Center Lead (Richmond)

Higher Achievement Program; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Higher Achievement seeks a Part-Time Center Lead for an afterschool program at a middle school site in Richmond, VA. You will oversee groups of scholars during Learning Blocks, Electives, and Community Meetings, ensuring a safe, structured, and engaging environment after school.

The role emphasizes mentoring, leadership, and consistent afterschool hours (Mon–Thu 3:30–6:30 PM) with planning time monthly. Prior youth development experience is preferred and bilingual skills are a plus.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent with 3 years of youth work or current college enrollment in education/youth development.
• Experience independently managing groups of 10–15 middle school scholars in a structured setting.
• Agility and flexibility to lead with short-term notice.
• Strong verbal and written communication, directing scholars and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage groups of 5–15 middle school scholars across core program components, ensuring a structured, engaging environment.
• Maintain program flow and adapt in real time to unanticipated needs and coverage gaps.
• Build relationships with scholars through mentoring and supporting personal growth and behavior reinforcement.
• Promote leadership, teamwork, and high expectations for engagement and behavior.

Skills

Leadership

Group management

Mentoring

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Current college enrollment in education or related field

Job description

Job Details

• Location: Richmond - Richmond, VA 23224


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


• Pay Rate: $25 per hour


• Work Hours: Part-Time: 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


• Dogwood Middle School, RPS School of Art Integration - 1701 Floyd Avenue Richmond, VA 23220


• T.C. Boushall Middle School - 3400 Hopkins Road Richmond, VA 23234


• Thomas H. Henderson Middle School - 4319 Old Brook Road Richmond, VA 23227

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

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 adapting in real time to unanticipated needs, though 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

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.

Join Higher Achievement and help create opportunities that change lives.