DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE & CAREER ACADEMY

LUCY Outreach is a nonprofit organization offering multilingual, culturally responsive programs and services to Camden City and Camden County, NJ youth and young adults, ages 7-28+, and their families, who have a low income.

At LUCY we empower our youth on their journey to become community leaders by providing programs that offer a safe-haven, and support their educational, social, emotional, and physical growth.

Resilience – We are passionate and tireless in pursuit of our mission to help youth to persevere through all obstacles.

Respect – We listen with empathy and respect and treat each other with kindness and dignity.

Inclusivity – We celebrate the diversity of the youth and provide access to opportunities where they can explore and apply the power of their unique experiences.

Safety – We provide safe spaces and experiences that enhance the social, emotional, and physical well-being of the youth.

Empowerment – We believe youth have boundless potential and we invest in them to create a brighter future for our communities and our world.

Currently, ninety-four percent of LUCY participants live at or below the poverty line, attend underperforming schools and have limited access to higher education and fair wage employment opportunities. Ninety-five percent of LUCY’s College and Career Academy participants are first generation students. LUCY is recognized as an LGBTQ+ safe and brave space in the city and county as well.

Since LUCY’s founding in 2007, all 478 active high school seniors participating in the program have graduated high school and entered college and/or the workforce.

DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE & CAREER ACADEMY

POSITION OVERVIEW

LUCY is seeking its first full-time Director of College & Career Academy. Reporting to the Executive Director, the holder will implement and oversee the College & Career Academy and be responsible for the coordination of all college and career programming and resources at LUCY, including the hiring and supervision of both the College Coordinator and the Career Coordinator.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years’ experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector or within a high school or college setting.

This is a full-time, exempt position. Due to the seniority of this role, the jobholder will need to spend a majority of their time on-site, with the occasional opportunity to work from home. Hours may include evenings and weekends, depending on programs, trips and events.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• As a member of programmatic leadership, set the strategy and vision for the College & Career Academy
• Support LUCY Scholars in navigating the complexities of college and career, and setting and achieving their academic and professional goals
• Manage and oversee the College & Career Academy and all its programming and services, including the hiring and oversight of the College Coordinator and Career Coordinator
• Support and assist Executive Director and Grant Writer with writing grants of and reporting of grant fund spending within the College & Career Academy
• Train, supervise and support College & Career Academy staff and interns
• Design, implement and oversee the development and use of a college and career curriculum
• Build community relationships and partnerships for internships and postsecondary opportunities for college and career
• Perform other duties as requested

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Commitment to and passion for the mission of LUCY, and ability to model its values
• Competent with Microsoft Office and Google Business Suite
• Familiarity with college and career readiness software tools (i.e. Naviance)
• Ability to understand financial reports and budgets, including managing grant funds
• Thorough understanding of college and career opportunities related to New Jersey
• Excellent managerial skills and ability to evaluate the work of others
• Proven ability to collaborate, support and train staff, interns and volunteers
• Knowledge and understanding of Camden or similar communities, and the challenges faced by first generation Scholars, a plus

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in School Counseling, Education, Social Work, or related field
• Experience as a high school or college counselor or similar work is preferred
• Five or more years’ experience required
• Knowledge of the college process including high school course selection, SAT/ACT testing, Common App, college application process, financial aid process & FAFSA, EOF, CSS and the like
• Knowledge of college scholarship resources and application process
• Knowledge and experience with trade, technical and career programs, including military
• Experience with youth; ability to communicate with, supervise, and empower youth; comfortable utilizing and communicating through social media