Staff

Mission: Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

Vision: All youth achieve their full potential.

The Position

The Big Futures College & Career Readiness program is a proven, technology-enriched mentoring program for high school students. This program provides support and guidance, helping high school students graduate and succeed in post-secondary ambitions. The Big Futures PM will be responsible for creating and facilitating high impact relationships between 50-100 mentee-mentor matches. The PM will leverage resources and tools as a compliment  to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program models to deepen match relationships and help adult mentors guide high-school students toward post-secondary success. The PM will work with mentors to position them as “go-to” resources for their mentees and provide individual coaching for matches. Reporting to the Director of Programs, the PM will inspire personal and academic development for each mentee enrolled in the program within a classroom environment. By facilitating weekly classroom lessons for mentees, leading monthly events, and providing individual support for matches, the PM will help develop a strong partnership at the school site and contribute to Big Brother Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties impact in the community and in the post-secondary success landscape. 

The ideal candidate will have experience working with high-school aged youth in a school-based setting and/or experience in college-access programming. Candidates should display youth development knowledge, strong communication skills, persistence and resourcefulness, and experience coaching individuals toward personal growth. They should believe that every student deserves a champion and a chance to graduate from college. Because BBBS is deeply committed to supporting students enrolled in Big Futures throughout high school, we ask that candidates dedicate at least three years to the PM role. This role is full-time, 40 hours per week, and salaried.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate relationships between 50-100 mentor and mentee matches:
  • Recruit, enroll, train volunteer mentors and mentees for the Big Futures program.
  • Manage match relationships and day-to-day Big Futures program operations.
  • Execute national program implementation strategies and curriculum content in order to deepen mentor-mentee pair relationships.
  • Develop innovative program engagement strategies in order to hold participants accountable for growth and excite them about Big Futures.
  • Help mentees build meaningful relationships with their mentors through targeted case management.
  • Provide coaching support for mentors in order to position them as a resource as mentees navigate their academic environment and post-secondary options.
  • Utilize data analysis to effectively track match relationship growth and develop targeted pair support, coaching, and communication strategies.

• Lead weekly classroom sessions and facilitate monthly events:
  • Lead multiple classroom sessions per week for mentees at school site.
  • Ensure mentees and mentors exchange deep and meaningful correspondence on a weekly basis. platform.
  • Build engaging classroom lessons based on provided curriculum content in order to develop student growth.
  • Execute and facilitate monthly events at school site for matches in order to build stronger relationships.

• Provide robust and targeted post-secondary support:
  • Use curriculum content to build student skills, interests and aptitudes to support post-secondary success.
  • Build college aspiration for mentees and assist matches with navigating post-secondary conversations according to academic level. 

• Collaborate externally and internally to support programming: 

• • Provide a high level of customer service throughout the effective implementation of the volunteer mentor and mentee recruitment, enrollment, training, and matching process in accordance with Big Brothers Big Sisters policies and procedures.
  • Collaborate with co-teachers, Director of Programs, and school administrators around programming logistics and operations.
  • Collaborate with other program staff to ensure smooth transition among functions.
  • Identify and eliminate barriers interfering with the completion of the enrollment process.
  • Attend external meetings, relevant community events, and trainings hosted by school administrators as needed.
  • Communicate with other BBBS affiliates to share best practices and learn about program developments.
  • Conduct volunteer recruitment, enrollment, and trainings, including: individual orientations, interviews and completion of any other enrollment processes
  • Conduct client enrollments including: orientations, parent/child interviews, and alternative or additional services as needed
  • Review all enrollment information and assessments to make recommendations for participation in the program based on this information. Assess and apply factors contributing to successful matching between a client and volunteer.
  • Effectively align volunteer interests and qualifications with service options of the agency.
  • Provide timely and comprehensive reports and recommendations for participation in the program based on assessments of each individual client and volunteer.
  • Conduct client and volunteer reassessments/updates as indicated
  • Provide BBBSA required Child Safety Training Program to clients, parents, and volunteers to ensure high level proficiency in applying child safety and risk management knowledge, policies, and procedures throughout all aspects of the program services.
  • Attend and contribute to BBBS staff meetings and Program meetings as scheduled. 
  • Complete statistical reports as required on a monthly and annual basis
  • Assist Director of Programs with learning agenda and supervision of student interns.
  • Develop an understanding and work within the guidelines of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties’ by laws, policies, and procedures, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s standards and procedures.
  • Provide assistance in the implementation of client activities and special events.
  • Develop case plans for each individual match.
  • Serve as the Match Support Special for matches.
  • Make recommendations to Match Support Specialist for implementations of the case, plan, training and support based on the needs of each individual match.
  • Follow the intake process through to next point of contact.
  • Assist Director of Programs with learning agenda and supervision of student interns.
  • Additional duties as required by the President/CEO, Director of Programs, or Board of Trustees (e.g. fundraising, public relations, etc.)

Evaluation of Performance

Performance will be evaluated based on meeting the requirements of the job description; meeting performance metrics and other quality indicators established for this position; working effectively in a team environment; and demonstrating the values of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties.

