Job Title:  Bard DNA Program Coordinator (Bard High School Early College Queens, NY)

Project Summary

Bard Diverse Network of Action (DNA) was founded in 2018. Bard DNA is a student organization, at Bard High School Early College (BHSEC) Queens, composed of student leaders and social justice advocates who are dedicated to educating their community and themselves through events and programming. Bard DNA encourages participation from all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, religion, economic status, immigration status, or any other identity. Bard DNA seeks to create an inclusive and safe school environment.

As an organization, Bard DNA strives to achieve the following GOALS:

1. Provide a space for students of all identities to create change and take action on community issues.
2. Develop an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful school environment, in and outside of the classroom, for all members of the community.
3. Plan meaningful events, programs and initiatives that build community and increase school spirit.
4. Create opportunities for increased and intentional conversations on topics of power, privilege, and oppression.
5. When confronted with members of the community who do not share our same values, allow all opinions to be heard and valued, rather than excluded or dismissed, while still encouraging education and growth.

Opportunity

We are seeking a Bard DNA Program Coordinator. The Bard DNA Program Coordinator will work with the Director of Bard DNA to accomplish organizational goals and achieve our vision of serving as a network of support, resources, and community for students who have been historically underrepresented in postsecondary higher education.

The Bard DNA Program Coordinator will support Bard DNA by taking a leadership role in student-facing aspects of the program: Bard DNA Student Leadership Team (SLT), Bard DNA Peer Mentoring Program, and Bard DNA Fellows Program. 

The Bard DNA SLT operates as the governing body of Bard DNA. The SLT consists of the Student Coordinator, Media & Communications Specialist, Mentorship Committee Chair(s), Professional Development Committee Chair, Social Engagement Committee Chair, and Community Engagement Committee Chair.

The Bard DNA Peer Mentoring Program is a year-long mentoring program that pairs 9th and 10th grade students with students in the college program (Year 1s and Year 2s). The Program Coordinator will be responsible for working with the Mentorship Committee Chair(s) to ensure the implementation and effectiveness of the Bard DNA Peer Mentoring Program.

The Bard DNA Fellows Program provides additional academic support, mentorship, professional and leadership development, and a sense of community to students, from historically underrepresented and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, during their four years at BHSEC Queens. Bard DNA Fellows attend monthly leadership and skill-development workshops, known as the “Self, Community, Skills & Success (SCSS) Series”. The Bard DNA Program Coordinator will be responsible for working with the Director of Bard DNA to design and facilitate engaging and informative workshops for Bard DNA Fellows.

The Bard DNA Program Coordinator will also provide substantial support in executing the rising-9th grade Bard DNA Summer Program. The Bard DNA Summer Program is three weeks long and is designed to support students from historically underrepresented and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds in their academic and social transition to BHSEC Queens. Students take classes and go on field trips throughout the summer program.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

The Bard DNA Program Coordinator Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Bard DNA Student Leadership Team (SLT)

• Provide leadership and support to members of the SLT
• Coordinate leadership trainings and leadership retreats for SLT
• Provide SLT with support and guidance in planning events and programs, scheduling regular check-in meetings and providing access to resources
• Recommend tips and strategies on effective marketing and advertising strategies to ensure optimal event attendance and participation
• Lead Bard DNA General and SLT meetings after-school
• Plan and coordinate Bard DNA SLT Spring elections
• Ensure SLT members are fulfilling the responsibilities and expectations of their positions 

Bard DNA Peer Mentoring Program

• Provide guidance and support to the Mentorship Committee Chair(s) on the Bard DNA SLT
• Work with the Mentorship Committee Chair(s) to plan and coordinate the Peer Mentor application and selection process
• Support the planning and coordination of Peer Mentor trainings
• Co-facilitate Peer Mentor trainings, as necessary

Bard DNA Fellows “Self, Community, Skills & Success (SCSS)” workshop series

• Co-design and co-facilitate workshops in the after-school SCSS series for Bard DNA Fellows
• Engage Bard DNA Fellows in workshops and experiences that encourage and increase  identity, professional and leadership development
• In collaboration with their work in the Bard DNA student organization, create and oversee innovative initiatives and programming that facilitate a strong, supportive and welcoming community for Bard DNA Fellows

Media & Communications

• Oversee Bard DNA email and keep the DNA community, and BHSECQ community at large, informed of upcoming DNA events and programming
• Provide support to the DNA Media & Communications Specialist in the oversight of the Bard DNA website and Instagram page
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Bard DNA.

Time Commitment and Compensation

• This is an 11 month position, from September - July
• The incumbent should be able to work at least 40 hours each week; typical hours are 9am-5pm.
• This benefits-eligible position pays $22/hour

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, sociology, or related field preferred, H.S. diploma required.
• 1-2 years of relevant professional experience, preferred.
• Able to demonstrate strong background and experience in leadership roles/involvement as a student and/or in the workforce.
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion, student advocacy, and student development
• Skills: Experience working with, supporting and advocating for historically marginalized students; demonstrated ability to support students in leadership and identity development; knowledge and experience in workshop design, large group facilitation, and event planning; ability to manage multiple projects; knowledge in implementing effective mentorship programming
• Able to work during after-school hours (at least until 5pm).

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three contact references by clicking on the Apply Now button through the Interfolio job application link provided: http://apply.interfolio.com/87465

Please be advised that this is a grant-sponsored position, contingent on funding.

Bard College is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity.