Northern California HERC

About the Bard High School Early Colleges

The Bard High School Early Colleges are founded on the belief that many high school–age students are eager and ready for the intellectual challenges of a college education. The Bard Early Colleges act on this belief by providing younger scholars with a tuition-free, credit-bearing college course of study in the liberal arts and sciences following the 9th and 10th grades. Students are taught by college faculty in seminar classes; they receive up to 60 college credits and an associate in arts (A.A.) degree from Bard College, concurrently with a high school diploma. The Bard High School Early Colleges begin preparing students for college work as early as the 9th grade and offer ongoing guidance and academic support. 

Now in its second decade, the Bard High School Early College network serves over 3,300 students in campuses in the Bronx, Brooklyn,  Lower Manhattan and Queens, New York; Newark, New Jersey; New Orleans, Louisiana; Cleveland, Ohio; Baltimore, Maryland; and Washington, DC. Since 2003, Bard College has awarded more than 3,300 A.A. degrees to its early college students. 

Program Summary

Bard Diverse Network of Action (DNA) was founded in 2018 and is a NYS-funded Smart Transfer Program that supports students of diverse backgrounds within the Smart Transfer guidelines.

Bard DNA is a student organization, at Bard High School Early College (BHSEC) Queens, composed of student leaders and social justice advocates who are dedicated to educating their community and themselves through events and programming. Bard DNA encourages participation from all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, religion, economic status, immigration status, or any other identity. Bard DNA seeks to create an inclusive and safe school environment.

https://www.barddna.org/

We are seeking a Bard DNA Assistant Director who will work with the Director of Bard DNA to accomplish organizational goals and achieve our vision of serving as a network of support, resources, and community for students who have been historically underrepresented in postsecondary higher education. 

The Assistant Director provides substantial support in executing the rising-9th grade Bard DNA Summer Program. The Bard DNA Summer Program is three weeks long and is designed to support students from historically underrepresented and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds in their academic and social transition to BHSEC Queens. Students take classes and go on field trips throughout the summer program.

Responsibilities 

The Assistant Director’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Bard DNA Student Leadership Team (SLT)

• Provide leadership and support to members of the SLT 

• Coordinate leadership trainings and leadership retreats for SLT

• Provide SLT with support and guidance in planning events and programs, scheduling regular check-in meetings and providing access to resources 

• Recommend tips and strategies on effective marketing and advertising strategies to ensure optimal event attendance and participation

• Lead Bard DNA General and SLT meetings after-school 

• Plan and coordinate Bard DNA SLT Spring elections 

• Ensure SLT members are fulfilling the responsibilities and expectations of their positions 

Bard DNA Peer Mentoring Program 

• Provide guidance and support to the Mentorship Committee Chair(s) on the Bard DNA SLT

• Work with the Mentorship Committee Chair(s) to plan and coordinate the Peer Mentor application and selection process 

• Support the planning and coordination of Peer Mentor trainings 

• Co-facilitate Peer Mentor trainings, as necessary

Bard DNA Fellows "Self, Community, Skills & Success (SCSS)" workshop series

• Co-design and co-facilitate workshops in the after-school SCSS series for Bard DNA Fellows

• Engage Bard DNA Fellows in workshops and experiences that encourage and increase  identity, professional and leadership development 

• In collaboration with their work in the Bard DNA student organization, create and oversee innovative initiatives and programming that facilitate a strong, supportive and welcoming community for Bard DNA Fellows 

Media & Communications

• Oversee Bard DNA email and keep the DNA community, and BHSECQ community at large, informed of upcoming DNA events and programming

• Provide support to the DNA Media & Communications Specialist in the oversight of the Bard DNA website and Instagram page

Other duties as assigned by the Director of Bard DNA. 

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: Bard High School Early College Queens, 30-20 Thomson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101

Start Date: April or May 2026

Position Duration: This is an 11 month position, from September - July.  A renewal of the position is expected each July but is dependent on availability of funding resources. The position is 40 hours each week; typical hours are 9am-5pm.

Compensation: This benefits-eligible position pays $57,750.

• Education: Bachelor?s degree in education, counseling, sociology, or related field preferred, H.S. diploma required.
  
  

• 1-2 years of relevant professional experience, preferred. 
  
  

• Ability to demonstrate strong background and experience in leadership roles/involvement as a student and/or in the workforce.
  
  

• A commitment to diversity and inclusion, student advocacy, and student development
   

• Skills: Experience working with, supporting and advocating for historically marginalized students; demonstrated ability to support students in leadership and identity development; knowledge and experience in workshop design, large group facilitation, and event planning; ability to manage multiple projects; knowledge in implementing effective mentorship programming
  
  

• Ability to work during after-school hours (at least until 5pm).

To apply, please upload a letter of interest and resume through the Interfolio job application link provided here: https://apply.interfolio.com/72651

Then Click on the "Apply Now" button found on the upper right corner of the Interfolio page.

Review of applications begins immediately and will proceed until the position is filled.   

Questions:  

Contact the Principal Laura Hymson at lhymson@bhsec.bard.edu. Please indicate in the subject line of your email that it is an Inquiry about the Smart Transfer Assistant Director position at BHSEC Queens.

Bard College is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information.

Bard is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.

About Bard College

Building on a 150-year history as a competitive and innovative undergraduate institution, Bard College's mission has expanded across the country, around the world, and to meet broader student needs.Now, approximately 2,000 undergraduates study in Annandale and more than 200 graduate students study in Bard programs, plus nearly 1,000 students in our early colleges. Total enrollment for Bard College and its global affiliates is approximately 5,000 students. The undergraduate program at our main campus in the Hudson River Valley of upstate New York retains a reputation for scholarly excellence and civic engagement. We are committed to enriching culture, public life, and democratic discourse by training tomorrow's thought leaders.

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