Experience, Education, Degrees, and Licenses

Minimum requirements: 

• Must have a minimum of a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree from an accredited college plus two years of professional experience in youth development, education, or college access preferred.
• Additional experience in volunteer management, client/service support, account management or community organizing recommended.
• Strong and diverse interpersonal skills; able to communicate with underserved populations/geographic areas and in corporate environments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Organized and self-directed with the ability to evaluate the needs of the clients, families and volunteers for program participation.
• Robust organizational and time management skills, with the ability to succeed in a high-volume work environment
• Ability to plan and implement programs with a spirit of teamwork without moment-to-moment supervision and be willing to help advance the program with creative ideas and objectives.
• Strong computer skills to include Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, access databases and internet.
• Technologically proficient – can navigate online platforms and databases
• Views differences between individuals (race, gender, age, sexuality, cultural heritage, physical ability, education) as assets
• Public speaking skills, including the ability to speak persuasively to large and small audiences and to facilitate activities
• Ability to enthusiastically convey the message of Big Brothers Big Sisters and to work with volunteers is essential for success in this position.
• Must meet all guidelines of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties volunteer intake process (e.g. finger printing and criminal record check, driving record check, personal and professional reference reports, show proof of automobile insurance that meets the state standards for bodily injury, property damage and medical liability.
• Comfortable working in a school setting with the ability to work with school administration in effort to improve an build programs.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with ability to ‘think on your feet’ and plan both proactively and reactively.
• Able to hold program participants accountable in a clear, assertive, empathetic, and supportive way.
• Excited to learn about the college application process and financial aid resources for first-generation college students.
• Dedicated, diligent, resourceful and goal-oriented.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Must be able to work proficiently with computers and other office equipment.
• Required to travel. May include some travel to attend conferences and meetings, etc.  Travel is generally within Cumberland & Salem Counties.
• Must be able and willing to work evenings and weekends as required by agency.
• Must have reliable transportation.  Drivers of privately-owned vehicles must have valid driver’s license and meet state required automobile insurance minimums.  
• Must be able to pass a background check consisting of National Sex Offender, Criminal History and driving check.
• Must have the ability to lift at least 30 pounds.

If you are interested in applying, please email agency@southjerseybigs.org. Please no phone calls!

Mission & Vision

Mission: Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

Vision: All youth achieve their full potential.

Purpose

Purpose of this function: The Mentoring Relationship Specialists provide customized support, coaching, supervision, and engagement to all match parties to ensure that matches build strong, enduring relationships focusing on child safety, positive youth development outcomes and a fulfilling volunteer experiences for Bigs.

Responsibilities

Mentoring Relationship Responsibilities:

• Introduce and continually assess and coach the match relationship through contacts and surveys with a focus on child safety, match relationship development, positive youth development and volunteer satisfaction.  
• Guide the match in achieving positive outcomes for the youth and transition the match to closure and re-engagement when appropriate.
• Promote intentional individual and group match activities to foster a strong match relationship and increase positive youth outcomes. 
• Increase volunteer engagement and affiliation with the agency through individualized recognition, annual events, and re-engagement strategies.
• Supervise Site-Based Programs as assigned.

Program Expectations:

• Assess and provide for individual training needs, information and support needs for each match participant to assure a positive youth development experience for the child and a successful and satisfying experience for the volunteer. 
• Ensure accurate documentation is completed in database according to BBBSA Standards and Agency policies & procedures.
• Ensure high-level expertise in applying child safety and risk management knowledge, policies and procedures throughout all aspects of job function.
• Work with strategically identified external partners (i.e. Schools, community centers, service clubs, corporations, etc.) to build relationships for youth referrals and family resources.
• Staff recruitment booths/tables, match activities and agency events.
• Share potential partnership relationships and stories as discovered through match contacts with Big, Little and Parent/Guardian. 
• Maintain customer service at levels exceeding expectations of our partners, volunteers, parents, and children.  
• Be an ambassador for BBBS by representing BBBS in a professional manner, identifying and seizing opportunities to recruit volunteers, and furthering the mission of BBBS.

General:

• Attend required meetings.
• Attend and assist in agency events as scheduled.
• Establish and promote positive communication among all team members of BBBS to increase collaboration and reduce inefficiencies.
• Always represent BBBS in a professional manner, providing courteous service to both internal and external constituent and presenting a positive image of BBBS.
• Abide by BBBS policies and practices.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Evaluation of Performance

Performance will be evaluated based on meeting the requirements of the job description; meeting performance metrics and other quality indicators established for this position; working effectively in a team environment; and demonstrating the values of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties.

Physical demands/Work Environment

• Must be able to work proficiently with computers and other office equipment.
• Required to travel. May include some travel to attend conferences and meetings, etc.  Travel is generally within Cumberland & Salem Counties.
• Must be able and willing to work evenings and weekends as required by agency.
• Must have reliable transportation.  Drivers of privately-owned vehicles must have valid driver’s license and meet state required automobile insurance minimums.  
• Must be able to pass a background check consisting of National Sex Offender, Criminal History and driving check.
• Must have the ability to lift at least 30 pounds.

If you are interested in applying, please email agency@southjerseybigs.org. Please no phone calls!