Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Graduate Support plays a vital role in fostering the academic, social, and career success of Gesu School middle school students and alumni by supporting families through the high school transition process, from initial planning stages through their high school and college years. This full-time position involves individualized student planning, event coordination, data collection, and administrative support for the Director of Graduate Support. The Assistant Director also contributes to building alumni relationships and facilitating mentorship and professional development opportunities. Working under the supervision of the Director of Graduate Support, the Assistant ensures effective execution of initiatives and collaborates closely with the Vice President of Mission, Identity, & Inclusion. This is a 12-month, full-time role dedicated to supporting the strategic goals set by the Director and enhancing the holistic development of students and alumni.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Support & Calendar Management:

• Provide administrative support to the Director of Graduate Support, including managing calendars, coordinating meetings, and maintaining updated records on student and alumni interactions.
• Oversee scheduling and follow-ups for site visits, alumni meetings, school-related events, and other engagements on behalf of the Director.
• Track and organize important deadlines, ensuring timely communication and follow-through.
• Monitor academic records for Hocker, Howley, and Maguire Scholars to ensure students meet standards, and coordinate with families, school staff, the Development team, and the Vice Principal of Academic Affairs to address any areas of concern.
• Maintain a comprehensive database of student and family information, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for program planning and support initiatives.

High School Transition Support:

• Support the Director of Graduate Support in providing high school transition assistance for middle school students by following up on individualized plans to guide each student and family through the admissions process.
• Visit high school partners—including independent/private, archdiocesan, and magnet/charter schools—to promote Gesu students and strengthen personal relationships with school leaders in support of placement and partnership opportunities.
• Assist the Director in offering consistent advisement to students and families on high school selection and application procedures.
• Provide weekly updates to students and families, sharing important information on deadlines, events, and resources.

Data Collection & Alumni Tracking:

• Manage data collection and regular reporting on alumni and high school placements, family engagement metrics, and program outcomes to support program evaluation and improvement.
• Routinely visit high school alumni to maintain relationships, offer support, and gather insights that inform ongoing program development.
• Maintain and update the alumni database, tracking key details such as school placements, career fields, and contact information to keep the Graduate Support Program connected with alumni.

Digital Presence Management:

• Manage the Graduate Support Program’s digital presence, including regular updates to the Graduate Support Instagram and program webpage. Share relevant information about events, alumni highlights, and student resources.
• Collaborate with the Development Team to ensure cohesive communication across digital platforms, sharing program updates, event information, and success stories with the Gesu community.

Mentorship & Professional Development Program Coordination:

• Develop and coordinate mentorship programs for students & alumni.
• Organize and facilitate professional development workshops on topics like resume building, interview preparation, and college essay writing, bringing in guest speakers and alumni presenters to provide students with diverse perspectives on college and career pathways.
• Seek individual professional development opportunities throughout the year (ie. Jesuit School’s Network and Navitiy Miguel Network, Association of Diocesan Independent Schools (ADVIS.)

Event Planning & Support:

• Assist in organizing and hosting alumni events, including high school fairs, alumni gatherings, and academic workshops.
• Assist with planning and executing events such as lunch-and-learns, Parent Academies, and other family engagement programs.
• Manage logistics for the Parent Academies, including family communication, securing presenters, and gathering feedback post-event.
• Identify and manage logistics for summer camps and community programs and events that serve current middle school students and their families.

Work Hours

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, with some required evenings, weekends and occasional out-of-state travel throughout the year.

Benefits

Gesu School offers a competitive compensation package including full health coverage (inclusive of fertility benefits), vision, and dental coverage; 403(b) plan with match (after one year of employment); company 401(K) (after one year of employment); vacation, personal, and sick days; group life insurance; and disability insurance.

Additional Information

If interested, please email the following required documents to Dianna Thomas-Palmer, Director of Graduate Support, at dianna.thomas-palmer@gesuschool.org with the subject line: Application – Assistant Director of Graduate Support

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Three professional references
• Updated clearances (FBI fingerprint, Child Abuse, and Criminal Background; these will be required upon hiring)
• If the position is offered, the candidate will be required to complete the “Protecting God’s Children” training through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Please specify the position you are applying for in the cover letter and subject line.

EOE: Gesu School is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Gesu School Mission Statement

Inspired by the Jesuit and IHM traditions of social justice, faith, creative hope, and love, Gesu School helps students to transcend all forms of poverty by providing a comprehensive, innovative education. We empower our students to develop their strengths, overcome challenges, and become positive, engaged members of the community and the world.

To learn more about Gesu School, please visit: www.gesuschool.org

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• 3-5 years of experience in an educational or school setting
• Strong interpersonal, communication (written and oral), and relationship-building skills, with experience in engaging diverse student and family populations.
• Adaptability and proactive approach to program needs, with flexibility for event planning and family communication.
• Proficiency with social media, event planning and data management welcomed.
• Must have a valid license and a car