Academic Services Manager

Job Description:

Breakthrough Minneapolis at Blake’s (BMB) mission is to support motivated students in overcoming barriers on their paths to college through engaging, academically rigorous, out-of-school programs while inspiring and preparing promising high school and college students, especially those of color, to become the next generation of educators. BMB has an aspirational vision of what school and learning could be for all students when education is student centered, culturally responsive and equitable.  

About the Role:

As a crucial member of a small yet impactful BMB team, the Academic Services Director (ASD) is primarily responsible for the planning and operational management of BMB’s academic program. This includes the recruitment and development of our aspiring teaching fellows and volunteers, ensuring they are prepared to provide rigorous, high quality academic enrichment programming to students. As an ambassador of the program, the ASD builds strong working relationships with alumni, colleges and universities and other key academic stakeholders to ensure the goals of BMB are met. The salary for this role is $50,000.  

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with the leadership team to ensure all aspects of the Breakthrough model are implemented with intention and fidelity
• Lead curriculum development and instruction during the summer and school year for students (middle and high school) and college-aged teaching fellows
• Develop and lead procedures and partnerships for recruitment, hiring and supervision of high performing teaching fellows and instructional coaches whose lived experiences mirror those of the students we serve
• Create and implement ongoing training and professional development for teaching fellows that aligns with rigorous standards of culturally relevant pedagogy and social emotional learning
• As part of a team, assist in recruitment and admission of students into the program; provide ongoing feedback and coaching as needed
• Oversee and manage assessment efforts to ensure students and teaching fellows make gains; use data to inform program and curriculum decisions
• Work closely with the student services director to ensure all students are well supported in their academic and social emotional learning
• Manage ongoing engagement with the Breakthrough teaching fellow community which may include, but is not limited to, connecting teachers to job opportunities, collecting qualitative and quantitative data on program impact and building professional networks
• Manage site activities when the whole leadership team is not available. Participate in and/or lead special projects as assigned

Experience and Skills:

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required in education or related field
• 2+ years of classroom teaching or equivalent experience, preferably at the middle school level
• Demonstrated success in curriculum development and implementation and experience mentoring and training young professionals or college-aged students

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Takes initiative, self-motivated, able to identify problems and develop solutions
• Able to operate effectively in diverse environments and interact successfully with people from widely varying backgrounds
• Self-directed, takes responsibility for own learning
• Comfort in working independently and as part of a team
• Results-oriented; holds self accountable; able to achieve outcomes and meet deadlines in a flexible, fast-paced environment
• Ability to make informed decisions
• Embraces a growth mindset, creates a learning environment; committed to continuous improvement
• Excellent public speaking, writing, communication and computer skills
• Strong administrative and organizational skills
• Ability to develop and maintain key relationships
• Ability to take on special projects as required
• Effective at multitasking, able to oversee multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong knowledge or familiarity with the barriers to educational equity and access to higher education
• Sets high personal standards, follows through on commitments, models fairness and transparency in interactions
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including multiple evenings and Saturdays

Preferred qualifications:

• Bilingual
• Previous experience using: Salesforce, various social media platforms and Google apps
• Familiarity with the Breakthrough Collaborative model

Breakthrough Minneapolis at Blake encourages individuals of all backgrounds to apply for this position, and we do not discriminate on any basis prohibited by applicable law. We celebrate the diversity of our world and our community, and we seek to build a team that reflects that diversity in every way. We welcome and encourage all qualified applicants who share that same vision, as we wish to engage all those who can contribute to our work and this mission. If you feel you can make an impact, send your resume and cover letter to Tricia Crossman, executive director of Breakthrough Minneapolis at tcrossman@blakeschool.org.

The Blake School is a pre-kindergarten through grade 12, co-educational, nonsectarian, independent day school enrolling 1,331 bright, talented students from nearly 56 Twin Cities-area communities. Founded in 1900, The Blake School has the advantage of facilities and campuses designed for specific developmental ages. Blake’s mission is to engage students with a dynamic, academically challenging education in a diverse and supportive community committed to pluralism and a common set of values. Students pursue an integrated program of academic, artistic and athletic activities, preparing for college, lifelong learning and purposeful lives as community and global citizens. The school community is also guided by its Commitment to Pluralism and core values.

The Blake School believes that a diverse society enriches all individuals and communities. Diversity of race, ethnicity, national origin, geography, religion, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and marital, parental or economic status forms the fabric of our society. As a result of these beliefs, The Blake School actively seeks students, families and employees who value and contribute to the fullness of a diverse community within the context of its mission. In doing so, we recognize our responsibility to help make each person's experience a success. EOE