Overview:
The YMCA of Greater Kansas City is seeking a Y Achievers Coordinator to help teens set ambitious goals and build a clear path to college and career. Y Achievers is a national college and career readiness program that encourages middle and high school students to pursue higher education and prepare for life after high school.
Under the guidance of the Executive Director, the Coordinator plans and leads program sessions, recruits and supports teen participants and adult volunteer mentors, and builds partnerships with schools, colleges, and local businesses. Above all, the Coordinator creates a welcoming, encouraging space where every teen can explore their potential, grow in confidence, and leave with a plan for the future.
This is a part-time, grant-funded position of about 25 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends.
Benefits
- Opportunity for this position to grow into a full-time role as the program grows
- Free individual YMCA membership
- Meaningful, mission-driven work helping teens plan for college and careers
OUR CULTURE:
The YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It’s who we are, who we aspire to be and how we show up every day. We are cause-driven. We don’t just show up, we show up with purpose. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
Responsibilities:
Program Delivery
- Plans and facilitates engaging Y Achievers sessions (60 to 90 minutes, weekly or bi-weekly) throughout a 24 to 32 week program year using the approved Achievers curriculum, including Success Bound and Overcoming Obstacles.
- Delivers programming aligned with the Y Achievers learning goals: college and career exploration, leadership development, personal growth and advocacy, and college and workforce readiness.
- Encourages youth voice and leadership by giving teens meaningful opportunities to lead activities, present on career topics and mentor their peers.
College & Career Readiness
- Coordinates college and workforce readiness activities such as resume and digital portfolio building, interview practice, networking, and workshops on FAFSA, scholarships and admissions essays.
- Connects teens with job shadows, internships and career panels, and introduces a full range of postsecondary pathways, including four-year and two-year colleges, trade schools, career and technical education, apprenticeships and industry certifications.
- Plans and executes college tours, campus visits, career fairs, summits, and kickoff and graduation ceremonies, including scheduling, transportation and logistics, within the established budget.
Participant & Family Engagement
- Recruits, enrolls and retains teen participants by building relationships with schools, counselors, families and community partners; maintains accurate attendance and participant records.
- Communicates regularly and professionally with parents and guardians about schedules, events and student progress.
Volunteer & Community Partnerships
- Recruits, onboards, trains and recognizes adult volunteer Achievers who serve as mentors, career presenters and workshop leaders; ensures all volunteers complete required screening and child abuse prevention training before working with youth.
- Builds and maintains partnerships with schools, colleges, universities, trade schools, local businesses and community organizations to support tours, sponsorships, internships, job shadowing and workshops.
Program Administration & Reporting
- Administers program evaluation tools (such as pre and post surveys), tracks participant outcomes, and prepares monthly program reports for the Executive Director.
- Operates the program within the established budget; tracks expenses, supplies and program materials.
- Supports fundraising and grant efforts by providing program data and participant success stories and by assisting at donor and sponsor events.
- Participates in associate meetings, trainings, special events and committees as assigned.
Safety & Risk Management
- Ensures the safety of participants, volunteers and associates at all program locations and on trips by following YMCA child protection, supervision and transportation policies and procedures.
- Mandated to report suspected child abuse and neglect and must notify appropriate associates of any suspected abuse.
- Must notify appropriate associates of any unsafe conditions, needed repairs, complaints, accidents, or injuries immediately.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in education, social work, youth development, counseling or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of one year of experience working with teens in a youth development, education, mentoring or related setting.
- Knowledge of college admissions, financial aid, career exploration or workforce readiness resources preferred.
- Ability to build rapport with teens and families and to motivate students to set and pursue goals.
- Strong group facilitation, public speaking, and written and verbal communication skills.
- Well organized, with the ability to manage multiple events, deadlines and partner relationships.
- Comfortable recruiting and engaging volunteers, business partners and community organizations.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace; comfortable using online survey and evaluation tools.
- Must have reliable transportation. Travel around the Greater Kansas City area is required.
- Availability to work a flexible schedule that includes afternoons, evenings, some weekends, and occasional overnight travel for college tours and summits.
- Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions.