***Positions posted by El Comeback are done on behalf of companies that we support in their search for candidates.***

Our client, Fundación Kinesis, is looking for a Director of Programs. 

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Director of Programs

Overview

Are you passionate about empowering talented students to reach their full potential? Do you believe that education is the key to unlocking a successful future? If so, we invite you to join the Kinesis Foundation as a College Access Advisor.

At Kinesis, were on a mission to identify exceptional students with financial need and guide them toward admission at the best universities in the United States and Puerto Rico. As a College Access Advisor, youll play a pivotal role in shaping the educational journeys of these bright stars. Heres what youll be doing:

1. Guiding Aspiring Scholars: Youll work closely with high school students, providing personalized guidance on college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. Your expertise will empower them to make informed decisions about their future.

2. Building Bridges: As a liaison between students, families, and educational institutions, youll help bridge the gap and ensure that deserving students have access to quality education. Your passion for equity and inclusion will drive positive change.

3. Collaborating with a Dynamic Team: Join a team of dedicated professionals who share your commitment to educational excellence. Together, well create pathways for success and transform lives.

Responsibilities and Duties

1. Competitive Profile Development

• Work on an individualized plan for each student within the established dates, attending to the needs of the participant in order to develop a competitive profile for admission to selective universities.
• Manage the student's interest inventory, discuss results, answer questions, and teach students how to continue exploring careers to help them choose classes, extracurricular experiences, and college majors consistent with their vocational interests.
• Guide, assist, and collaborate with students individually and in groups to create a resume that highlights achievements, experience, and growth in order to develop a competitive profile for admission to selective colleges.
• Ensure that the student's resume is clear, has information that supports the characteristics the student wants to highlight in their college application, and looks organized and professional.

2. Student and Parent Training

• Create, review, and update workshops for students and parents to achieve college admissions and college readiness.
• Offer the workshops in a dynamic, interesting way and with correct and updated information within the established calendar.

3. College Application and Financial Aid

• Offer the follow-up appointment to 11th grade students to complete the list of colleges aligned with the student's interests, expectations, and profile.
• Meet with the Bright Stars in groups to work through the list of colleges according to common interests such as career aspirations.
• Offer appointments to complete college and financial aid applications. Be responsible for each 12th grader completing a minimum of five college applications, filling out the FAFSA, and applying for sources of financial aid such as the Kinesis scholarship, other scholarships, and work-study.
• Help the student and his/her family choose the college that best fits their situation based on the student's interests and ability as well as their financial situation.

4. Documentation and Reporting

• Document appointments, attendance, processes, and results of activities in the database, following the instructions of the Program Director.
• Produce regular reports for the above activities following the instructions of the Program Director.

5. Continuing Education

• Develop a continuing education plan to strengthen skills and knowledge in related topics.
• Participate in at least two relevant courses, seminars or workshops and apply the new knowledge in their practice to improve the quality of their work.
• Participate in weekly professional growth seminars where articles relevant to Kinesis' mission are discussed.

6. Miscellaneous

• Other tasks as assigned to support the organizations mission.

What is expected of a Kinesis Foundation employee?

1. Effective Communication: The employee demonstrates advanced skills in communicating ideas clearly, both in writing and orally, taking into account the audience they are addressing.

2. Leadership and Teamwork: The employee takes responsibility for their tasks and the way they inspire others to help them accomplish them. They are also willing to support their teammates if needed.

3. Adaptability: The employee is willing to learn new skills and processes to achieve their goals and the foundation's goals.

4. Use of technology: The employee makes good use of the technology provided to them to streamline their duties.

5. Problem-solving: The employee takes initiative and focuses on solutions when something doesn't go according to the original plan.

6. Customer Service: The employee serves parents, students, and the general public with empathy, respect, and a positive attitude.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Counseling or related major
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, in English and Spanish
• At least 3 years of work experience in education, social services, college admissions, or nonprofit organizations working with students
• Practical skills in the use of office technology and data management tools
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills
• A creative vision, a positive attitude, and openness to change to support students successful development

Working conditions

• Flexible work hours, Monday to Friday and some Saturdays half day (Saturdays qualify for compensatory paid time off during the week)
• Regular desk work, in-person and remote meetings with students
• Hybrid mode, you can opt for up to two remote days a week
• Visit schools and partner organizations, as required

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Ample opportunities for professional development, certification, and continued education
• Employer covers 65% of health insurance
• $1,000 annual matching retirement plan after 9 months of employment
• Minimum of 15 days of paid vacation per year
• Approximately 15 holidays per year

***El Comeback is a non-profit program from ConPRmetidos that attracts and retains professional talent for Puerto Rico-based jobs. Register at elcomebackpr.org/registration-form to get matched with professional opportunities on the island.***