Asst. Director, Programs (A)

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First Star Academy at University of Miami

Assistant Director, Programs

Position Description

Program Overview

First Star UM Academy is an innovative college-preparatory program for high school students impacted by foster care. Due to trauma and structural factors, only 50% of foster youth graduate high school, and less than 3% earn a college degree. The Academy addresses these outcomes by providing holistic academic, life skills and social-emotional support to help youth thrive.  We seek to help youth stay on track for high school graduation, prepare for higher education, and develop skills to successfully transition to adulthood. Students spend four summers living on the University of Miami campus for a month (Summer Academy) and return one Saturday per month during the school year (Saturday Academies).

Core Responsibilities:

The Assistant Program Director collaborates with the Program Director on all aspects of program implementation with a particular focus on these core responsibilities.

Program Management

• Organize and oversee programming activities for Summer Academy and Saturday Academies
• Recruit students and implement outreach and retention strategies
• Manage the logistical and administrative functions essential to the successful operation of the program
• Support program evaluation

Care Coordination

• Develop strong and trusting relationships with students
• Provide care coordination to reduce barriers that interfere with students’ academic goals, in collaboration with community-based case managers, attorneys, caregivers, and teachers.
• Educational advocacy to help students meet graduation requirements and academic goals.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate with UM and external program partners to recruit students, design curriculum, and build the program.
• Engage and provide resources to caregivers

Staff Recruitment, Training and Supervision

• Recruit and supervise summer staff of near-peer mentors (college students), including training, workflow, and performance management.
• Develop training and strategies to support team through intensive summer programming

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is passionate about helping young people grow and succeed, creating a caring, nurturing, yet structured environment. Their creativity ensures engaging and innovative program activities. As an inspiring leader, they motivate and guide staff toward achieving the program’s goals. The Assistant Director must possess excellent communication skills for effective interaction with youth, parents, staff, and stakeholders. Strong problem-solving abilities are needed to address challenges swiftly, along with exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Cultural competence is essential, and experience with trauma-informed care is an asset. The ability to work independently is crucial for following through on assignments with minimal direction, especially in a small team. The candidate must also be able to function in high-stress situations.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree and minimum 4 years of relevant experience. Strong interpersonal skills for interacting with executive leaders, faculty, staff, students, caregivers, and community members. Ability to work with diverse populations and communicate effectively in various settings. Capability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction. Willingness to work Saturdays, evenings, and some overnights during residential programs. Ability to pass a Level 2 background screening.

Physical Requirements:

This is light work which requires the following physical activities: mobility, reaching, sitting, finger dexterity, lifting, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity.

Equal Employment/Non-Discrimination

It is the policy of the University of Miami to provide equal opportunity to all applicants and employees. The University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race,