Onward: College Coach

Overview

HEAF is a comprehensive supplemental education and youth development organization that works to help motivated students develop the intellectual curiosity, academic ability, social values, and personal resilience they need to ensure success in school, career, and life. HEAF identifies scholars in middle school and supports them until they graduate from college through a variety of after-school, Saturday, and summer educational and youth development programs.

HEAF is seeking a part-time, temporary Onward Instructor to support 12th-grade students in their transition to college. Reporting to the Onward Director, the instructor will guide seniors through the college application process, financial aid, and personal statement development, while also providing career readiness support, including resume writing, internship opportunities, and interview preparation. The role includes designing engaging lessons, leading workshops, and fostering student confidence and resilience.

The instructor will also assist with family outreach, departmental events, and team meetings to ensure students are fully prepared for their next chapter.

Dates:
February 2, 2026 – May 27, 2026

Program Days:
Fixed Schedule - up to 4 days per week, In Person:
Tuesday & Wednesday, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm;
Virtual:
Monday & Thursday from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm. There will be select flexible weeks of in-person support requests on Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays (with 2-3 weeks' notice of Fixed Schedule variance) to assist with trips, school visits, and special workshops that fall outside of the above program schedule.

Hours:

13 hours/week

Locations: 8 W 126th Street WeWork, New York, NY 10027 & PAL Harlem - 441 Manhattan Avenue (corner of 119th St.), New York, NY 10026

• Plan, prepare, and facilitate engaging lessons that support 12th-grade students with college applications, financial aid, personal statements, career readiness, and college transition skills.
• Provide career development support, including resume writing, interview preparation, and internship exploration.
• Provide HEAF Inspire and HEAF Achieve programming support, including classroom management and setup, student supervision and chaperoning on and off-site trips, support for special events, and other core programming needs.
• Adapt lessons based on weekly program needs and student feedback.
• Assist the Onward Department with managing flyers and promotional materials for trips, workshops, and events.
• Support student and family outreach through email and TalkingPoints, including program reminders and updates, and maintain communication with HEAF leadership regarding student progress and program needs.
• Support HEAF Inspire initiatives at additional locations, such as schools and community-based organizations, and lead some lesson planning as needed.
• Lead virtual programming initiatives on Thursdays.
• Assist with end-of-day office closing procedures, ensuring student safety and readiness of the space for the following day.
• Perform quarterly student success check-ins.
• Support the program with attendance tracking and data management initiatives.
• Complete weekly administrative tasks assigned through a weekly check-in document.

• Bachelor’s degree in education, Youth Development, or a related field. (Associate's degree students are encouraged to apply)
• 1-3 years of teaching experience, or direct youth experience, with middle school & high school students (ages 13 - 18).
• Previous experience with college counseling, college applications, or financial aid support.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and classroom management skills.
• Commitment to HEAF’s mission and supporting students throughout their college transition journey.
• Ability and willingness to commit to the entire program.
• Outstanding collaboration and organizational skills.

$25/ hour

HEAF is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate based on actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.