Center Lead (Baltimore)

Baltimore, MD, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Part-time

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $25.00

Work Schedule

Day Shifts

Benefits

Paid training

Professional Development

flexible schedule

Competitive hourly pay

Supportive team environment

Opportunity for impact

community engagement

Job Description

Higher Achievement is a non-profit organization dedicated to closing the opportunity gap for underserved middle school students by providing engaging afterschool programs that foster academic success, personal growth, and long-term achievement. Founded with a mission to ensure that talent is everywhere but opportunity is not, Higher Achievement operates various centers located within public schools in Baltimore, Maryland, including Mount Royal Elementary/Middle School, Lakeland Elementary/Middle School, and Highlandtown Elementary/Middle School. The organization offers structured, enriching afterschool programming that combines academic support, leadership development, and social-emotional learning. Their programs are carefully designed to prepare scholars for high school and beyond, with a strong emphasis on high expectations, positive behavior, and scholar engagement.

This part-time Center Lead role offers a unique opportunity to serve as a mentor and leader to middle school scholars during these pivotal years. The position entails leading afterschool programming Monday through Thursday from approximately 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM, along with occasional additional hours for planning, meetings, and trainings. The pay rate for this role is $25 per hour, and the position begins in August 2025, extending through the academic year with the possibility of limited summer hours. Center Leads work onsite at a Higher Achievement middle school center, building meaningful relationships with scholars, managing program delivery, and fostering leadership, teamwork, and personal growth among students.

As a Center Lead, you will have a direct and visible impact on the lives of young learners by ensuring a structured, engaging environment that supports academic achievement and social development. You will lead groups of 5 to 15 scholars through core program components such as Learning Blocks, Electives, and Community Meetings, providing homework help, coaching in study skills, facilitating enrichment activities, and promoting social justice and high school readiness topics. Additionally, you will be responsible for daily operations including attendance tracking, meal setup, communication with families, and maintaining a clean and organized environment.

Higher Achievement values a supportive team environment where Center Leads are empowered through paid training and ongoing professional development. This position is ideal for individuals seeking to gain experience in education, youth development, or social impact fields while making a meaningful difference in their community. The role requires flexibility, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage and lead groups independently. Preference is given to candidates with prior experience in afterschool settings or youth programs, bilingual abilities, and knowledge of behavior management strategies.

Join Higher Achievement and become a vital part of a community dedicated to creating opportunities that change lives and help young people realize their full potential. This role combines purposeful work with a flexible schedule that complements school or other job commitments, making it an excellent fit for compassionate, motivated individuals eager to make a real impact after school.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum of 3 years of experience working with youth, middle school preferred, in a professional or structured volunteer capacity
Or current enrollment in college in education, youth development or related field with applied or course study experience
Demonstrated ability to independently manage groups of 10-15 middle school scholars
Ability to manage and lead with short-term notice
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Basic technology proficiency including attendance tracking and data entry
Ability to work Monday-Thursday afternoons approximately 3:30-6:30 PM with additional monthly hours for planning and meetings
Willingness to work onsite at assigned Baltimore middle school locations
Ability to pass criminal background check and required clearances
Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in small and large group settings
Ability to respond quickly to critical incidents and emergencies
Willingness to provide translation support and shuttle chaperone duties when assigned.

Job Qualifications

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

Job Duties

Lead and manage groups of 5-15 middle school scholars across core program components including Learning Blocks, Electives, Community Meetings, and transitions, maintaining a structured and engaging environment
Maintain program flow and adapt in real time to unanticipated needs through short-term leadership coverage
Build strong relationships with scholars through mentoring, encouragement, and reinforcement of positive behaviors
Promote leadership, teamwork, and self-advocacy while upholding high expectations for engagement and behavior
Model and uphold Higher Achievement’s culture of high expectations, positive behavior, and scholar engagement
Ensure completion of high-quality homework and coach scholars in study skills, test preparation, and academic projects, support and direct volunteers
Design and implement engaging activities for electives aligned to scholars' interests with structure and behavior management
Facilitate Community Meetings focused on relationship building, social justice, and high school readiness
Plan and prepare for program components weekly and attend staff meetings for planning and development
Execute daily site operations including attendance tracking, scholar check-ins, meal setup/service, basic data entry, and maintaining a clean and organized environment
Communicate with families regarding scholar progress, engagement, and program expectations
Provide translation support, shuttle chaperone duties, and assist with scholar recruitment events as assigned.