12th Grade Program Manager

Founded in 1963 during the Civil Rights Movement, SEO closes educational and career opportunity gaps for 7,000 ambitious young people annually.

SEO Scholars is a free, eight-year, academic program that transforms public high school students in New York City, San Francisco, North Carolina, and Miami into college graduates. SEO Scholars successfully educates and mentors students to and through college. 100% of Scholars are accepted into four-year colleges, 85% of Scholars graduate with a Bachelor’s degree, and 80% are first-generation college graduates. All are welcome to apply.

The 12th Grade Program Manager is a perfect role for someone eager to provide individualized advising directly to academically-prepared students throughout the year they apply to college. We are seeking highly motivated, professional, self-directed, and enthusiastic candidates who are passionate about propelling the potential of young people who are farthest away from academic opportunity. The ideal candidate will have experience as a college counselor in a high school or college setting with financial aid and scholarship advising experience, and possess a strong belief that, through commitment and hard work, students can achieve their dreams of college acceptance, attendance, and completion. 

• Create and foster an environment for all 12th grade Scholars that encourages intellectual curiosity, an inclusive, close-knit and supportive community, and a college-going culture.
• Provide data-driven advising to all Scholars in the cohort via one-on-one, small group, and family meetings.
• Guide all 12th grade Scholars through the development of their college applications, all associated essays, and the financial aid process following SEO’s college advising approach.
• Manage all college applications and matriculation decisions from start to completion, providing individualized support as needed and ensuring 100% of applications are submitted on time.

• Deliver college seminars to 12th grade Scholars using existing curriculum and revising as needed to reflect the changing college admissions landscape.
• Partner with writing instructors to support all associated college essays as well as and all scholarship, enrichment program, and opportunity program applications.
• Project an energetic, engaging, and approachable persona to promote students’ connection to the content, investment in the learning, and positive relationship to all members of the community.

• Plan several key College Admissions related events throughout the school year including but not limited to Graduation, Mock admissions day, FAFSA day, and College Decision Day. 
• Plan and manage operations for the annual Spring Break College Trip to Southern California for 11th grade Scholars and staff.
• Collect, enter, and analyze all key data points for 12th grade. 
• Create, update, and manage all student-facing trackers.
• Create and send monthly Family Newsletters. 
• Deliver and support all 12th grade Family Workshops and assist in workshop content creation. 

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 2+ years of experience teaching, coaching, or advising high school students, with a focus on college-bound pathways and English; experience as a college counselor or advisor.  
• Experience working with students in communities aligned with SEO’s mission and passion for preparing them to lead by example in their families, communities, and careers.

• Knowledge of the California public college system and top ranked private colleges preferred. 
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude.
• Demonstrated ability to execute on short-term, deadline-driven tasks, as well as important long-term projects requiring collaboration with internal and external constituencies.
• Adept at building authentic relationships with students quickly.
• Ability to conduct difficult conversations with Scholars and families to give honest, productive feedback.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a high level of professionalism.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and Google Suite.
• Must be data driven. Knowledge of Excel and experience working with Salesforce (database) and Brightspace (LMS) are a plus.
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
• Ability to work a Tuesday through Saturday schedule from September to June and some evenings. 

At SEO we are committed to cultivating a team that embodies the backgrounds and experiences of the constituencies we serve and the communities we live in, and a workplace that reflects the impact we make in the world. Candidates from all communities – including people of color, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ Community, veterans, and people with disabilities – are strongly encouraged to apply.

Sponsors for Educational Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer – M/F/D/V. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or characteristics, or any other legally protected status.

If you need accommodation while applying for a role with SEO, due to a disability, please email SEO Talent.

Established in 1963 by Michael Osheowitz, SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity) is an educational non-profit founded on the belief that talent is everywhere; but opportunity is not. Our programs are designed to educate, train, mentor, and amplify the voices of our participants to give them a seat at the table – every table. We propel human potential.

SEO is an innovator in education, mentorship, and creating educational career opportunities that maximize the full potential of our participants. Each year SEO serves 7,000+ participants nationally, and the organization is widely recognized for developing best-in-class programs with exceptional results.

Not every SEO participant is on the same journey, but all are hungry for opportunity and SEO creates an ecosystem of excellence. Learn more about SEO's programs here: https://www.seo-usa.org/our-programs/.