Lead SIP Counselor - Oliver Scholars

New York, NY 10005

About the Job

Organization Mission: The Oliver Scholars Program prepares high-achieving Black and Latinx students from underserved New York City communities for success at top independent high schools and prestigious colleges. We provide crucial support for both the scholars and their families so they can realize their full potential and ultimately give back to the city, the nation, and the world.

Job Title:                    Lead SIP Counselor
Report To:                  Co-Head Counselor Supervisors
Director of College Bound Initiatives & Director of Admissions
Department:               Academic Affairs
Position Type:           Seasonal part-time — Summer
FLSA:                         Exempt

Summary: Oliver Scholars is currently seeking a college student to fulfill the role of Lead Counselor for the Summer Scholar Immersion Program (SIP), catering to rising eighth and ninth-grade students. In this pivotal position, the Lead Counselor will serve as a liaison between counselors and Co-Head Counselor Supervisors playing a key role in fostering a supportive and enriching environment throughout the summer program. The ideal candidate should possess flexibility, strong organizational skills, and a genuine passion for working with students from diverse backgrounds. Reporting to the Co-Head Counselor Supervisors—the Director of College Bound Initiatives and The Director of Admissions—this opportunity offers a chance to gain valuable experience in scholarship management, youth development, and supervision within an educational nonprofit organization.
Responsibilities

June to August 2025; the role entails 5 weeks at a day school in NYC (Grace Church High School) and 1 week at a boarding school in MA (Berkshire School), for which Oliver Scholars will provide transportation and room & board.
Serve as liaison between Counselors and Co-Head Counselor Supervisors
Monitor counselor engagement during homeroom, student lunch responsibilities, and dismissal.
Assist with the development of the “Community Building” activities at Grace Church High School and during the MA boarding week in consultation with program staff and Counselors.
Co-facilitate the “Counselor Exit meeting” at the end of the day at the Day School.
Report major situations involving students or Counselors to the Summer Immersion Program Co-Heads.
Facilitate the “College Knowledge” elective with support from the Director of CBI.
Promote an inclusive community experience.
Follow, communicate, and enforce community expectations and guidelines aligned with the SIP Handbook.
Communicate and partner with Oliver Scholars administrators and faculty to ensure student safety and well-being.
Partner with Oliver Scholars administrators and faculty to proctor tests, plan lessons, substitute teach, co-teach classes, and grade assignments.
Plan and administer homeroom curriculum and SIP community events.
Supervise homeroom, lunch, study hall, and office hours.
Attend classes as needed (History, Math, Writing, etc.)
Check in with students and offer support in managing their various responsibilities
Work with students both 1:1 and in small groups as directed by Oliver Scholars administrators and faculty.
Supervise activities inherent to day and boarding school life, which includes leading on- and off-campus activities and managing dormitory life, such as enforcing curfew and lights out.
Mandatory attendance at orientation sessions, faculty meetings, program planning meetings, and SIP staff meetings.
Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

One year working in a summer educational or camp space
Overall GPA 3.0 or above
Previous youth experience preferred
Leadership experience a plus
High level of maturity, responsibility, and accountability
Outstanding speaking, writing, and editing skills
A flexible, creative individual able to find alternative ways to connect with students
Emotionally mature with a good sense of humor and the flexibility and sensitivity to work with diverse personalities and situations
A “doer” with a willingness to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of activities
A good listener who is comfortable receiving feedback

Desired Competencies

Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; willing to learn new techniques and procedures; Manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
Innovation & Initiative - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities.
Planning/Organizing & Project Management - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget.
Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things

Compensation: Salary is $4500

EEO
Oliver Scholars is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

Source : Oliver Scholars