RESIDENT DIRECTOR(S) FOR “A BETTER CHANCE OF WESTPORT”
We would appreciate your assistance in finding an outstanding individual or couple to act as Resident Director(s) for A BETTER CHANCE of Westport, Inc.
A BETTER CHANCE is a non-profit organization that has been in existence for over 40 years to provide academically talented minority students from all over the U.S. an opportunity to attend outstanding public and private secondary schools. The ABC program in Westport is affiliated with Staples High School in Westport. Up to eight male students live in the Westport ABC house, which is within walking distance of the high school and close to the center of town. Similar programs operate successfully in neighboring communities and throughout the country.
The position of Resident Director is critical to the success of this program, providing leadership to the students during their stay in Westport. The Resident Director(s) must live in the house during the school year and must be prepared to work evenings and weekends. Room and Board is provided during the school year and housing is available during the summers as well. A stipend is also provided.
The Resident Director(s) may be employed full-time elsewhere during school hours while working for the ABC program. Married Resident Directors may share the responsibilities of the position.
Shown below is a job description for your information. Please broadcast this opportunity to those in your community who might be interested. Candidates may respond to the post office box listed below or may email to info@abetterchanceofwestport.org .
We greatly appreciate your assistance in spreading the word about this challenging and interesting opportunity.
Sincerely,
Laurie Gendell
Personnel Committee
ABC of Westport
P.O.Box 2153
Westport, CT 06880
Resident Director(s) Job Description
The Westport ABC program seeks a highly motivated candidate or couple to serve as Resident Director(s).
Job Context:
A Better Chance (ABC) is a national non-profit organization that provides academically talented minority scholars with an opportunity to attend outstanding public and private secondary schools throughout the United States. A Better Chance of Westport is a chapter of ABC, affiliated with Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut. Up to eight male scholars will be enrolled in the Westport program for school year 2010/2011.
The Resident Director(s) report to the Chairperson(s), Personnel Committee, ABC of Westport and must be in place by August 2010.
Job Purpose:
The ABC scholars live together with the Resident Director(s) in the ABC residential house, close to Staples High School. The Resident Director(s) are responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the scholars’ activities and the operation of the Westport ABC residential house and staff. In addition, they are responsible for coordination with others within the ABC organization to maximize the scholars’ experiences and opportunities within the school and community.
Key Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate commitment to the objectives of the ABC program at all times, including an interest in excellence, equity and diversity in education.
- Provide an outstanding role model for the scholars.
- Live at the ABC House when the program is in session. This includes eating dinner with the scholars and being available to supervise the scholars at all times that they are at the house, including early morning before school, afternoons, evenings and Saturdays.
- Establish and enforce the house guidelines in line with the objectives of the ABC Program to ensure an environment considerate of the needs of all the scholars.
- Oversee the daily operations and maintenance of the ABC House.
- Supervise the daily activities of the scholars — academic, extracurricular, social and interpersonal.
- Supervise tutors and cook.
- Act as principal liaison between ABC and the scholars’ parents, communicating with them on a regular basis.
- Establish and maintain good ongoing working relationships with:
- Board of Directors
- Host Families
- Staples High school
- Westport community member
- Attend ABC Board, Executive Committee, host family and other regular meetings, as well as fund raising and special events as required.
- Participate in and encourage social activities with other Connecticut ABC houses.
- Participate in scholar selection process.
- Participate in Summer Institute and/or other orientation program (up to one week during the summer) as needed.
Key Skills and Attributes:
- Genuine enthusiasm for adolescent boys.
- Commitment to promoting diversity.
- Ability to recognize and respond to the needs of the scholars; good listener and problem solver.
- Excellent communication and modeling skills. Good organization and multi-tasking abilities.
- Enthusiasm for the ABC program and willingness to participate in activities that promote and endorse the program.
- Ability to motivate the scholars.
- Maturity, common sense and good judgment.
- High level of professionalism.
- Unquestioned integrity.
- Patience and humor.
- Flexibility.
Experience and Education:
- College degree or equivalent work experience.
- Understanding of broad issues facing educational systems and specific issues facing students of color.
- Minimum of three years experience with youth or students, preferably adolescents. Experience in education, social work and/or counseling a plus.
- Past participation in an ABC or similar program a plus.
- Multi cultural experience a plus.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Year round private quarters (including utilities) in the ABC House.
- Meals provided during the academic year.
- Stipend based upon qualifications.
Note:
- The Resident Director(s) may be employed full-time elsewhere during school hours while working for the ABC program, provided that such employment does not preclude carrying out the responsibilities listed above.
- Married Resident Directors may share responsibilities, provided there is coverage at all times.
- No pets are permitted in the ABC residence.
