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STEM Advisor: Life Science

Heights Philadelphia
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Who We Are

Heights Philadelphia (“Heights”) is an economic mobility catalyst committed to breaking the cycle of generational poverty in Philadelphia by creating pathways to educational and workforce success for all young people, especially Black, Latino, and first-generation-to-college students from low-income communities. These pathways are the foundation of a more equitable and prosperous future for the city.

Heights serves more than 3,500 students from middle school to career with staff embedded in 25 schools across the School District of Philadelphia and partnerships with 13 colleges and universities. Through advising and enrichment, pathways to careers, partnerships, and community, Heights transforms opportunities for success by equipping students with the tools to pursue careers that lead to economic mobility.  

About this Role: 

The STEM Advisor: Life Science will play a critical role with our Life Science Pathway programming, including embedded and open-enrollment programs. This Advisor will take an active role teaching embedded Biomedical Science Research curriculum modules, and facilitating and coordinating Life Science advising, exploration and enrichment programming activities.  We are seeking an Advisor who can work from mid-September through May. 

This role will include regular weekly blocks at partner high schools, as well as remote work and possible time at the Heights office.  This will include 10 weeks of peak on-site activity when you will be leading Biomedical Science Research modules across multiple 9th grade science classes (e.g. 6 weeks at one school, 4 weeks at another).  This individual will spend regular time throughout the year at Kensington Health Sciences Academy, and will spend some time at other schools, including GW Carver HSES.

You’ll help us to achieve: 

  • Increasing numbers of students engaged in longer-term enrichment-level STEM Pathways programming
  • Improved academic achievement, preparation, and interest Life Science areas among students from underinvested Philadelphia communities

You’ll be responsible for: 

  • Planning and implementing Life Science enrichment programming to support multiple groups / classes of high school students in 2 partner high schools 
  • Planning and leading after-school science enrichment programming
  • Working with Heights school-based staff and Director of STEM Pathways to offer Life Science pathway career advising (including group sessions with high school students, individual coaching with college students)
  • Organizing and reviewing BEAM program materials for use in future programming 
  • Conducting student outreach
  • Working with Heights and Wistar staff to plan and teach embedded course-based Biomedical Research modules in 2 schools
  • Working with partner organizations, and communicating with school and Heights staff, to support coordination of events
  • Helping students with Heights registration forms and monitoring their completion, introducing Heights summer program options and helping students to follow through and track applications
  • Supporting Heights college students with applying for internships
  • Attending STEM Pathways team meetings (bi-weekly)
  • Providing feedback to refine and improve student learning and experience in our program
  • Helping to secure class or program rosters as needed, working with Heights staff to ensure necessary data is gathered and recorded for programming

About you: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in a Life Science-related area
  • Enthusiastic, engaging, motivating, empathic, flexible
  • Prior tutoring, tutoring, mentoring, or related experience 
  • Familiarity and experience with local schools and communities
  • Strong problem-solving and communication skills 
  • Willing to take initiative
  • Personal and/or professional background related to understanding the experience of our Black, Latino, and first-generation scholars
  • Willing and able to travel to Philadelphia public high schools across different parts of the city

Heights employees: 

  • Must meet expectations to report in-person on a schedule determined by their direct manager and/or the Vice President of the team.  
  • Must meet PA State background check requirements [PA Criminal, PA Child Abuse and FBI Fingerprint Check] at hire and every five years thereafter. 
    Must be authorized to work in the United States and complete an I-9 employment verification form.
  • Strong orientation to customer service, particularly with regard to students, partners and colleagues 
  • Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office and related applications, as well as use of general office equipment (phones, computers, copiers, etc) 
  • Fluency in the use of data and data systems. Maintains appropriate engagement with data entry, reporting and review. 
  • All staff should be mindful of the organization’s strong recommendation that everyone maintains an up to date with COVID vaccination and boosters. 
  • Must be able to work in a busy, often complex work environment that is generally climate controlled. 
  • Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds unassisted on an occasional basis. 
  • Must be able to sit for long periods of time. 
  • Must be able to stand or walk for long periods.
  • Access to reliable transportation required