About BEAM

The mission of BEAM is to create pathways for students from low-income and historically marginalized communities to become scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and computer scientists. Led by staff with these same technical backgrounds, BEAM believes that pathways to STEM careers are created through community, individual support, and access to advanced work that typically lies outside most school curricula. We work to directly support students and to transition them to other supportive enrichment programs that enable their future success.

BEAM’s model provides continuous support from middle school through college graduation, including intense academic summer programs for middle school students (after 6th and 7th grade), weekend classes and mentoring, and STEM-focused support through college. Our program includes not just access to learning advanced math but also support finding and applying to other opportunities, including support with college admissions and financial aid. In addition to our academic content, bringing students into community is a key part of our mission and all of our work is designed to support that goal.

BEAM has grown from a small summer program serving 17 students in the summer of 2011 to a year-round, national program, serving 420+ students at six summer program sites and 600+ students in year-round programming in New York City and Los Angeles this school year. In addition, our BEAM National pilot program now reaches over 500 elementary-aged students in seven different states, working to create a new nationwide pathway modeled on our local work.

With our recent strategic plan, our team has committed to transforming the organization from a successful startup to a more mature and scalable organization that can drive change across the country.

About the role

DESCRIPTION OF THE ROLE

The Middle School Programs Coordinator is an exciting and dynamic role, directly impacting the lives of middle school students and their families as they navigate pivotal academic and enrichment milestones. From guiding 8th graders through the high school admissions process to unlocking their potential through transformative STEM opportunities, both at BEAM and with external organizations, this position is perfect for someone passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of students from low-income and historically marginalized communities.

Each year, BEAM admits 200 rising 7th graders and 80 rising 8th graders into our enriching summer programs, with 8th graders embarking on the life-changing Pathway Program—a 10-year journey of academic advising and personal growth. As the Middle School Coordinator, you’ll be at the heart of this mission, providing support, fostering engagement, and building strong relationships with students and families.  This role also offers a unique four-week summer experience, living and working at a vibrant residential camp in upstate New York (with room, board, and travel provided). The rest of the year involves in-office collaboration 2 days a week and supporting exciting Saturday programs (on average two Saturdays per month), where you’ll see firsthand the impact of your work as students thrive.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Academic Advising and Support (50%)

High school admissions advising 

• • Guide 8th grade students and their families through the high school admissions process, organizing and facilitating information sessions, workshops, and providing 1-1 advising sessions.
  • Track high school admissions progress by collecting and maintaining student application, acceptance and enrollment data.
  • Maintain BEAM’s database of recommended high schools.
  • Organize an annual high school admissions celebration event.

STEM Enrichment Advising 

• • Collaborate with BEAM staff to review, update and refine the database and resources used to recommend STEM programs to 8th grade students.
  • Facilitate summer enrichment information sessions and 1-1 advising sessions with 8th grade students to understand their interests and guide them in identifying, applying to, and enrolling in non-BEAM STEM enrichment programs that align with their interests.
  • Ensure students meet application requirements and deadlines and maintain accurate placements records.

Ongoing Academic Support

• • Create and implement re-engagement plans for 8th graders who have not met program commitments (i.e., attendance, advising)
  • Collect and record 8th-grade students’ Fall and Spring math grades from families to maintain comprehensive academic records. Collaborate with other New York Programs advisors to use this data in making informed recommendations for Saturday class sections, enrichment program opportunities, and ongoing academic advising support for students.
  • Document the processes and systems used to provide high school admissions advising and enrichment program advising.

Program Coordination and Summer Camp Support (50%)

