Job Title:
Educator Advisor

Company: The Possible Zone

Location: boston, MA

Created: 2024-04-22

Job Type: Full Time

Job Description:

THE POSSIBLE ZONEBOSTON, MAFull TimeExemptThe Possible Zone (TPZ), a nonprofit organization, seeks an Educator Advisor to lead students through TPZ's Entrepreneurship curriculum and engage students in targeted college-career readiness through our Pathways Advisor. The ideal candidate has experience teaching a group of high school students and facilitation with young adults.Educator-Advisors should expect to contribute ideas to TPZ's program development and ongoing curriculum design. This role also requires flexible scheduling, since TPZ's in-person programming runs school day and after-school (work schedule is 11am-7 pm or 8am - 4 pm depending on need) and Mondays - Fridays throughout the year. There may be occasions for a weekend experience, e.g.: staff retreat or event; however, those will be communicated well in advance to account for planning and coordination.ABOUT THE POSSIBLE ZONE:What if all young people could follow their dreams? What if they had the opportunity to designand launch a company or social-venture they were passionate about? What if they knew whatan entrepreneur, venture capitalist, industrial designer, data scientist, marketing executive,electrical engineer, biotech researcher, advanced manufacturer, roboticist, game designer,journalist, nonprofit leader or mayor does and why? What if they were given the opportunity tointern in these positions and work settings while still in high school? And what if they had thechance to learn the foundational professional and technical skills needed to succeed in any ofthese careers? And very importantly, what if they develop a mindset, where their imaginationand creativity can be fully explored, where everything is possible and where no boundariesexist? Would young people believe they could pursue these careers or any others they choose?Would they become what they had dreamed?At The Possible Zone, our resounding answer is YES! We are on a journey to develop atransformative model and facility in the heart of Boston's most diverse and youth-populatedcommunities.TPZ is an eleven-year-old non-profit organization that has served well over 1,000 students withprogramming, internships and advisory services during high school toward the mission ofeconomic equity. Our program has demonstrated strong impact in terms of high schoolgraduation, matriculation into post-secondary education and careers, and strong SocialEmotional Learning and Identity Development. As we further expand into Boston, TPZProgramming will catalyze a Boston Community Ecosystem that will include students, parents,high schools, community organizations, large corporations, local entrepreneurs, technologycompanies, venture capitalists, and postsecondary education institutions. Our intent is to joinand continue to enhance a Student Ecosystem in Jackson Square and surrounding communitiesthat are similar to those that have emerged in other Greater Boston areas such as Kendall Squareand the Seaport District. Collectively we will dream, learn, work, and ultimately create leadershipopportunities for economic mobility and prosperity for our students and their surroundingcommunity. Importantly, TPZ is highly committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything wedo. And as we establish success in our Boston Headquarters, we will scale our efforts to replicateTPZ's blueprint at a National level.We envision a program and space that serves tens-of-thousands of students over the nextdecade(s). When a student enters the program, they will be:... greeted, coached, taught, counseled and supported by highly trained, caring staff andpartners in entrepreneurship and business, leadership and team building, passion andperseverance, learning and accountability and empathy and integrity.... challenged to pursue their passions and launch ventures in everything from electronics,software, digital media, services, fashion, food, to consumer goods... equipped with the life skills essential to thrive in the emerging economy... building social networks through connection to professional mentoring and internships withhundreds of local companies... supported when needed through wrap-around services in academic tutoring, ESL, mentalhealth, food security, and college success by partner organizations.Ultimately, through their experiences and growth at TPZ, and with our partners, our students willbe prepared and inspired to attend college, alternative post-secondary education and launchcareers in their community, where they will pursue their passions in business, STEAM,Community and Entrepreneurial organizations.Our students - all students - deserve to pursue their passions and achieve economic equity.CURRENT SCALING (WHAT'S NEXT?)In 2022, TPZ opened a 35,000 sq. ft. Innovation Center that can serve up to 1,000 students annually. The organization employs 70+ professionals with plans to grow in Boston and beyond in the coming years. TPZ offers a strong professional development ethos; a fast-paced entrepreneurial culture, innovative curriculum & pedagogy, and a commitment to excellence and student impact.ABOUT THE ROLE:Educator-Advisors will teach groups of high school students in our school day and after-school program, supported by STEAM experts or other skilled adults. Utilizing TPZ's Entrepreneurship curriculum, instructors will facilitate students' engagement in design-thinking, ideation, iteration, prototyping, and development of a business plan and product. Educator-Advisors will also facilitate a small group advisory where they