Match Specialist - Bilingual
Indianapolis, IN
ABOUT STARFISH INITIATIVE
The mission of the Starfish Initiative, a nonprofit IRS 501(c) (3) agency located in Indianapolis, is to inspire, encourage and prepare motivated students from vulnerable populations for college, career, and life success through one-on-one mentoring. We believe that mentoring is the key to improving the educational attainment and future of today’s youth. To that end, we match every student in the Starfish program with professional, volunteer mentors whose job is to help walk scholars through their high school journey into college.
MATCH SPECIALIST OVERVIEW
The Starfish Bilingual Match Specialist is responsible for overseeing high school student/adult mentor matches, and ensuring that healthy, productive and satisfying relationships develop between the student and their adult mentor. The Bilingual Match Specialist must be an independent problem-solver, as much of the work will focus on helping solve relational and education-focused problems for students and their families. The position also requires strong communication skills and knowledge of higher education is preferred. The Bilingual Match Specialist will work with the program team that values new ideas, collaboration, and relentless effort – all focused on our mission. This position reports to the Lead Match Specialist. The Bilingual Match Specialist must be able to work evenings and some weekends.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage a team of scholar matches.
- Make regular contact with matches by text, phone call, email, etc.
- Participate in team matching sessions to help identify a best-fit mentor for each scholar in the program.
- Assist with Scholar and Mentor recruitment efforts, including: delivering presentations, interviewing candidates, and helping to lead orientation sessions for both groups.
- Work with students regarding college access and career planning.
- Work with other program staff (both paid and volunteer) to coordinate a best effort on behalf of each student.
- Maintain ongoing communication with community partners that offer services to matches.
- Provide input to newsletter and other promotional pieces.
- Support the development of team with data and match stories.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish required.
- Academic or professional background in education, youth development, social services, or other related field preferred.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Must have an outgoing personality and be comfortable with public speaking.
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Creativity and flexibility in assuming responsibilities.
- Experience working in racially, ethnically, and socio-economically diverse urban communities.
- Experience working with teens.
- Flexible working hours, some evenings and weekends required.
- Strong technology skills.