Director of Student Life, BEAM Summer Away

About BEAM The mission of BEAM is to create pathways for students from low-income and underserved communities to become scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and computer scientists. Led by staff with these same technical backgrounds, BEAM believes that pathways to STEM careers are created through community, individual support, and access to advanced work that typically lies outside most school curricula. We work to directly support students and to transition them to other supportive enrichment programs that enable their future success. BEAM's model provides continuous support from middle school through college graduation, including intense academic summer programs for middle school students (after 6th and 7th grade), weekend classes and mentoring, and STEM-focused support through college. Our program includes not just access to learning advanced math but also support finding and applying to other opportunities, including support with college admissions and financial aid. In addition to our academic content, bringing students into community is a key part of our mission and all of our work is designed to support that goal. BEAM has grown from a small summer program serving 17 students in the summer of 2011 to a year-round, national program, serving 420+ students at six summer program sites and 600+ students in year-round programming in New York City and Los Angeles this school year. In addition, our BEAM National pilot program now reaches over 500 elementary-aged students in seven different states, working to create a new nationwide pathway modeled on our local work. With our strategic plan, our team has committed to transforming the organization from a successful startup to a more mature and scalable organization that can drive change across the country. About the role Director of Student Life, BEAM Summer Away BEAM is seeking a Director of Student Life for our BEAM Summer Away campuses this summer. Each one will be part of a leadership team along with a Site Director, Associate Site Director, Academic Director, one guidance counselor, and a full complement of seasonal staff (9-10 counselors, 7-8 faculty, 1 nurse). BEAM Discovery is a cornerstone of BEAM's 10-year Pathway Program, providing a residential math experience where students grow as problem solvers, learners, and community members. As the Director of Student Life, you will help students discover powerful mathematical ideas, build confidence, and see themselves as mathematicians. Learn more about our 10-year program. Responsibilities Pre-Program Preparation In the months leading up to the camp, the Director of Student Life will engage in comprehensive preparation to ensure a successful summer program. This preparation will set the foundation for a smooth and impactful camp experience for both students and staff. Self-Preparation and Planning Complete required BEAM onboarding, including background checks and a mix of asynchronous and synchronous virtual training. Read and internalize the BEAM Leadership Handbook, BEAM DoSL manual and engage with BEAM's full-time staff in virtual meetings to understand the various components of running a BEAM camp. The Leadership team is allowed to make selected customizations for their camp and are expected to create a site-specific Leadership Handbook that documents such customizations and can be shared with the other leaders. The Director of Student Life is expected to support Site Directors in these customizations. Participate in virtual meetings with the other members of the Leadership Team to start building a collaborative leadership community and to prepare for "Pre-camp week". The "Pre-camp week" represents the days when leaders and staff meet for training and logistical preparation before students arrive at camp (2-3 meetings of 1 hour each). In collaboration with the members of the Leadership Team, plan the content, staff training, and schedule of the "Pre-camp week" based on templates and guidance from BEAM. More details in the next section. Leaders are expected to start planning virtually and finalize the plan during the "Leadership Retreat" (Pre-camp Leaders only days). Support Site Directors in planning the schedule for the "Leadership Retreat" based on templates and guidance from BEAM. Leadership Retreat: (Before summer staff arrive) In partnership with the leadership team, the Director of Student Life will: Align on leadership roles and responsibilities, and site-specific operational policies. Establish a set of working norms and communication expectations among leadership and staff. Plan team-building activities or social events. Train for the role. Refresh on changes to BEAM policies and systems. P