Part-Time Academic Coordinator

SquashBusters

Part-Time Academic Coordinator

Job Description

About SquashBusters

SquashBusters is a 30-year-old sports-based youth development program that uses a combination of squash, fitness, academic support and enrichment, community service, and mentoring to improve the lives of youth in Boston, Lawrence, and Providence. SquashBusters' mission is to challenge and nurture youth in these cities - as students, athletes, and citizens - so that they can recognize and fulfill their greatest potential in life. SquashBusters currently serves 500 middle school, high school, and post-secondary students. Middle and High School Students practice at least three days a week throughout the school year and participate in weekend practices, tournaments, and summer opportunities. After high school graduation, students join the Post-Secondary Services Program, and a dedicated staff team supports them in their chosen post-secondary path, and provides career development, internship placement, and employment opportunities. In Boston, programming takes place at the Badger-Rosen SquashBusters Center located on Northeastern University’s main campus. In Providence, we work and play out of the Gorgi SquashBusters Center on the campus of Moses Brown School. In Lawrence, we have designed a facility, in partnership with the City of Lawrence and others, that broke new ground for the urban squash movement by placing SquashBusters directly inside a beautiful, new, 80-unit affordable housing complex on the banks of the Merrimack River in downtown Lawrence. Our core values are Love, Honesty, Attention to Detail, Teamwork and High Standards. Do these match yours? 

Position Summary

The Part-Time Academic Coordinator works closely with the Academic Lead to deliver high-quality academic and enrichment programming for SquashBusters students in 5th-12th grade. This role supports daily homework help, enrichment sessions, leadership activities, family and school communication, and program administration.

The Academic Coordinator is a positive role model who creates an engaging, supportive, and structured environment where students are challenged to grow academically, socially, and personally. This position collaborates with the squash staff and the broader Boston team to ensure students receive an integrated, high-quality experience.

Responsibilities

Program Delivery

• Facilitate daily homework help sessions that support students academic progress and build strong study habits.
• Plan and lead engaging enrichment, leadership, college awareness, and team-building activities aligned with SQB goals and themes.
• Maintain a structured, positive, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Provide individual academic support, encouragement, and feedback to students.
• Assist the Academic Lead with academic success plans, student interventions, and follow-up as needed.
• Monitor student participation and document attendance, report cards, and academic progress.
• Work collaboratively with the squash team to coordinate daily programming and shared student support.
• Actively ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all students by following SQB safety protocols.

Student and Family Engagement

• Build meaningful relationships with students while maintaining high expectations and accountability.
• Communicate with parents/guardians regarding attendance, academic progress, paperwork, and upcoming opportunities.
• Collaborate with school staff, guidance counselors, and community partners as needed to support student success.
• Encourage students to participate in leadership, community service, summer, career, and post-secondary opportunities.

Program Support and Special Events

• Support community service projects, field trips, tournaments, family events, ceremonies, and other special programs.
• Assist with summer programming, recruitment activities, workshops, guest speakers, and enrichment opportunities.
• Chaperone and transport students as needed, including driving an SQB vehicle or walking with students to public transportation.
• Help prepare students for opportunities such as external summer programs, SAT prep, internships, and employment.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate student records, attendance, report cards, required paperwork, and program documentation.
• Update Salesforce and other program databases as assigned.
• Help prepare classrooms and learning spaces before programming and keep spaces organized at the end of each day.
• Maintain calendars, schedules, Teams/SharePoint documents, and activity plans as needed.
• Submit receipts and complete administrative tasks in a timely manner.

Relationship Building

At the heart of the SquashBusters mission is the power of transformative relationships. Academic Coordinators are expected to:

• Express care by building trusting, supportive relationships with students.
• Challenge growth through high expectations and consistent accountability.
• Provide support by encouraging resilience, problem-solving, and self-advocacy.
• Share power by listening to students and respecting student voice.
• Expand possibilities by connecting students to new opportunities and experiences.

Core Competencies

• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from a variety of backgrounds.
• Strong classroom management, facilitation, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with a team.
• Creativity in designing engaging, culturally relevant, and appropriately challenging sessions.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow through on administrative responsibilities.
• Commitment to youth development, educational equity, and SQB values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or current progress toward a degree in Education, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with middle or high school students in educational, after-school, youth development, or mentoring settings.
• Experience in teaching, facilitation, tutoring, or youth-facing instruction strongly preferred.
• Passion for working with young people and belief in their potential.
• Ability to work afternoons/evenings during the school year and occasional weekend hours.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and willingness to transport students in an SQB vehicle.
• Spanish language proficiency strongly preferred.
• Existing eligibility to work in the United States.

Compensation

• Competitive hourly wage between $20-$25, commensurate with experience.
• This is a part-time position.

Equal Opportunity Statement

SquashBusters is an equal opportunity employer and strives to reflect the diverse community it serves. SquashBusters is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and looks to all staff members to foster and promote its values.