Center Lead (Baltimore)

Higher Achievement Program; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Higher Achievement seeks a Part-Time Center Lead for an afterschool program at a Baltimore middle school campus. You will lead 5–15 scholars, coordinate Learning Blocks, Electives, and Community Meetings, and ensure a safe, engaging afterschool environment.

You will mentor students, support volunteers, and maintain attendance and data entry with a focus on positive behaviors and high expectations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 3+ years of youth experience in a professional or structured setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage groups of 10–15 middle school scholars with independent leadership.
• Ability to communicate expectations clearly to scholars and volunteers; flexible to short notice.
• Basic technology skills including accurate attendance tracking and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage groups of 5–15 middle school scholars across core components; ensure structured, engaging environment.
• Maintain program flow and provide short-term leadership coverage as needed.
• Mentor scholars; promote personal growth and positive behaviors.
• Foster leadership, teamwork, and self-advocacy with high engagement and behavior standards.
• Uphold Higher Achievement culture of high expectations across programs.

Skills

Group leadership

Verbal & written communication

Attendance tracking

Technology proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Attendance tracking software

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Baltimore - Baltimore, MD 21230

Salary Range: $25.00 - $25.00 Hourly

Position: Part-Time Center Lead – Afterschool Program (Middle School)

Pay Rate: $25 per hour

Hours: Monday–Thursday, approximately 3:30–6:30 PM

Additional Hours: Approximately 1–3 hours per month for planning, meetings and trainings

Start Date: August 2025

Duration: Indefinite; work available during the Afterschool Academy year (September/October–May/June), based on center placement. Limited summer hours available.

Location: Onsite at a Higher Achievement middle school center location

• Mount Royal Elementary/Middle School - 121 McMechen St Baltimore, MD 21217
• Lakeland Elementary/Middle School - 2921 Stranden Rd Baltimore, MD 21230
• Highlandtown Elementary/Middle School - 231 S. Eaton St Baltimore, MD 21224

What You’ll Do

Leadership, Instruction, & Scholar Management

• Lead and manage groups of 5–15 middle school scholars across core program components, including Learning Blocks, Electives, Community Meetings, and transitions (arrival, meals, dismissal), ensuring a structured, engaging, and enriching environment.
• Maintain the continuity of program flow and adapt in real time to unanticipated needs, through short-term leadership coverage.
• Build strong relationships with scholars through mentoring, encouragement of personal growth, and reinforcement of positive behaviors.
• Promote leadership, teamwork, and self-advocacy while setting and upholding high expectations for engagement and behavior.
• Model and uphold Higher Achievement’s culture of high expectations, positive behavior, and scholar engagement across all program elements.

Program Facilitation & Delivery

• Learning Blocks (up to 15 scholars): Ensure completion of high-quality homework; coach scholars in study skills, test preparation, and academic projects; support and direct volunteers; and guide scholars through academic and enrichment activities, including high school applications, group passion projects, and online learning.
• Electives (up to 15 scholars): Design and implement engaging activities aligned to scholars’ interests; provide structure and behavior management; and incorporate scholar feedback to drive participation and ownership.
• Community Meetings (5–15 scholars): Facilitate sessions focused on relationship building, social justice, and high school readiness.

Operations & Family Engagement

• Plan and prepare for program components (~3 hours/week) and attend staff meetings for planning and professional development.
• Execute daily site operations, including attendance tracking, scholar check-ins, meal setup/service, basic data entry, and maintaining a clean, organized environment.
• Communicate with families regarding scholar progress, engagement, and program expectations.

Additional Duties

• Translation support for multi-lingual scholars and families; shuttle chaperone support and tasks for transporting scholars; scholar recruitment events and initiatives; all other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

• High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 3 years of experience working with youth (middle school preferred) in a professional or structured volunteer capacity; or current college enrollment in education, youth development, or a related field with some applied or course study experience.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing groups of 10–15 middle school scholars in a structured setting.
• Demonstrated agility and flexibility to independently manage and lead with short-term notice.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate expectations and provide direction to scholars and volunteers.
• Basic technology proficiency, including accurate attendance tracking and timely data entry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in afterschool programs, education, or youth development organizations.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Experience supporting academic instruction, tutoring, or enrichment programming.
• Familiarity with behavior management strategies and maintaining structured, high-expectation environments.

Core Values

Scholar-Centricity, Striving for Excellence, Power of Community, Voice, and Social Justice.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Work is regularly performed in an office environment. The employee may spend long periods sitting, standing, and walking. Required to transfer from one part of the worksite to another and climb stairs. Regularly lift, carry, and position objects weighing up to 20 pounds. Regular use of computers, keyboard, telephone, and face-to-face communication in small and large group settings with adults; ability to communicate clearly and professionally in these situations. Visual, auditory, and physical ability to respond quickly to critical incidents involving students and act in an emergency. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Background Check & Clearance

This position requires a criminal background check prior to hire to include state/local municipalities, school district clearances and grant required checks. All clearance checks are paid by Higher Achievement.