Associate Site Director, BEAM Discovery

Associate Site Director, BEAM Discovery

Join the BEAM team this summer and make a difference!  We are seeking passionate leaders to join our Discovery summer programs in New York City or Los Angeles as Associate Site Directors. This is more than a summer role - it’s an opportunity to lead, mentor, and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians!

Why Join BEAM?

At BEAM, we are dedicated to creating pathways for students who lack access to STEM opportunities, helping them become future scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and computer scientists. We believe in providing every child with the opportunities a top-notch education offers, actively engaging them in problem-solving, critical thinking, and mathematical exploration, and empowering them to be the leaders of their own learning. We immerse students in deep mathematical experiences through rigorous summer programs and challenging year-round activities, provide academic support, mentorship, and advising, and prepare them for collegiate studies in STEM disciplines, enabling them to attend advanced academic programs, excellent high schools, and strong-fit colleges. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION

BEAM is seeking an Associate Site Director for each of its Discovery sites this summer. Working closely with the Site Director, Director of Student Life, Academic Director, and Guidance Counselor, you will manage a team of 23–30 counselors and 7–10 faculty members. You will lead the preparation, implementation, and smooth operation of the summer program, ensuring both academic success and a positive camp environment for our students. Your leadership will not only shape the classroom experience but also help cultivate a strong community of students and staff, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of our students. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Pre-Program Preparation

In the months leading up to the camp, the Associate Site Director will engage in comprehensive preparation to ensure a successful summer program. This preparation will set the foundation for a smooth and impactful camp experience for both students and staff. 

Self-Preparation and Planning (approximately 40 - 50 hours)

• Complete required BEAM onboarding, including background checks and a mix of asynchronous and synchronous virtual training.
• Read and internalize the BEAM Leadership Handbook and engage with BEAM’s full-time staff in virtual meetings to understand the various components of running a BEAM camp. Site Directors are allowed to make selected customizations for their camp and are expected to create a site-specific Leadership Handbook that documents such customizations and can be shared with the other leaders. Associate Site Directors are expected to support Site Directors in these customizations.
• Participate in virtual meetings with the other members of the Leadership Team to start building a collaborative leadership community and to prepare for “Pre-camp Week.” The “Pre-camp Week” represents the days when leaders and staff meet for training and logistical preparation before students arrive at camp. (2-3 meetings of 1 hour each)
• In collaboration with the members of the Leadership Team, plan the content, staff training, and schedule of the “Pre-camp Week” based on templates and guidance from BEAM. More details in the next section. Leaders are expected to start planning virtually and finalize the plan during the  “Leadership Retreat” (Pre-camp Leaders only days). 
• Support Site Directors in planning the schedule for the “Leadership Retreat” based on templates and guidance from BEAM.
• Participate in virtual meetings with BEAM full-time staff and BEAM’s campus host staff to fine-tune campus logistics.
• In collaboration with the BEAM full-time staff, communicate with students’ parents and caregivers about the start of camp and student travel logistics.
• Support final selection of your site leadership team (if needed)
• New York only: Attend the New York State Department of Health's Summer Camp Operator Orientation (if needed) and obtain necessary health and safety certifications.

Pre-Camp Week Training and Set-Up

The week before students arrive, you will collaborate with the leadership team to finalize preparations to ensure staff are ready and the camp is set up for a successful start.

• Leadership Retreat: In partnership with the leadership team, you will:
  • Align on roles, responsibilities, and site-specific operational policies
  • Establish a set of working norms and communication expectations among leadership and staff
  • Plan team-building activities or social events
  • Set up facilities, purchase supplies, and ensure all logistical needs are met for staff arrival.
• All-Staff Pre-Camp Training and Set-Up: In partnership with the leadership team and BEAM support staff, Associate Site Directors will:
  • Facilitate team-building activities and role-specific training
  • Prepare facilities for staff and student arrival
  • Set up facilities (signage, supplies, room assignments, etc.) in preparation for student arrival
  • Coordinate the receipt and organization of BEAM’s materials held at a storage facility.
  • Confirm staff completion of required HR onboarding (I-9, online training, etc.) and complete the employer portion of the I-9

During Camp 

During camp, the Associate Site Director will oversee daily operations, support faculty and staff, and ensure a positive, safe environment for students. You will manage staff coordination and logistics, ensuring the camp runs smoothly and meets its educational goals while fostering an inclusive atmosphere.