• Support the success of Saturday Programs (September-May)
  • Support program leadership observing instructors by taking notes to support the delivery of feedback that enhances the quality of STEM learning experiences provided to students.
  • Support the coordination of logistics such as breakfast, lunch and materials that help maintain the program. Troubleshoot any in the moment issues.
  • Track students’ attendance, reach out to absent students to monitor engagement.
• Support BEAM Summer Camp (February-August)
  • Work in collaboration with the BEAM Central team to support the creation and/or improvement of processes, documentation and training materials for Summer Camp.
  • Support preparation for Summer Camp by ensuring logistical tasks are completed in a timely manner.
  • Support the NY Programs team in student recruitment and registration for summer camp.
• Support the Summer Camp Leadership team for one of our summer math camps:
  • BEAM Discovery, our five week day program for rising 7th graders in New York City OR
  • BEAM Summer Away, our 4 week Upstate New York live on campus program (3 weeks of camp for working with students, plus days before and after camp, working with staff).
• Supporting the Summer Camp Leadership team involves:
  • Assisting in the implementation of program processes and procedures
  • Troubleshoot as needed to ensure the program runs smoothly.
  • Leading with empathy when mediating conflicts among students at the site using a foundation of restorative justice and involving appropriate staff as necessary.
  • Contributing to communication efforts with students, families and staff by supporting pre-camp information sessions and meetings.
  • Communicating with students, families and staff before and during camp through information sessions, student assemblies, and staff meetings.
  • Maintain regular phone contact with families during camp to keep everyone informed and engaged.

Family & Community Engagement 

While working on Academic Advising/Support and/or Program Coordination and Summer Camp Support this role requires a strong commitment to family and community engagement which includes:

• Foster strong relationships with students and families to support their educational journey by maintaining open and regular communication, providing updates and guidance as needed throughout the year.
• Represent BEAM at school events, field trips and other student-centered activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including supporting office hours.

QUALIFICATIONS

We understand that there are many paths to acquiring experience and therefore welcome candidates from diverse and nontraditional backgrounds for this role who have demonstrated equivalent transferable skills to carry out the major duties outlined in this job description.

• At least 2 years of experience working with middle or high schoolers in school, after-school, or summer camp settings.
• STEM undergraduate degree and/or career related STEM experience.
• Strong communication skills with students and presenting a positive, inspiring, and growth-oriented message.
• Proactive and in-the-moment problem solving skills and comfort in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication skills (including verbal and written), with a high comfort in public speaking and an ability to tailor clear communication to multiple audiences.
• Attention to detail, strong organization skills, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Proactive and in-the-moment problem solving skills and comfort in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication skills (including verbal and written), with a high comfort in public speaking and an ability to tailor clear communication to multiple audiences.
• Commitment to helping each of our students and guiding them to success.
• Passion for BEAM’s mission and strong interest in being part of a team working to support underserved students and their families.

Significant pluses include:

• Experience with enrichment STEM programs.
• Prior STEM teaching background.
• Experience with supporting youth from historically marginalized and low-income communities.
• Verbal/written fluency in Spanish.
• Familiarity with the NYC high school admissions process.
• Salesforce/CRM data management experience
• Possible interest in teaching a STEM enrichment class.

SALARY, BENEFITS, AND OTHER DETAILS

The salary range for this position is $50,000-$62,000. This is a good faith anticipated range of the job, but the actual pay will be based on any applicant’s skill and experience.

BEAM provides a number of benefits including:

• Flexible working hours
• Health, dental and vision benefits including health plan options that are free for individuals
• 12 paid holidays including an office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
• 15 days of paid annual leave to start, and will increase by one day for each year worked for your first 5 years of employment
• Paid sick leave
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Student loan reimbursement
• Pre-tax commuter benefits

Work Location/Schedule

• Monday-Friday,  10 am to 6 pm;  2 Saturdays per month (September to May).
• Flexible hours are available most days
• Occasional evening work to accommodate families’ schedules may be necessary with working hours potentially shifting to 11:30am to 7:30pm 1-2 days per week.
• A regular week involves a total of 37.5 hours of work.
• Note: During the summer, depending on the Summer Camp type, weekend and evenings work for up to 4 weeks might be required.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

BEAM is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of an individual’s race (including traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles, such as braids, locks and twists), ethnicity, religion (including clothing or facial hair worn in accordance with the religious tenets), color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, breastfeeding, gender (including actual or perceived sex, gender identity, and gender expression including a person’s actual or perceived gender-related self-image, appearance, behavior, expression, or other gender-related characteristic, regardless of the sex assigned to that person at birth), sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, status as a veteran, active military service member, or uniform service member, marital or partnership status, familial status, caregiver status, age (18 or older), predisposing genetic characteristics, disability, creed, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, unemployment status, credit history, an individual’s status as having a known relationship or association with a member or members of a protected category, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, promotion, discipline, and termination.

All personnel decisions will be made in accordance with the principles of equal employment opportunity and subject only to valid (job-related) requirements for employment, benefits, or promotional opportunities.