We're Hiring | By Degrees Foundation

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

By Degrees Program Manager, North High School

Join our team!

By Degrees works to ensure more students graduate from high school ready for college, careers, and our community by creating innovative, long-term programs that help students and their families navigate the complex pathway from kindergarten through high school graduation and beyond. Our organization supports entire schools by building systemic supports that enable students to reach their full potential.

Position posted: 4/11/2024
Applications will be accepted until Monday, 5/6/2024
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and answers to supplemental questions (below) to jobs@bydegreesfoundation.org

Position Summary

The By Degrees Program Manager will grow our existing North High programs and partnerships. This new position will augment our Program Team and allow By Degrees to expand our health and wellness programing and financial capacity building initiatives.

Daily activities will be focused on helping create a strong culture of college, careers, and community within North High School.

This position offers a starting salary of $50,000 - $60,000 depending on experience. In addition, By Degrees offers full benefits (see “Why By Degrees” below for details).

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, please apply.

Essential Accountabilities Include (but not limited to):

Work with building leadership, counseling department, and others to identify school and student needs. Work closely with the By Degrees Programing and Executive Teams to develop solutions to these identified needs.
In collaboration with North High’s professional learning teams, identify and implement classroom enrichment activities around postsecondary/career exploration and financial capacity building, including classroom speakers, internships, job shadowing opportunities, career visits, trades exploration events, etc.
Enhance and implement our robust 9th-12th grade pathway planning strategy. This strategy includes regular, in-class information sessions and discussions tailored to each grade level. The tools and strategies covered are those necessary to succeed in high school and prepare for life after graduation (topic examples: transcript explanation, GPA calculation and impact, high school course selection, paying for postsecondary education, postsecondary and scholarship/grant applications, FAFSA, etc.)
Coordinate existing postsecondary/career visits and identify new postsecondary/career/trades partners in Iowa and surrounding states
Assist with FAFSA completion opportunities (this position will complete the FAFSA Professional certification)
Work with Director of Programs to manage North High’s 529 savings accounts and develop annual milestones for North High students
Develop a post-high school support strategy for students (e.g. managing and tracking postsecondary enrollment, 529 savings account withdrawals, and communication with former students)
Work with Director of Programs and Organization Executive Team to develop partnerships focused on the social determinants of health – from financial health to physical and mental health/wellness
Support existing community partnerships and identify and develop new community partnerships as needs arise (e.g. needs around food, housing, clothing, health and wellness, school and student funding, etc.)

The ideal candidate:

Has a bachelor’s degree
5+ years of experience working in or with public schools
Can build strong relationships with students, teachers, administrators, partners, and community leaders
Has experience working with traditionally under-resourced youth in some capacity
Loves deadlines and details
Can manage lots of different projects simultaneously
Is excited to work with a small team doing great work
Can effectively communicate with many different stakeholders
Is a strong writer and is comfortable speaking in large groups

To apply:

Submit your resume, cover letter, and responses to supplemental questions (below) to jobs@bydegreesfoundation.org
Any offer of employment will be contingent upon a motor vehicle record check and state/federal background check

Supplemental questions:

What would you uniquely bring to this role? (200 words max)
What are some key components of building a culture of college, career, and community for students who are the first in their family to pursue post-secondary education? (200 words max)
How can your manager help you achieve your goals? (7 bullet points max)
What do you know now about working in education that you wish you’d known earlier in your career? (200 words max)

Why choose By Degrees Foundation?

By Degrees partners with whole schools to increase high school graduation and postsecondary readiness rates on Des Moines' northside. Our work begins in kindergarten and follows students through high school graduation, ensuring they’re immersed in an expansive culture of postsecondary education, career exploration and future-focused planning throughout their K-12 experience.

We build intentional partnerships with our schools, community organizations, businesses and postsecondary institutions to uplift students, families and whole neighborhoods.

In addition to a competitive salary, members of our team receive:

11-month schedule with July off
Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
Paid volunteer time off
401k match up to 5% of salary

By Degrees Foundation is an equal opportunity organization and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, skin color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental abilities, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, age, family or marital status, veteran status or other characteristic protected by applicable. By Degrees Foundation will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the role requirements and any applicable local, state, and Federal law.