Operations Assistant; Summer

Operations Assistant (Summer 2026)

Department: Middle School

Employment Type: Internship

Location: New York, NY

Compensation: $18.00 / hour

ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH NEW YORK

Breakthrough New York empowers motivated students from low-income communities to achieve a college degree and reach their fullest potential. Our tuition-free program supports over 500 students and their families from 7th grade through college. We accept middle school students who are furthest from high-quality educational opportunities yet show promise and potential: 99% of students identify as persons of color; 76% qualify for free or reduced lunch;

and 66% will be the first in their families to graduate college.

As a ten-year program, Breakthrough New York supports students and their families through key transition points in their academic journeys. We provide academic enrichment through summer and after-school opportunities; coach students to gain admissions into selective high schools and colleges, and expose students to diverse interests and careers so they can shape their own trajectories.

In addition to nurturing individual talent, we cultivate a thriving community of like-minded peers and mentors who encourage each other’s ambitions and passions. Personalized mentorship and holistic support are signature elements of our model, with over 200 near-peer seasonal staff and volunteers who work with students at each stage of our continuum.

The Breakthrough model works: over 98% of Breakthrough students graduate from college preparatory high schools, and 100% are on track to graduate from college. Learn more at Breakthrough NY's website.

As the Operations Assistant, you will play a critical role in ensuring the seamless execution of our Middle School Summer program at one of our two Manhattan sites. Reporting to the Program Manager, you will oversee the logistical and operational components of the program, ensuring that all aspects run efficiently to support a high-quality experience for students, Teaching Fellows, and staff.

Your responsibilities will include managing daily program logistics, coordinating supplies and materials, and troubleshooting any operational challenges that arise. You will work closely with the Program Manager, Teaching Fellows, Program Assistant, and Instructional Coaches to maintain a structured, organized, and student-centered environment. Additionally, you will help implement key systems to support program efficiency, such as attendance tracking, classroom setup, and scheduling coordination.

Your leadership in operational planning and execution will be essential in fostering a well-organized and engaging summer experience. By proactively addressing logistical needs and collaborating with the program team, you will ensure that students and staff can focus on meaningful learning and growth throughout the summer.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE

• Overseeing logistics and operations for our Summer Program and Evaluation Week
• Conducting weekly check-ins with your Program Manager
• Managing the success of one high school aged Program Assistant
• Supervision of attendance tracking, meal setup and delivery, online collections systems, and other student support processes
• Co-managing site inventory and supply ordering with the support of the Program Assistant
• Assisting in site maintenance (lunch cleanup, supply storage, site safety)
• Supporting Teaching Fellows in planning weekly special events on or off-site (Career Day, Spirit Olympics, etc.)
• Being a role model at all times, which includes showing up and contributing to the culture and spirit of the site, encouraging and supporting students and teaching fellows, building solid relationships with all members of the BTNY community, etc.
• Co-leading in building site spirit and culture, including leading announcements, chants, and cheers, organizing College Knowledge and Word of the Day, documenting the summer through pictures/video etc.
• Other duties based on the BTNY site at which you are assigned

Breakthrough New York is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applicants who represent the communities we serve.

QUALIFICATI…