Senior Lead Mentor

Position Summary: The Senior Lead Mentor plays a vital role in mentoring youth from underserved communities while taking on advanced responsibilities that elevate programming quality. This position includes all the duties of a Lead Mentor, including mentoring, guiding interns, and facilitating structured activities, but also adds leadership in curriculum design and program development.

Senior Lead Mentors are expected to independently create original curriculum tailored to the developmental and educational needs of youth in their assigned age group. All curriculum must be submitted to leadership at least two weeks prior to implementation for approval and should include a clear list of materials and supplies needed. This role requires creativity, professionalism, initiative, and a strong commitment to the Higher Ground Staff Essentials, which emphasize values such as integrity, compassion, excellence, and accountability.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Responsibilities

All Lead Mentor Duties:

• Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating appropriate behavior and clear boundaries.
• Empower youth by supporting conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Facilitate structured activities such as academic enrichment, arts, digital media, sports, and life skills development.
• Supervise and engage youth in both indoor and outdoor settings, ensuring safety and participation.
• Organize and prepare program spaces, ensuring materials and equipment are ready and maintained.
• Act as the lead mentor for an assigned age group, delegating tasks to Assistant Lead Mentors and Youth Mentor Interns.
• Provide informal support and mentorship to interns and peers, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Serve as a liaison between assigned group and office staff, clearly communicating group needs or issues.
• Participate in staff meetings, offering insight on program improvements and youth development.
• Enforce program policies and assist with behavior management when needed.
• Promote and model Higher Ground Staff Essentials in daily interactions.
• Support basic program logistics, including set-up, breakdown, and field maintenance.
• Other duties as assigned to meet organizational needs.

Additional Senior-Level Responsibilities:

• Design and Submit Curriculum:
  • Create original, developmentally appropriate classroom curriculum aligned with program goals.
  • Submit plans (including supply needs) to leadership at least two weeks before use for review and approval.
  • Revise plans based on feedback as needed to meet program quality standards.
     
• Lead Program Implementation:
  • Facilitate curriculum with fidelity and creativity, ensuring full engagement from youth.
  • Ensure lessons support youth growth in academic, social-emotional, and life skill areas.
     
• Support Staff Development:
  • Mentor and guide Lead Mentors, Assistant Lead Mentors, and Interns as a role model and informal leader.
  • Provide feedback, encourage growth, and contribute to a culture of teamwork and excellence.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Meets all Lead Mentor qualifications:
  • Strong oral communication and ability to build trust with youth.
  • Prior experience working with children ages 7–17 preferred.
  • Passion for mentoring and serving diverse youth populations.
  • Ability to plan and implement engaging group activities.
  • Effective classroom management and leadership abilities.
  • Willingness to work collaboratively and independently.
  • Able to lift up to 40 lbs. and travel between programming sites as needed.
     
• Additional Senior-Level Requirements:
  • Experience designing youth-focused curriculum or lesson plans.
  • At least one year in a leadership, mentoring, or program planning role preferred.
  • High level of professionalism, initiative, and accountability.
  • Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Commitment to ongoing learning and embodying the Higher Ground Staff Essentials.

Salary : $22 - $26