• Provide emergency coverage in case of faculty absences

Community Leadership

• Oversee campus safety and student passage
• Support faculty in implementing accommodations for student engagement
• Handle escalated student behavior situations
• Set the tone for academic and social leadership by treating students with respect

Other Logistical Tasks

• Manage petty cash and MetroCards
• Prepare and run field trips
• Supervise Open Math Time
• Organize staff dinners and schedule math circles

Post Camp Wrap-Up

• Support Site Leadership completing the SD clean-up checklist
• Complete faculty evaluations and 1:1 debriefs

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: At least 2 summers of BEAM Discovery experience or 4+ years in a leadership role in an educational or youth camp setting.

• Teaching Experience: Proven ability to lead and mentor faculty, with a strong understanding of student-centered math instruction.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated experience in managing teams, providing feedback, and fostering collaboration among staff and faculty.
• Commitment to Equity: A passion for creating inclusive classrooms where all students feel valued, capable, and supported.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with staff, faculty, students, and families.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to manage conflicts and make thoughtful, timely decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks, schedules, and logistical elements simultaneously.
• Math Proficiency: Solid understanding of Enrichment math concepts and the ability to guide faculty in the development of engaging curricula.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust plans and approaches based on feedback, evolving needs, and challenges that arise during the program.

New York City Campus Details:

Locations: Uptown and Downtown

Program Dates:

• Staff Dates: 30 workdays for Site Directors, 29 workdays for staff, plus 1 holiday
• Leadership Team Planning: June 30
• All Staff Pre-Camp Training: July 1–3 (with July 4 holiday)
• Camp Dates: July 7–August 7 (24 student days)
• Wrap-Up: August 8–11

Commitment to Diversity

BEAM believes that our staff, at all levels and across all roles, should represent the backgrounds of the students we serve. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Beyond a commitment to nondiscrimination, we strongly encourage applications from underrepresented and marginalized communities.

Compensation, Benefits and Other Details

Compensation

• $43.68 per hour for Pre-Camp work
• $9,500 for Camp and Wrap-up

Benefits

BEAM provides a number of benefits including:

• Lunch and snacks, with options for dietary restrictions
• 2–4 staff dinners during camp to relax, connect, and celebrate together