The Organization: Merit America
Merit America is a non-profit that has been named by the New York Times as “a glimpse of the hybrid future of training programs for the disadvantaged.” Our fast and flexible programs are designed to work for underemployed and unemployed adults – who can learn while they balance work, family, and in current times, social distancing. We combine on-demand online learning with coaching and peer support (delivered in-person or virtually) to create the most effective, scalable model in the field. Our goal is to build the most effective, large-scale education-to-employment program in the country, and we have the ambitious goal of reaching 10,000 learners annually and driving $1B in aggregate wage gains by 2024.
In the past several months, more than 40 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits. Today’s challenge is about more than getting Americans back to work: it is about creating pathways to higher-paying, more resilient careers in order to build a more equitable future as the economy recovers. Now, more than ever, we must rally behind the tens of millions of American adults who are unemployed or stuck in low-wage jobs in pursuit of family-sustaining, recession-resilient careers.
At Merit America, we believe that when our learners are engaged and motivated, possess resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and cover letters that are professional and well-developed, and are equipped with strong, effective communication and employer navigation skills, they are set up to be successful in a career of their choice.
To that end, Merit America is looking for a Learner Support Associate (LSA) to help us on our mission.
The Opportunity
The primary mission of the Learner Support Associate is to provide ongoing support and feedback to learners enrolled in the Merit America program. Tasks mainly consist of learner assignment review (i.e. resume review, one-way interview feedback, etc.) and learner support via emails and Slack, as well as career coaching and Program Success Manager/Job Success Specialist support as needed in large groups, small groups, and 1:1 settings. It is an ideal fit for those seeking flexible, remote work to make a meaningful, direct impact on the lives of underserved members of our country and to help build a fast-growing nonprofit startup.
The Learner Support Associate will report directly to the Program Director and works primarily with the Program Team across Merit America.
Job Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Learner Support Associate will include but are not limited to, the following:
Assignment Review & Learner Support (70%):
Provide individualized coaching and feedback to set learners up for success in their new career
Monitor learners’ progress in online courses through an online portal and proactively reach out to offer support when learners are struggling
Remain equipped to refer learners to appropriate resources
Learner Coaching (20%):
Meet with learners as needed to provide personalized support, in partnership with or in lieu of, a Program Success Manager or Job Success Specialist by occasionally facilitating small group, office hour, and/or 1:1 coaching sessions; this involves understanding learners’ post-program career goals and coaching them so that they stay on track, develop/hone professional skills aligned to their field of choice, and graduate job-ready
Guide breakout room discussions and activities with learners, providing Program Success Managers with additional insight into learners’ strengths and areas for growth
Source, share, and promote quality entry-level jobs for learners.
Program Management (10%):
Build a positive and supportive cohort culture
Continually improve the program and learner experience
Host learner events to inform and engage learners
Preferred Skills and Competencies
At Merit America, we believe that if you can excel in the job, you should get the job – so we hire for skills, instead of specific experience or education requirements. Below are the skills that are relevant for thriving in this role:
Required
Strong knowledge of professional skills such as resume & cover letter writing, interviewing, communicating professionally, etc.,
Proven interest and previous experience with career coaching, tutoring, education, counseling, youth development, non-profits, or other mission-driven work
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
A mindset of growth and continuous improvement
Proven commitment to provide personalized support to meet individual learner needs
Demonstrated passion and commitment to understanding and empathizing with people of diverse backgrounds
Ability to take initiative and move autonomously in ambiguous, quickly changing environments
Exceptional operational and organizational skills, and the ability to manage your own schedule and balance multiple demands
Preferred
Experience with Salesforce or other CRM platforms
Proficient with Google Workspace (Google sheets, docs, etc)
Commitment to lifelong learning and ongoing personal and professional development
Ability to work collectively and independently while delivering pertinent feedback to colleagues and direct manager
Prior experience in workforce development, edTech, or equivalent training programs
Ability to communicate effectively with peers and direct manager to improve processes and procedures.
Compensation, Benefits and Start Date
Start Date: August 29th 2022
This position is full time: 4 days/week
Starting Salary: $55,000
Location: Remote
Career Development Opportunities: You’ll have an annual personal development stipend and education reimbursement plan to use towards workshops, books, or traditional classes.
Benefits: You’ll enjoy best-in-class benefits.
4-day work week
Unlimited vacation time
Flexible remote work policy
Office closure during 10 federally recognized holidays
Two-week office closure at the end of the year / start of the new year, inclusive of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays
Health, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability
4 months paid parental leave
401(k) retirement plan
Flexible Spending Account – pre-tax health & dependent care
Health Reimbursement Account employer-funded Benefit Card
To apply
To learn more and apply, visit https://www.meritamerica.org/join-our-team. Include a thoughtful cover letter with your application.
What to expect in the process:
WePow Interview or phone screen
Job Simulation & Panel Interview
Virtual Meeting with Co-CEO
Reference checks (we will not check references until we are ready to move forward)
Offer Letter
Building for Equity
Building an inclusive, high-performing team that is diverse across lines of personal identity is integral to our success and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
This means we do not discriminate against any job applicant or employee because of their race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment.
We actively strive and evolve to develop and maintain workspaces that are fully inclusive. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
Still excited about our work? You can learn more about our work in this video we made with our founding partner, Google.