will provide opportunities for students to reflect on their learning, identify post-secondary pathways, set goals, and compile an e-portfolio to share with external audiences.RESPONSIBILITIES:Effectively engage learners in Entrepreneurship and Advisory learning experiences, including: developing a business idea, product, plan, and pitch to external stakeholders; and reflecting on progress towards TPZ's SEL, identity, and college-career readiness competencies.Cultivate a strong community within TPZ's learning spaces, meaning: understand the science of learning and how to promote students' belonging by establishing shared norms, relationships, and routines that create a safe and brave space to take risks.Engage in planning sessions in collaboration with other Educator-Advisors and STEAM technicianmakerspace manager to prepare for learning experiences and reflect on learning (to inform lessons and curriculum planning)Engage in ongoing department specific and organization-wide professional learning, including: bi-weekly sessions with the Program Team, 1-1 coaching cycles with Program leaders; training on STEAM and maker skills.Contribute to the design of TPZ's next generation curriculumSupport students in the development of their e-portfolio that documents their progress throughout their experience at TPZTrack and monitor student progress towards TPZ's core competencies, including: problem-solving, tech agency, teamwork, design thinking, communication, and others.Collect, analyze, and use student data to drive high quality student experiences and outcomesCollaborate with the Development team to engage external volunteers in programmatic eventsEffectively use TPZ's systems (SIS and LMS) to track, monitor, and update student information each semesterParticipate in weekly Eship Advisory meetings"‹"‹"‹A successful first year in this role will include:Effectively teach and manage a cohort of students through TPZ's Entrepreneurship ProgramGain a deeper understanding and comfort with TPZ's makerspace tools and equipmentCollaborate with TPZ staff across various departments such as Development, Research & Evaluation, and Student Support to ensure high quality student experiences.QUALIFICATIONS:Professional Experience: At least 3 years of experience working with high school students in either formal classroomsschools or informal settings (for instance, youth development, camp counselor)Instructional approaches: experience engaging youth from under-resourced communities in ways that are culturally-responsive, project-based, and competency-based, with attention to the whole-child, SEL and identity development, and building a strong culture and communityContent knowledge: Experience in 1 or more of the following:Entrepreneurship: you have started and run a businessBusiness: you bring experience in a specific aspect of business, e.g.: Marketing, Sales, Finance STEAM: codingappweb development, music production, digital fabrication, CAD, 3D printing, garment design, electronics, woodworking Demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit that inspires students to explore passions and dreams while providing the scaffolds or supports to actualize them .Commitment to the success of every learner; have a growth mindset and self-awarenessA courageous learner, design-thinker, problem-solver, and ignite these qualities in others.Create a growth-promoting culture that is brave and safe; effectively manage learning experiences.Strong facilitation; you believe learning is an active process, and support learners in driving their mitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.Embraces change and navigates multi-cultural spaces with openness and pensation & Benefits:The Possible Zone offers a robust compensation and benefits package including high-qualityhealth benefits and an employer contribution to your 401(k) plan.$80K - $85K commensurate with experienceDEI Statement:We believe every member of our team and student body deserves opportunities for growth,success and inclusion. We recognize that for many of our students, staff and communities, theirlife journeys run through oppressive structures and systems (e.g. classism, racism, sexism) "”and that's what makes our organizational culture and work so necessary and important.We believe that diversity in perspective, backgrounds, ethnicities and lived experience is astrength, and from that strength, we can accomplish great things with the students we serve.Together as students, staff, organizations, communities, volunteers, and partners, we areintentional about creating safe spaces where all members can speak authentically and bethemselves.We are committed to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity. As members of The Possible Zonecommunity, our progression along this ongoing journey raises thoughtful questions, revealsbiases, and opens conversations. We celebrate one another and are unified in our commitmentto young people, excellence, and innovation. This work is our shared responsibility and ouropportunity to welcome all members who share in our mission and strive to provide pathwaysthat further prepare students in achieving their desired success.COVID Vaccination PolicyThe Possible Zone is requiring that all employees receive a primary series of COVID-19vaccination as well as a booster dose. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at leasttwo weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen, and receives abooster dose when eligible. In order to be qualified for employment at The Possible Zone, finalcandidates must comply with the vaccination requirement or receive an approved exemption.