Manager, Scholar Support

We link high-potential Black students in Chicago to the path to, through, and beyond college.

For Black students to become tomorrow’s leaders they must have access to educational

resources and tools today.

LINK’s goal is to mitigate the effect of systemic and structural forces impeding Black students by

improving and increasing educational opportunities and access. By equipping our Scholars with

the knowledge, skills, resources, and social equity that further college completion and career

placement, LINK is increasing the economic mobility and stability of Black students and

cultivating a diverse leadership pipeline for our city.

Since 1966, we have successfully supported over 2,500 low- to moderate-income students. In

the 2022-2023 academic year, we will serve nearly 300 middle and high schoolers. Our Scholars

represent more than 60 Chicagoland neighborhoods, with a focus on supporting ten South and

West Side communities: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Garfield Park,

Greater Grand Crossing, North Lawndale, Roseland, South Shore, and Washington Park.

Looking to make a difference by linking students to opportunities so they can take a new

path—one that leads to their full potential and our city’s vibrant future? Then join our team!

Job Summary

The Manager of Scholar Support is a key member of our Programs team, responsible for

ensuring that our scholars receive comprehensive care and support. You will oversee a team of

scholar support associates, train and manage them, and coordinate resources to track overall

student outcomes. You will also collaborate with the Director of Scholar Support to develop and

implement strategies to increase Scholar Support Associate efficacy and scholar well-being.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervisory & Leadership Responsibilities

● Ensure high-quality support services are delivered to scholars by managing a team of 2-4

scholar support associates; specifically providing leadership, coaching, and guidance.

● In collaboration with the Director of Scholar Support and the VP, Programs and

Evaluation, design and facilitate Scholar Support Associate development.

● Organize, chaperone, and facilitate learning sessions during scholar retreats that align

with the mission of LINK Unlimited.

Scholar Support & Care

● Coordinate and assist in leading Scholar support programming, including Academic

support, College & Career awareness, Leadership, and Civic Engagement.

● Assist in leading new Scholar cohort orientations and other programmatic events.

● Design, manage, and evaluate Scholar Associate tracking and documentation systems

using Salesforce, Google, Form Assembly, and other relevant tools.

● Develop and manage Scholar accountability and notification systems, including program

participation, grade reports, and other vital communications to ensure scholar success.

● Monitor grades and provide feedback and academic coaching to scholars, their parents,

and mentors.

● Create and provide a resource-rich environment for Scholars, parents, and mentors

regarding information related to college, scholarships, financial aid, and college

immersion opportunities.

● Develop intentional communication plans for scholars and parents related to college

and career awareness objectives, deadlines, announcements, and other agreed-upon

information every month.

● Collaborate with the Mentoring team to ensure successful mentor match relationships.

● Organize and lead the Family Advisory Committee and maintain all communication with

partner schools in Salesforce.

● Report on scholar engagement, academic performance, and any additional information

needed to evaluate scholar performance.

Collegiate Scholar Support & Care

● Coordinate and lead current and expanded Collegiate Scholar support programming,

including tracking, engagement activities (e.g. monthly check-ins, sharing &

disseminating resources and opportunities, encouraging attendance at alumni events,

etc.), surveys, partnering with other organizations to provide Collegiate Scholar support

as needed, etc.

● We aim to continue to expand our existing programming for Collegiate Scholar

Support. The Manager, Scholar Support will be instrumental in helping to design

this work.

QUALIFICATIONS

● Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s a plus.

● A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant Programmatic work experience in College Access or

Success, Social Work, or other related Educational or Social Service areas.

● Previous case-management experience preferred.

● Experience working with Black youth (8th -12th grade) and their families highly

desired with a deep understanding of the systemic and structural forces

impeding Black students.

● Previous supervisory or team lead experience required.

● Strong understanding of child development and adolescent mental health best

practices.

● Excellent communication and relationship-building and partnership cultivation skills.

● Experience in developing new programmatic partnerships with community-

based organizations, corporations, civic leaders, and institutions of higher

education.

● Ability to leverage partnerships with families, mentors, schools, and community

partners to provide comprehensive support to scholars.

● Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

● Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

● Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Solution focused.

● Excellent time management skills.

● Must be able to prioritize and independently manage projects from implementation

through completion; able to multi-task and meet deadlines in a complex environment.

● Ability to work independently as well as on a team.

● Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Adobe

Suite.

● Experience with Salesforce is preferred.

● Must have the ability to learn new or updated software.

● Must be able to occasionally work varied shifts dependent on events and staffing needs.

Requires some evening/weekend work.

Characteristics

● Exemplifies the LINK Unlimited Scholars’ mission, vision, and values and acts in

accordance with all policies and procedures of the organization.

● Cheerful and welcoming demeanor.

● Strong work ethic.

● A self-starter, creative, and forward thinker.

● Must have the utmost integrity and an ability to process, protect and exercise discretion

in handling confidential information and materials.

● Exercises good judgment with an ability to manage situations with tact and discretion.

● Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work enthusiastically with changing priorities

or response to emergency situations.

Work Schedule

Full-Time, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, but requires 40-50 hours per week. Hybrid

schedule: remotely twice a week (Mondays & Fridays) and in-office Tuesday through Thursday.

Must also have some flexibility to on occasion work a slightly later schedule to support special

events.

Compensation

Salary range $55-$65k; to be determined based on experience and skills. Full-time employees

are eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance, Retirement, PTO days, 11 Holidays, and a

holiday shut down from Christmas Eve through New-Year’s day.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to Candace Witt, Director, Scholar

Support at operations@linkunlimited.org. Cover letters without salary requirements will not

be considered.

LINK Unlimited Scholars is an equal opportunity employer.