Bard Prison Initiative

Academic and Experiential Learning Coach

Apply Here: https://apply.interfolio.com/171845

About the Position
The Academic and Experiential Learning Coach will join BPI’s New York City team during an exciting time to support youth in a juvenile detention center in Brooklyn, NY to connect their education to their career goals. The position is a one-year, full-time position that will start on July 1, 2025 and end on June 30th, 2026. There is a possibility for a 2-year extension depending on grant renewal.

The Academic and Experiential Learning Coach will actively participate in the implementation of a rigorous and robust education and career development training for students aged 14 to 21 years old. The student-centered, results-driven individual in this role will provide tutoring, mentoring, and career exploration support to the students. In collaboration with the student and using a strength-based and holistic approach, the Coach will strategize on ways to overcome barriers to students’ academic persistence and career success.

Using original curriculum and a student-centered approach to teaching and learning, the Academic and Experiential Learning Coach will play an integral part in supporting the students’ journeys to college and/or career and beyond. The Academic and Experiential Learning Coach will promote a depth of understanding and skill acquisition by serving as a coach and facilitator of learning to the students. The Academic and Experiential Learning Coach should be personable, approachable, friendly, reliable, and communicative.

About the Bard Prison Initiative
Formed in 1999 to address the mass incarceration crisis, the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI) defies expectations of who college is for and where it might lead. For twenty years, BPI has reimagined and redefined questions of availability, affordability, and expectations typically associated with college in America. One of the most rigorous and effective college-in-prison programs in the country, BPI is now extending its radical intervention in educational inequity outside of prison through the Bard Microcolleges and BardBac.

The Sites

• Crossroads Juvenile Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York
• BPI New York City Office - midtown Manhattan office 

Please note that with the exception to Thursdays, the Coach position will be fully in person at the juvenile center Monday through Friday. On Thursdays, the Coach will be in BPI’s midtown Manhattan office for staff meetings and professional development.

General Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Associate Director of Youth Projects and Innovation to inspire and motivate students to grow and develop academically and professionally to transition from school to career
• Support outreach efforts to students
• Support the creation of educational and career support materials for students
• Help students identify academic and career goals and milestones
• Prepare a transition plan to provide to occupational training partners
• Keep detailed records of tutoring and career sessions in the required formats after each session with a student

Academic Responsibilities (40%)

• Develop content, syllabus, lesson plans, and assigned work to help students persist academically to achieve their career goals
• Create and tailor lesson plans to meet the needs and strengths of each student
• Plan and lead tutoring sessions to help students progress in all core subjects
• Attend tutor workshops to build competencies

Career Coaching Responsibilities (60%)

• Engage and support students who are not college-bound in exploring career paths aligned with their interests and skills 
• Help young people to celebrate successes, navigate any challenges that may arise, and prepare for the next steps
• Conduct comprehensive career assessments
• Engage youth in developing career readiness plans
• Plan and facilitate professional and soft skills workshops
• Conduct high-quality, 1:1 coaching sessions
• In collaboration with the Associate Director of Career and Workforce Development, plan career exploration and development activities such as information and networking sessions

Required Qualifications

• Capacity to recognize and appreciate the lived experience of students while supporting them in reaching their highest potential
• Have an aptitude for teaching and engaging youth
• Values and promotes diversity and inclusion
• Minimum of an associate’s degree
• Experience with career services and/or workforce development
• Classroom teaching and/or tutoring experience
• Comfortable with and skilled at working with and navigating technological learning systems
• Understanding and practice of student-centered pedagogy
• Expertise and depth of knowledge in English Language Arts, writing, or reading skills; science; history; math
• Ability to adhere to BPI and NYC Administration for Children's Services policies and procedures at all times
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Flexible and adaptable

Preferred

• Belief that every student can learn and pursue a career of their choice
• Knowledgeable with research-based, culturally responsive, equity-driven, and anti-oppressive instructional practices

Application Instructions
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/171845.

The Hiring Process

• Phase 1: Application review
• Phase 2: Interview & 20-minute demo coaching session
• Phase 3: Meet with the BPI Executive Director and Director of NYC Programs

Compensation: $33.11-$34.43/hour
This salary range reflects the College's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for the position at the time of the job posting. Salary decisions are dependent on several factors including but not limited to market and organizational considerations, experience, and qualifications of a selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.

Benefits Overview
We are pleased to offer our full-time employees an excellent benefit package which includes; multiple health insurance options; TIAA retirement plans; generous vacation, sick, and personal time; and more. To learn more about employee benefits and eligibility at Bard College, please visit https://www.bard.edu/humanresources/benefits/.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Bard College is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information.

Bard is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.

AA/EOE