Career Center

Job Title: Associate Director of Bard Diverse Network of Action (DNA) (Bard High School Early College Queens, NY)

About Bard Diverse Network of Action

Bard Diverse Network of Action (DNA) was founded in 2018. 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. As an organization, Bard DNA strives to achieve the following goals:

• Provide a space for students of all identities to create change and take action on community issues.
• Develop an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful school environment, in and outside of the classroom, for all members of the community.
• Plan meaningful events, programs and initiatives that build community and increase school spirit.
• Create opportunities for increased and intentional conversations on topics of power, privilege, and oppression.
• When confronted with members of the community who do not share our same values, allow all opinions to be heard and valued, rather than excluded or dismissed, while still encouraging education and growth.

Position Description

We are seeking a Bard DNA Associate Director to 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 Bard DNA Associate Director will support Bard DNA by taking a leadership role in student-facing aspects of the program. This is a year-round, full-time (40 hours/week, 9 am - 5 pm Monday-Friday) in-person position. 

Essential Duties

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

Admissions & Outreach

• Support Director of Admissions in targeted outreach to middle schools by leading presentations on Bard High School and supporting high school fairs
• Provide support in grading, interviewing and ranking candidates from target schools, as needed

Other duties as assigned by the Director of Bard DNA.

Start Date: June or July 2023

Duration: 1 year, with yearly renewal anticipated. Please be advised that this is a grant-sponsored position, contingent on funding.

Compensation: The salary range is $55,000- $60,000 per year and is commensurate with experience

Location: Bard High School Early College (BHSEC) Queens, 30-20 Thomson Ave., Long Island City, Queens, NY

More information on Bard DNA:

Bard DNA is proud to support several student-centered initiatives, including the Student Leadership Team (SLT), Bard DNA Peer Mentoring Program, and Bard DNA Fellows Program. The Bard DNA SLT operates as the governing body of Bard DNA. The SLT consists of the Student Coordinator, Media & Communications Specialist, Mentorship Committee Chair(s), Professional Development Committee Chair, Social Engagement Committee Chair, and Community Engagement Committee Chair.

The Bard DNA Peer Mentoring Program is a year-long mentoring program that pairs 9th and 10th grade students with students in the college program (Year 1s and Year 2s). The Associate Director will be responsible for working with the Mentorship Committee Chair(s) to ensure the implementation and effectiveness of the Bard DNA Peer Mentoring Program.

The Bard DNA Fellows Program provides additional academic support, mentorship, professional and leadership development, and a sense of community to students, from historically underrepresented and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, during their four years at BHSEC Queens. Bard DNA Fellows attend monthly leadership and skill-development workshops, known as the "Self, Community, Skills & Success (SCSS) Series". The Bard DNA Associate Director will be responsible for working with the Director of Bard DNA to design and facilitate engaging and informative workshops for Bard DNA Fellows.

The Bard DNA Associate Director will also provide 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.  

• Education: Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, sociology, or related field required, Master's Degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, Social Work preferred.
• 2-3 years of relevant professional experience, preferred.
• Able 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
• Able to work during after-school hours (at least until 5pm).

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three contact references to Bard directly using the Interfolio job application link provided here: http://apply.interfolio.com/125193

Please be advised that this is a grant-sponsored position, contingent on funding.

Bard College is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity.

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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