• Site Leadership
• Liaise with campus staff to solicit feedback and ensure BEAM is complying with all campus regulations and reporting ongoing needs or challenges that need to be addressed by campus staff
• Manage site vendors and contractors alongside BEAM central staff to ensure all site purchasing, food service needs, and travel arrangements run smoothly
• Staff Leadership
• Support daily and/or weekly check-ins with site leadership, faculty, and staff
• Communicate daily updates to all staff and respond to ongoing questions or concerns elevated by the leadership team
• Collaborate with staff to make updates to program policies or procedures that are not working as planned
• Work with site leadership to make timely, thoughtful decisions when conflicts arise and communicate those decisions to staff
• Ensure all surveys, assessments, and evaluations are administered on time
• Work with BEAM’s Learning and Evaluation team to collect and submit data from all surveys, assessments, and evaluations
• Community Leadership
• Oversee the implementation of student travel to and from the program
• Oversee the campus environment, the safe passage of students (into campus, to their class, and through dismissal), staff/student interactions, etc.
• Handle student behavior situations if/when they escalate 
• Follow up with families regarding student behavior or attendance issues
• Follow crisis plans; provide leadership in case of crisis  
• Ensure alignment of practice with policy 
• Other logistical tasks to coordinate with the rest of the site leadership, including but not limited to:
• Managing petty cash and subway/transportation tickets for the summer
• Preparing for and coordinating field trips
• Supervising Open Math Time
• Organizing staff dinners
• Scheduling math circles

Post Camp Wrap-Up

• Support Site Leadership in completing the clean-up checklist  
• Complete staff evaluations and 1:1 debriefs
• Update the BEAM storage inventory with the end-of-camp’s detailed list of items. Coordinate materials packing and storage facility pick-up services.
• Attend the BEAM-led multi-site Summer Camp step-back meeting

QUALIFICATIONS

We understand that there are many paths to acquiring experience and, therefore, welcome candidates from diverse and nontraditional backgrounds for this role who have demonstrated equivalent transferable skills to carry out the major duties outlined in this job description. 

• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated experience in managing teams, providing feedback, and fostering collaboration among staff and faculty.
• Commitment to Equity: A passion for creating inclusive classrooms where all students feel valued, capable, and supported.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with staff, faculty, students, and families.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to manage conflicts and make thoughtful, timely decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks, schedules, and logistical elements simultaneously.
• Data Proficiency: Ability to work with spreadsheets and formulas
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust plans and approaches based on feedback, evolving needs, and challenges that arise during the program.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior work experience with middle school students. 
• Prior work experience with students in LA or NYC public schools or serving students from a comparable background. 
• Fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Korean, or another language commonly spoken by BEAM’s LA families or NYC families.
• Experience leading training workshops for adults. 
• Mediation training and/or experience. 
• Restorative justice training and/or experience. 
• Interest in mathematics, understanding of enrichment math concepts, and/or broader curiosity about learning new things.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Los Angeles Campus Details:

• Location: Central Los Angeles
• Program Dates (in person):

• Staff Dates: June 15-August 1
• Leadership Team Planning: June 15
• All Staff Pre-Camp Training: June 16-June 18 (Juneteenth Observed)
• Camp Dates: June 22-July 24
• Wrap-Up: July 27-July 29

Compensation, Benefits, and Other Details

Compensation

• $9,500 for Camp and Wrap-up
• Pre-Camp work paid at an hourly contract rate

Benefits

BEAM provides a number of benefits, including:

• Lunch and snacks, with options for dietary restrictions
• 2–3 staff dinners during camp to relax, connect, and celebrate together
• Limited, assigned parking is available (Los Angeles)

Commitment to Diversity

BEAM believes that our staff, at all levels and across all roles, should represent the backgrounds of the students we serve. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Beyond a commitment to nondiscrimination, we strongly encourage applications from underrepresented and marginalized communities.

Hiring Process

• Application, including resume and answers to a few short questions. 
• Virtual interviews with BEAM staff. Details will be sent by email.

For accommodation requests related to the job application process, please contact HR at accommodations@beammath.org.