Center Lead (DC Metro)

Higher Achievement Program; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Higher Achievement is seeking a Part-Time Center Lead for our afterschool middle school program in the DC area. You will supervise a small team, guide Learning Blocks and electives, and ensure a safe, engaging environment after school.

You will build relationships with scholars, support their academic and personal growth, and collaborate with staff and families. This role offers paid orientation and ongoing professional development with consistent afternoon hours.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; 3+ years working with youth.
• Experience leading groups of 10–15 middle school scholars.
• Strong verbal and written communication; adaptable and reliable.
• College enrollment in education, youth development, or related field is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead groups of 5–15 scholars across core program components with structure.
• Maintain program flow and cover short-term leadership gaps as needed.
• Mentor scholars, encourage growth, reinforce positive behaviors.
• Coordinate attendance, meals, data entry, and family engagement.
• Plan weekly planning sessions and attend staff meetings.

Skills

Youth leadership

Communication skills

Group management

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College enrollment in education/youth development

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: DC Metro - Washington, DC 20002

Salary Range: $25.00 - $25.00 Hourly

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

$25/Hour | Paid Training | Make a Real Impact After School

Do you believe that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not?

Higher Achievement is looking for Part-Time Center Leads who are passionate about supporting middle school students during a critical moment in their academic and personal development.

As a Center Lead, you’ll build meaningful relationships with scholars, lead engaging afterschool programming, and help students grow into confident, high-achieving learners prepared for high school and beyond.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Make a direct, visible impact on middle school scholars every day
• Be a mentor, role model, and leader in a supportive team environment
• Receive paid orientation and ongoing professional development
• Build experience in education, youth development, or social impact
• Work consistent afterschool hours that pair well with school or other jobs

Job Details

Part-Time: Monday–Thursday, approximately 3:30–6:30 PM

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

Pay Rate: $25 per hour

Start Date: August 2026

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

• Ida B. Wells Middle School - 405 Sheridan St NW Washington, DC 20011
• Brookland Middle School - 1150 Michigan Avenue NE Washington, DC 20017
• Eliot-Hine Middle School - 1830 Constitution Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002
• Kelly Miller Middle School - 301 49th Street NE Washington, DC 20019
• Greenbelt Middle School - 6301 Breezewood Drive Greenbelt, MD 20070
• Achievement Prep - 908 Wahler Pl SE, Washington, DC 20032

What You’ll Do

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

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 adapting 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 as assigned may include, 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.

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

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.

Higher Achievement 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.

Positions will remain open until filled.