Work-Based Learning Coordinator - Boston, United States - The Possible Zone LLC

Description

THE POSSIBLE ZONE
BOSTON, MA
Full Time/Exempt

The Possible Zone (TPZ), a nonprofit organization, seeks a Work-Based Learning Coordinator
to facilitate career-connected experiences for students. The ideal candidate has a strong track
record of overseeing and coordinating internships and other types of hands-on career-focused
learning opportunities for young people and is passionate about closing the opportunity gap.
This is a hybrid role based in our Boston Innovation Center, with the expectation of working 4

days per week (10-6 M-Th; Friday Flexible) in our Boston office, with occasional Friday time for staff and professional development meetings.

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 grow in Boston and beyond
in the coming years. TPZ offers a strong professional development ethos; a fast-paced
entrepreneurial culture, innovative curriculum & pedagogy, and a commitment to excellence and
student impact.


ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Work-Based Learning Coordinator facilitates and oversees career-connected
learning experiences for high school students, which includes teaching a Consult course where
students collaborate closely with external organizations to learn in-demand skills, and support
students in applying for internal and external internships. These work-based learning
experiences are strong vehicles for workforce readiness and career exploration for our students.

This role reports to the Senior Director of Career and College Pathways. The Pathways and
WBL team consists of another Senior Director and WBL Coordinator. A successful candidate
has previous work experience leading internship preparation workshops and classes, as well as
experience advising students on pursuing internship opportunities. In addition, a successful
candidate would bring experience in other industries to this role. Experience in project
management, and in securing and maintaining relationships with external organizations will also
be valued. The WBL Coordinator/Manager will play an instrumental role in helping to build out
the Pathways/WBL department at TPZ, and in ensuring that our students are successful in
pursuing work based learning opportunities that will help them achieve their professional goals.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teach work-based learning courses to high school students (45%)

• Teach a hands-on work based learning class to small groups of students.
• Partner with an external organization to engage students in creating a product to meet

the client's needs

• Support development of key skills to align with careers for the future
• Empower students to develop social capital and professional networks
• Support students' in pursuing internships by teaching internship kick off and end-of-term

presentations.
Planning and leading career-focused workshops (10%)

• Coordinate a one-day career event that brings together local businesses, entrepreneurs,

the community, and young people to explore career opportunities.

• Support career deep-dive workshops focused on career exploration and career

readiness skills.

• Help recruit students to participate in workshops and college and career bootcamps

Career Advising (35%)

• Advise juniors & seniors who are pursuing career and industry pathways by providing

application support and advice for students applying to trade and technical programs.

• Promote TPZ scholarships and support seniors in applying for TPZ scholarships
• Oversee academic year internship placement through Boston's Private Industry Council

(PIC), TPZ partners, and other local internship opportunities.
General TPZ responsibilities (10%)

• Attend team meetings, staff meetings
• Share student stories and successes with TPZ / Communications
• Other responsibilities as needed

Success Indicators:

• Prep for and teach WBL classes; retain all WBL students and support students in

developing their career goals.

• Advise students on successful completion of internship applications and successful

completion of internship experiences

• Help organize and execute large-scale career exploration day(s), and smaller-scale

career deep-dives.

• Develop and strengthen relationships with external and internal internship partners.
• Be an ambassador for the value and importance of career-focused and work-based

learning opportunities for high school students.


QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3-5 years of relevant experience, preferably in career development and advising
• Bachelor's degree or 6 years of commensurate experience
• Successful track record of advising young people on pursuing work based learning

opportunities

• Experience facilitating hands-on career-connected learning experiences
• Experience in a matrix organization or in project management
• Experience with an entrepreneurial venture or start-up strongly preferred
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Ability to communicate across all levels of the organization (written skills if needed)
• Ability to pivot or innovate when necessary
• Alignment with our mission and demonstrated commitment to core competencies
• A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all activities (see Statement below)

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.
$70K - $75K 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.