Essential Skills Instructor I

OVERVIEW:

The Essential Skills Instructor will report to the Lead Instructor and will teach courses in business writing, public speaking, and customer service, all in a virtual setting. This is a well-established curriculum that the Essential Skills Instructor will adapt and refine based on needs of a new model launch. Emphasis in the virtual classroom is on experiential learning; the students will learn the key competencies required for jobs in Consumer Banking and/or Client Services through in-depth role-plays, practice, and real-life application, as guided by the instructor.  

The foundation of Year Up United’s business model is high expectations and high support. Instructors spend much of their time guiding students in professional behavior, helping them to build confidence, and advising them on choices that will help them reach their goals. Instructors are also key members of the centralized academic team and are expected to support collaboration on interdisciplinary projects and serve as coaches for more junior instructors. You will be working with student participants across multiple geography markets and will be connecting with young adults virtually as they prepare for internships at a variety of corporate partners. 

To be successful in this role, you’ll bring a passion for education, strong classroom experience, and a passion for driving skill development of young adults in a virtual setting. You’re someone who finds satisfaction in developing and delivering creative, interactive lessons, and serving as a coach to our young adults. You’re also interested in using your experience and expertise to strengthen the overall instructional capacity of the team. 

In keeping with Year Up United’s values, the Instructor will also have the opportunity to interact with students on an individual level, as a group facilitator, and advocate, participating in building a positive educational environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:     

Instruction

• Instruct courses in business writing, public speaking, and customer service of approximately 50-60 students daily, in classes of 25-30, using curriculum that aligns to college-level courses
• Produce and instruct high-quality, student-driven, and project-based classes daily in which students learn, are challenged, and enjoy the learning process 
• Provide guidance for self-directed learning and provide one-on-one tutoring outside of class
• Manage the classroom successfully following the Year Up United contract and behavior-modification model
• Work with other instructors to refine and document the Essential Skills curricula
• Identify key competencies for instruction to meet both college-level course requirements and industry-workplace needs
• Hone assessment tools to measure learning and growth of Year Up United students and to ensure successful transition of students to corporate internships; make use of these tools to continuously monitor and evaluate Year Up United’s performance
• Ensure that students’ communication abilities and professional skills meet the needs of internship and college partners
• Coordinate academic team efforts, including collaboration on interdisciplinary projects
• Other duties as assigned

Academic Team/Learning Community Member 

• Attend and participate in ongoing curriculum planning meetings with Academic team 
• Attend and participate in weekly Academic Team Meetings and periodic Professional Development workshops and trainings 
• Serve as a coach for a small number of current students
• Join and sometimes facilitate weekly group sessions with students
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 1-3 years of experience as an educator required
• Experience with eLearning, computer-enhanced teaching, and blended learning approaches preferred
• 1+ years of experience in finance, client services, or business preferred
• 1+ years’ experience teaching or working with youth preferred
• An interest in implementing progressive methodologies and in creating a hands-on, interactive learning environment 
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience managing projects with exceptional attention to detail 
• Excellent communication skills, strong teamwork skills, and mature interpersonal style and the ability to interact with a diverse range of people 
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure 
• A desire to collaborate and be part of the learning team Experience with curriculum, syllabus development and lesson planning
• Experience with student assessment; and a talent to continuously evaluate the curriculum to identify what is working and what improvements can be made
• Proficiency with various Learning Management Systems (i.e. Schoology, Moodle, Sakai), and virtual and online video tools for teaching and learning (i.e. Second Life, Adobe Connect) preferred
• Proficiency in customer service techniques, Personal Finance, and/or CRMs 
• A passion for working with young adults, an unshakable belief in their potential and a strong commitment to the mission of Year Up United
• Understanding of the Opportunity Divide and its drivers
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Salary Range: $62,500 - $80,000

#LI-Hybrid

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Year Up United has established salary ranges for each of our sites, which allows us to pay employees competitively, equitably and consistently in different geographic markets. For roles in which the location is listed as flexible, the range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Salary offers take into account a candidate’s skills, experience, and location. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

• Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare options and dental coverage; 401(k) match for eligible participants.

• Vacation: Earn three weeks paid vacation in first year of employment; four weeks after initial year.

• Professional Development: Funds available to support staff in achieving career objectives ($2,500 per year)

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:

Year Up United is a national 501(c)3 workforce development organization committed to ensuring equitable access to economic opportunity, education, and justice for all young adults—no matter their background, income, or zip code. Employers face a growing need for talent while millions of talented young adults lack access to meaningful careers. These inequities only further perpetuate the opportunity gap that exists in our country—a gap that Year Up United is determined and positioned to close through three interconnected strategies: providing targeted skills training and connections to livable-wage employment for students and alumni; empowering others to serve and support young adults, and changing systems that perpetuate the opportunity gap. Year Up United’s intensive training program utilizes a high expectations, high support model where students learn in-demand technical and professional skills and apply them during a corporate internship. Year Up United has directly served more than 40,000 young adults since its founding in 2000. Year Up United's nationwide presence includes Arizona, Austin, Bay Area, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Greater Atlanta, Greater Boston, Greater Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, the National Capital Region, New York City/Jersey City, Pittsburgh, Puget Sound, Rhode Island, South Florida, Tampa Bay, and Wilmington.

Voted one of the Best Nonprofits to Work For in the country by The NonProfit Times, Year Up United is a rewarding and impactful place to work. Our staff is passionate, supportive, mission-driven, and committed to positive change and continuous learning. We set high standards for both ourselves and our students and live by a set of core values that reflect an unshakable belief in the talent and potential of our young people. The work we do is life-changing, and we know that our team is the greatest asset in achieving our mission.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:

Year Up United embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discharge, or discipline, are based on meritocracy. We do not permit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws. Learn more about our commitment to diversity: http://www.yearup.org/about-us/careers/commitment-to-diversity/

Year Up United is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Your recruiter can provide details regarding the expected work environment and any physical requirements. Please let our hiring team know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

TO APPLY:

Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume through our website.

Note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered. We respectfully request no phone calls.