Program Administrator, Yale Young African Scholars

Job Opening:  Program Administrator, Yale Young African Scholars

Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT

How to apply:  You can apply online using the Yale STARS System. To find our position, use requisition number 84374BR. Please note a cover letter is required to be considered for this position. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer. 

Position Focus:
Yale Young African Scholars (or “YYAS” as it is commonly referred to, https://africanscholars.yale.edu) is the premier academic enrichment and leadership development program of its kind for African high school students planning to pursue university education and who wish to make a meaningful impact on the continent.

YYAS is housed in the Office of International Affairs (OIA) at Yale University in New Haven, CT, USA. It is administered by Yale Young Global Scholars (https://globalscholars.yale.edu/) in collaboration with the Yale Africa Initiative (https://africa.yale.edu/) and other partners.

Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS, http://globalscholars.yale.edu) is the premier summer acdemic enrichment and leadership development program of its kind for talented high school students from around the world. This rapidly expanding program enrolls over 2,400 high school students through a highly competitive application process, YYGS participants represent more than 150 countries and all 50 U.S. states

Reporting to the YYAS Associate Director, the YYAS Program Administrator will not only gain experience in all facets of a fast-growing organization that offers programs in various regions in Africa but also will make a significant impact on the growth and success of the program, as well as its’ participants. The YYAS Program Administrator will serve as a member of the overall YYGS leadership team. Responsibilities will include a wide range of activities related to program operations and academic curriculum development, including: coordinating logistics for and assisting in the administration of YYAS sessions online or in-person abroad, specifically in Africa; developing and implementing systems that support large-scale data management in a fast-paced environment; supporting efforts to recruit, train, and manage summer instructional staff; managing communications with instructional staff and participants; coordinating on-campus space reservations during the summer and academic year; reading applications of high school students from around the world applying to YYAS and YYGS; and will make a significant impact on the growth and success of the program, as well as its participants.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement automated systems in Technolutions Slate and other platforms to streamline instructional staff application reading, interviewing, and training procedures and increase operational efficiencies.
  • Lead the coordination of student and instructional staff recruitment efforts, including developing internal and external communication materials by sending newsletters, publishing blogs, updating the program website, and/or using social media applications such as Twitter and Facebook. Might include travel if needed.
  • Manage and train instructional staff, including processes related to seminar selection, managing materials, and providing training on program logistics and curriculum.
  • Engage directly with program participants throughout the program lifecycle, from application and selection to registration, travel, and throughout their activities on the continent post YYAS
  • Assists with summer academic programming such as showcases, workshops, college panels, and college admissions talks.
  • Coordinate mentorship efforts with partners or using online platforms.
  • Independently facilitate residential components and supervise residential life student employee during the summer program if and when needed or support students online.
  • Assist with shaping the summer academic curriculum and manage student assignments in programming elements such as seminars, capstone project groups, tours, and workshops (online or in person).
  • Lead relevant meetings, projects and workshops as assigned by YYAS Associate Director and/or YYGS Director
  • Analyze and present data to help inform data-driven decision-making.
  • Review participant applications and help select the participants that attend YYAS and YYGS.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Experience with enrichment programs, such as Yale Young Global Scholars; passion for education access and/or youth skills development in the Africa context
  • Personal or professional experience working with people of diverse cultural backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to intercultural sensitivity; proven experience with and/or demonstrated comfort level teaching and working with high school-age audiences.
  • Ability to travel to/work in several locations on the African continent for the entire duration of the summer session (July-August).

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills:

  • Self-starter and entrepreneurial. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to quickly learn new technology, including online systems and platforms such as Technolutions Slate and Canvas. Comfort with managing and analyzing large amounts of information in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated flexibility and agility in order to adapt to changing work demands and balance many projects simultaneously.  Excellent oral and written communication skills, organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to interact with a range of individuals including high school and college-age students, parents, faculty members, and staff on a wide variety of academic and professionally-related issues.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends during the summer and admissions cycles. Regular hours otherwise.
  • Fluency in French, Swahili, Amharic, and /or any other widely used African language(s).