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2026 SMASH Academy - Community Advisor (Spelman)

SMASH, Atlanta, GA, United States


Overview

SMASH is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization operating under the Kapor Center family of organizations. At SMASH, we aim to build a strong STEM workforce through academic learning and experiential engagement for high school and college students. We empower students in STEM fields through intensive education, rigorous coursework, and access to resources to cultivate success in college and careers. Our vision is to create a STEM ecosystem where every student can thrive in the global economy and become well-prepared, competitive leaders.

This is a pivotal time for SMASH as we continue to grow our programs. Working at SMASH emphasizes rapid growth, grit, personal commitment, accountability, and courage to challenge the status quo. If you have what it takes to change the STEM landscape, we want to hear from you.

Position Description

The SMASH Residential Team is composed of the Site Director and Community Advisors (CAs). The Site Director manages the CAs. The Community Advisors (CAs) support the Site Director (SD) to oversee the daily operations and youth enrichment components of the SMASH Academy. CAs are responsible for approximately 100 high school students attending the program during the SMASH Academy at a full site. Reporting to the SD, CAs build a tight-knit scholar learning community that is safe, empowering, and conducive to advancing scholars\' interest in STEM and social justice. CAs promote scholar success in STEM through facilitating programming, including workshops, wellness activities, and other SMASH events. CAs also act as educational leaders for both students and staff to create, model, and sustain the culture.

This is a 3-week assignment, with an additional commitment of training and prep prior to launch and a close out after SMASH Academy, and requires daytime availability and weekend work.

As this role has a virtual component, we expect staff to provide their own personal computer (desktop or laptop) that has a working webcam, speaker and microphone for video conferencing capabilities (i.e. Zoom, Google Hangouts, Cisco Webex); reliable Internet connection (at least 25 Mbps download speed); and quiet work space for virtual programming. If you cannot provide your own equipment, please speak with your Program Director.

Availability for all training and program dates is required.

Onboarding

5.30.2026 – 6.5.2026 (National, Virtual)

Residential Staff Training 6.8.2026 – 6.12.2026 (Site-specific, In-Person)

SMASH Academy 6.15.2026 – 7.2.2026 (Site-specific, In-Person + Virtual)

Virtual Close Out 7.2.2026

Key Responsibilities
Commuter Team Member

Be present on site during all program hours for the duration of the program

Supervise 65 high school students (minors) during program activities and model responsible behavior and personal integrity

Work with fellow Commuter Team members to create, deliver, and refine scholars\' program experience

Develop personal leadership and teamwork skills to ensure the team functions at a high level

Complete administrative duties related to surveys, incident reports, scheduling, event planning and coordination, tracking, and related tasks

Programming and Facilitation

Manage and facilitate daily scholar duties and meetings (morning arrival, transitions, meals, community meetings, end-of-day dismissal)

Collaboratively implement SMASH Curriculum, including experience-based lesson plans and workshops

Coordinate weekly activities, field trips, speaker series, and networking nights, following safety protocols

Support program activities, including orientation, closeout, Town Hall, family events, recognition events, supplies inventory, and staff debriefs

Facilitate scholars\' study time and collaborate with instructors on assignments

Plan and deliver activities for unscheduled times and supervise unstructured free time

Complete all assigned deliverables on time

Adhere to COVID-19 safety precaution protocols

SMASH Site Leadership

Attend and engage in regular program meetings, 1:1s with site management, CA retreat, training, and debrief

Communicate and uphold program norms and rules of conduct to ensure safety and responsible student behavior

Build and maintain positive relationships with SMASH and university personnel; represent the organization and program

Act as an academic and leadership role model while maintaining professional boundaries with scholars

Scholar Support and Safety

Supervise scholars at all times and attend to safety and socio-emotional needs

Cultivate an environment of self-efficacy and well-being

Identify scholars needing additional support and develop/deliver support plans

Uphold SMASH policies and core values

Communicate norms and program rules to ensure safety and responsible behavior

Document and follow up on scholar misconduct per SMASH and university policies

Respond to emergencies during program hours following established protocols

Participate in rotating on-call daytime shifts where applicable

Position requires walking, sitting, standing; may require climbing stairs, running, lifting up to 20 lbs

Address scholar issues using restorative practices

Debrief & Wrap Up

Attend Staff Debrief

Ensure completion of deliverables (e.g., final survey)

Required Attributes

Collaboration: Excellent listening, communication, and presentation skills; strong time management and organizational skills; dependability; candid when facing difficult conversations

Relationship Building: Respect for diverse individuals; humility; patience; ability to listen to multiple perspectives; restorative approach

Problem Solving: Curious, innovative, iterative, adaptable; data-based decision making

Resilience: Growth mindset; ability to adapt and reflect to meet outcomes

What You Bring

Commitment and alignment with the mission of SMASH

Experience working with students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds

Current or recent college student (preferred) or completed at least freshman year with relevant experience

Comfort with online tools (Google Drive, Google Calendar, Slack, Canvas, SMASH Resource Library, etc.)

Experience teaching or facilitating programs for high school youth

Flexibility and professionalism

Ability to build positive relationships with ethnically and culturally diverse youth and staff

Ability to work independently and collaboratively and accept feedback

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Leadership, teamwork, decision-making experience with diverse groups

Ethical, consistent, and available to students as a role model

Hands-on, conflict resolution oriented, and proactive problem solver

Strong academic and critical thinking skills; tutoring in AP math/science is a plus (not required)

Interest or skills in sports, yoga, art/expression, and wellness activities are a plus

CPR/First Aid certification preferred (not required)

Application Information
Apply for this position and ensure you can attend the training and program dates. If applying to multiple sites, rank your site preference in the application. The application includes a place to upload your resume and cover letter and to provide written responses. This position will close when filled. If selected by your Program Director, an application is required and your PD will provide the link to apply. Please submit the recommitment form provided by your PD, and SMASH will send your updated offer letter.

Compensation
This is a non-exempt position. The hourly compensation is approximately $18. Pay is variable based on part-time vs. full-time phases. If the assignment ends earlier than expected, compensation may be reduced accordingly.

Statement Of Non-Discrimination
No employee or applicant will face discrimination or harassment based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. SMASH also seeks to prevent other forms of inappropriate behavior. We value a diverse workforce and strongly encourage people of color to apply.

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