Lead Scholar Immersion Program (SIP) Counselor
Lead SIP (Scholar Immersion Program) Counselor (Summer Session)
Organization Mission: Oliver Scholars prepares high-achieving students from underserved New York City communities for success at top independent schools and prestigious colleges.
Job Title: Lead SIP Counselor (Summer Session)
Report To: Co-Head Counselor Supervisors
Director of College Bound Initiatives & Director of Admissions
Department: Academic Affairs
Position Type: Full-time — Summer Season
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 2026; 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
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Oliver Scholars Program, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to maintaining a work environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Oliver Scholars encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture, as we believe this best reflects the communities and students we serve.