The Lead Program Specialist for College Access will lead the design and implementation of comprehensive college access programming at both Queens Technical High School and Aviation High School. The role is dedicated to supporting students in grades 9–12 through every stage of the college planning process, including college exploration, application support, financial aid guidance, and college readiness workshops. Working in close partnership with the Lead Program Specialist for Career Exploration, the Program Specialist for College Access will help deliver a robust and integrated post-secondary planning curriculum that empowers students to pursue both college and career pathways.
The Lead Program Specialist will supervise a team of College Advisors responsible for serving approximately 250–300 12th-grade students through individualized case management and targeted support. Additionally, the team will design and facilitate engaging workshops and activities for 9th–12th grade students throughout the academic year and summer. College Advisors will maintain caseloads of participants and receive ongoing supervision to ensure the delivery of high-quality, personalized guidance that meets the diverse needs of each student.
Responsibilities
Program Management
- Design and implement college access activities, including workshops on college applications, SAT prep, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
- Develop individualized college access plans for students in grades 9–12, helping them explore a range of post-secondary options.
- Coordinate college campus visits, college fairs, and guest speaker events to enhance students’ exposure to higher education opportunities.
Collaboration and Supervision
- Work closely with the Lead Program Specialist for Career Exploration to integrate college and career planning into program activities, providing a holistic approach to post-secondary readiness.
- Supervise College Advisors, workshop facilitators, interns, and volunteers, ensuring they effectively deliver access programming across both high school sites.
- Regularly assess program outcomes, making data-driven adjustments to improve participant engagement and success.
Student and Family Engagement
- Work with advisors to provide one-on-one counseling to students and families on college planning, admissions processes, and financial aid.
- Organize workshops and information sessions for families to demystify the college application and financial aid process.
- Develop and maintain relationships with college admissions representatives, high school guidance counselors, and community partners.
Data and Reporting
- Track student progress in the college access pipeline using established metrics and data management systems.
- Prepare and submit regular reports on program activities, participant outcomes, and areas for improvement to the Deputy Director of High School Programs.
- Contribute to grant reporting and proposals by providing relevant data and insights on program impact.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- At least 3 years of experience in college access programming or youth development, with a focus on high school students.
- Strong knowledge of college admissions processes, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
- Proven experience supervising staff and managing programs across multiple sites.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including school administration, families, and community partners.
Location: Queens Technical High School and Aviation High School
Department: Youth and Family Services, High School Programs Unit
Reports to: Deputy Director of High School Programs
Annual Salary: $55,000 – $62,000
SCS offers an Excellent Benefits Package:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
Flexible spending account and transit checks
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off: 20 days of vacation, 12 sick days, 12 holidays, and 5 personal/floating days
Life insurance and long-term disability
How to Apply
If you would like to join our team, please forward a cover letter and resume as two separate files to Donald Lubin at dlubin@scsny.org. Please indicate “Program Specialist for College Access” in the email subject line.
All positions at Sunnyside Community Services are filled without regard to race/color, religion/creed, national origin, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy-related condition or lactation, military/veteran status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, sexual or reproductive health decisions, height, weight, status as a victim of domestic violence/stalking/ sex offenses, predisposing genetic characteristic, immigration or citizenship status, prior arrest or conviction record, credit history, salary history, unemployment status, pre-employment marijuana testing, union affiliation/activity, or for reporting or opposing discrimination on these bases or for reporting or opposing violations of workplace health and safety, pay equity or practices, or for participating in any internal investigation or any legally protected status listed in the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL). All are encouraged to apply.
Sunnyside Community Services strives to address, explore, and educate all our stakeholders about the diversity of human experience and to advance and integrate racial equity and social justice into all organizational policies and programs. We believe that everyone, regardless of who they are or what they do for the organization, should feel equally involved and supported.
Sunnyside Community Services represents a commitment to considering the whole person and how systemic barriers and access to opportunities can affect their well-being.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer