Program Associate Northeast Region
MISSION AND PURPOSE
A Better Chance is the preeminent national resource for identifying, recruiting and developing
leaders among young people of color throughout the United States. Through its historic
signature program, the College Preparatory Schools Program, A Better Chance has placed over
13,000 middle and high school students in some of the nation’s finest college preparatory
schools, both private and public.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Specifically, the Program Associate assists the Program Manager in three primary areas:
Admissions and Placement
 Develop and maintain relationships with a network of representatives from schools,
churches, civic and community-based organizations, alumni and other volunteers
through meetings and Information Sessions to assist in the identification of prospective
student applicants
 Lead the coordination of Interview Days, Testing Days and other recruitment activities
(5-7 weekends during the application season)
 Facilitate feeder school visits, Information Sessions, and other forms of outreach
 Spearhead the distribution of applications and communication materials for programs
administered by A Better Chance
 Ensure completion of applications by working with applicants and their families
 Read and evaluate student applications
Student/Family Support
 Develop and implement student support events and activities including Parents-asPartners meetings, Scholar Ambassadors Program, End-of-the-Year celebrations, and
other Scholar activities as appropriate
 Assist in the coordination and facilitation of conferences and other student support
activities including the New Enrolled Scholars Orientations
 Develop strong relationships with member schools’ staff through site visits and
correspondence to promote positive member school relations, assess school climate,
provide student support and increase placements
Processing
 Coordinate all standardized testing for region - Register students, order testing
materials and process tests
 Assist in administrative tasks including data entry, answering phones, making copies,
scheduling meetings etc. on an as needed basis
 Assist with special projects as needed within the organization
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
The Program Associate for the Northeast Region reports to the Program Manager for the
Northeast. The Program Associate must carry assigned work to completion in accordance with
accepted procedures.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
The Program Associate must be an independent self-starter who has:
 Experience working with students and families of color
 The capacity to work effectively as part of the A Better Chance team
 A commitment to expanding the educational options available to students of color
 An understanding of the broad educational issues facing educational systems and
students of color
 Connections to the educational community and knowledge of independent schools
 Experience in school Admissions preferred
 Positive and professional communications skills, both written and oral
 Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
 Knowledge of Microsoft Office, must possess strong understanding of Excel
 A valid drivers license and a willingness to do occasional travel throughout Metro-NYC,
and New England area
 Flexibility to work some weekends and some late evenings
 A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
 Fluency in Spanish preferred
SALARY
Competitive salary and benefits
EXPECTED START DATE
August 2012
TO APPLY
Interested candidates should send resume, cover letter, salary history/requirements and the
names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of three references by July 30, 2012,
via email only to careers@abetterchance.org.