Academics Program Associate

Project Rousseau empowers youth in communities with the greatest need to succeed in higher education. We believe that every young person, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to pursue their educational goals with dignity and without fear. Many of our students are homeless/housing insecure, asylum seekers/displaced migrants, and/or unaccompanied minors. Project Rousseau provides a holistic range of programs that support young people across all aspects of their lives, including social services, immigration legal services, and academic enrichment.

The Academics Program Associate is a full-time, student-facing role focused on academic instruction, college/school advising and post-secondary success. This is not a traditional classroom teaching position, rather the Academics Programs Associate will take a holistic approach to education weaving together academic instruction with Project Rousseau’s comprehensive programming to support students’ long-term success. 

The Associate will work closely with young people who have experienced significant disruption to their academic journey, including homelessness, fleeing conflict, and surviving violence, the Associate will play a critical role in empowering students to re-establish their confidence in the education system, expand their ambitions, and navigate pathways to higher education and beyond.

Drawing on their own intellectual interests, academic background, and curiosity, the Associate will design and deliver programming that extends far beyond test prep and tutoring. An ideal candidate for this role will be excited by the opportunity to develop innovative curricula that draws on the full landscape of New York City as a learning environment.

• Developing curricula for group and individual instruction in topics of your choice, as well as for Project Rousseau’s ACT/SAT, ISEE/SSAT, GED, Global History, and College Preparation courses
• Teaching group and individual classes both using self-designed curricula and Project Rousseau materials
• Stewarding partnerships with external partners to enrich the academic programming offered to students
• Oversee volunteer tutors, including researching effective teaching strategies and developing guidelines and materials to train volunteer tutors
• Supporting students and their families in applying to college, educational programs, and other academic resources
• Counsel students and their families on the educational options available to them, including enrolling in New York City Public Schools, applying to selective high schools, and the college admissions process

• Strong interest in adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of young people.
• Demonstrated creativity in problem-solving and a knack for innovative thinking.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent organizational skills, including time management and record-keeping
• Fluency in a second language preferred (specifically French, Spanish, or Persian)
• Comfort with teaching academic and extracurricular subject (STEM is a high priority)
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with young people, management, and program staff.

• Deep commitment to education, experiential learning, social justice and a passion for serving immigrant and underserved communities.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex and sensitive matters with discretion, empathy, and sound judgment.