Student Support Manager

THE POSSIBLE ZONE

BOSTON, MA

Employment Type: Full-time 

40 hours / M-F 11 - 7 pm

The Possible Zone (TPZ), a nonprofit organization, seeks a Student Support Manager.  The ideal candidate has a strong track record of implementing programs and initiatives that support student & family success and is passionate about closing the opportunity gap. This is a hybrid role based in our Boston Innovation Center, with the expectation of working 2-3 days per week in our Boston office.

ABOUT THE POSSIBLE ZONE:

What if all young people could follow their dreams? What if they had the opportunity to design and launch a company or social-venture they were passionate about? What if they knew what an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, industrial designer, data scientist, marketing executive, electrical engineer, biotech researcher, advanced manufacturer, roboticist, game designer, journalist, nonprofit leader or mayor does and why? What if they were given the opportunity to intern in these positions and work settings while still in high school? And what if they had the chance to learn the foundational professional and technical skills needed to succeed in any of these careers? And very importantly, what if they develop a mindset, where their imagination and creativity can be fully explored, where everything is possible and where no boundaries exist? Would young people believe they could pursue these careers or any others they choose? Would they become what they had dreamed? 

At The Possible Zone, our resounding answer is YES! We are on a journey to develop a transformative model and facility in the heart of Boston’s most diverse and youth-populated communities.

TPZ is an eleven-year-old non-profit organization that has served well over 1,000 students with programming, internships and advisory services during high school toward the mission of economic equity. Our program has demonstrated strong impact in terms of high school graduation, matriculation into post-secondary education and careers, and strong Social Emotional Learning and Identity Development. As we further expand into Boston, TPZ Programming will catalyze a Boston Community Ecosystem that will include students, parents, high schools, community organizations, large corporations, local entrepreneurs, technology companies, venture capitalists, and postsecondary education institutions. Our intent is to join and continue to enhance a Student Ecosystem in Jackson Square and surrounding communities that are similar to those that have emerged in other Greater Boston areas such as Kendall Square and the Seaport District. Collectively we will dream, learn, work, and ultimately create leadership opportunities for economic mobility and prosperity for our students and their surrounding community. Importantly, TPZ is highly committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. And as we establish success in our Boston Headquarters, we will scale our efforts to replicate TPZ’s blueprint at a National level. 

We envision a program and space that serves tens-of-thousands of students over the next decade(s). When a student enters the program, they will be

… greeted, coached, taught, counseled and supported by highly trained, caring staff and partners in entrepreneurship and business, leadership and team building, passion and perseverance, learning and accountability and empathy and integrity.

… challenged to pursue their passions and launch ventures in everything from electronics, software, digital media, services, fashion, food, to consumer goods

… equipped with the life skills essential to thrive in the emerging economy

… building social networks through connection to professional mentoring and internships with hundreds of local companies

… supported when needed through wrap-around services in academic tutoring, ESL, mental health, food security, and college success by partner organizations 

Ultimately, through their experiences and growth at TPZ, and with our partners, our students will be prepared and inspired to attend college, alternative post-secondary education and launch careers in their community, where they will pursue their passions in business, STEAM, Community and Entrepreneurial organizations.

Our students - all students - deserve to pursue their passions and achieve economic equity.

CURRENT SCALING (WHAT’S NEXT?)

In 2022, TPZ opened a 35,000 sq. ft. Innovation Center that can serve up to 1,000 students annually. The organization employs 70 professionals with plans to grown in Boston and beyond in the coming years. TPZ offers a strong professional development ethos; a fast-paced entrepreneurial culture, innovation curriculum & pedagogy, and a commitment to excellence and student impact.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Possible Zone is seeking a Student Support Manager who will be part of the Student Support team. This team  aims to cultivate a thriving community where all students & families feel supported, empowered, and equipped to reach their full potential, nurtured by a network of integrated student support, restorative justice practices, trauma-informed practices, and collaborative partnerships. 

Under the general direction of the Senior Director of Student Support, The Student Support Manager will  collaborate with the Senior Director of Student Support & the Director of Family Engagement to support the implementation of a variety of behavioral health supports that are grounded in trauma-informed principles and restorative practices. This role will also support students and educators to create conditions wherein students may achieve their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally in a safe environment. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Student Support Manager Responsibilities 80%

• Model and promote authentic relationship-building and collaboration with students, families, schools, and community organizations using a restorative lens 
•  Monitor a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS): Tier 1, 2 & Tier 3 that is in-line with restorative practices and trauma-informed principles
• Implement climate strategies that support social-emotional development and promote active student engagement in learning.
• Builds a productive learning environment in and outside of class time where every student participates and is valued as part of the TPZ community 
• In collaboration with the Director of Family Engagement, engage with families and build collaborative, respectful relationships with them to support the whole family unit
• Innovation: Identify growth areas and new project opportunities that will enhance our program offerings.
• Plan, direct and oversee the activities within the student support team which includes events, workshops, and professional development opportunities for students, families, and staff
• Actively creates and maintains an environment in which students’ diverse backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges are respected

Administrative Responsibilities 20%

• Work with the Research and Evaluation team to assess, develop, and implement program services appropriate to the needs of students and families
• Consistently collaborates with colleagues through shared planning and/or informal conversation to analyze student performance and development, and to plan appropriate interventions at the classroom or school level.
• Regularly provides advice and expertise to staff to support the creation of appropriate and effective academic, behavioral, and social/emotional learning experiences for students & families
• Oversee risk management and participate in crisis resolution 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3 years of proven leadership and management experience in a multidisciplinary setting
• Masters Degree in Social Work, Counseling , Public Health, or related field
• Extensive experience working with youth populations in various settings.
• Strong understanding of youth development principles and best practices.
• Strong facilitation, coaching, conflict resolution and problem solving skills
• Able to build rapport quickly with young people, families, and community organizations 
• Commitment to the success of every learner; have a growth mindset and self-awareness 
• Ability to pivot and innovate when necessary 
• Growth and Entrepreneurial mindset
• A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all activities
• Bilingual Speaker preferred 

Compensation & Benefits:

The Possible Zone offers a robust compensation and benefits package including high-quality health benefits and an employer contribution to your 401(k) plan.$75K - $80K commensurate with experience

DEI Statement:

We believe every member of our team and student body deserves opportunities for growth, success and inclusion. We recognize that for many of our students, staff and communities, their life journeys run through oppressive structures and systems (e.g. classism, racism, sexism) — and that’s what makes our organizational culture and work so necessary and important.

We believe that diversity in perspective, backgrounds, ethnicities and lived experience is a strength, and from that strength, we can accomplish great things with the students we serve. Together as students, staff, organizations, communities, volunteers, and partners, we are intentional about creating safe spaces where all members can speak authentically and be themselves.

We are committed to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity. As members of The Possible Zone community, our progression along this ongoing journey raises thoughtful questions, reveals biases, and opens conversations. We celebrate one another and are unified in our commitment to young people, excellence, and innovation. This work is our shared responsibility and our opportunity to welcome all members who share in our mission and strive to provide pathways that further prepare students in achieving their desired success.

COVID Vaccination Policy

The Possible Zone is requiring that all employees receive a primary series of COVID-19 vaccination as well as a booster dose. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen, and receives a booster dose when eligible. In order to be qualified for employment at The Possible Zone, final candidates must comply with the vaccination requirement or receive an approved exemption.