Center Lead (DC Metro)

Part-Time Center Lead – Afterschool Program (Middle School)

$25/Hour | Paid Training | Make a Real Impact After School

Do you believe that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not?
Higher Achievement is looking for Part-Time Center Leads who are passionate about supporting middle school students during a critical moment in their academic and personal development.

As a Center Lead, you’ll build meaningful relationships with scholars, lead engaging afterschool programming, and help students grow into confident, high-achieving learners prepared for high school and beyond.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Make a direct, visible impact on middle school scholars every day
• Be a mentor, role model, and leader in a supportive team environment
• Receive paid orientation and ongoing professional development
• Build experience in education, youth development, or social impact
• Work consistent afterschool hours that pair well with school or other jobs

Job Details

• Part-Time: Monday–Thursday, approximately 3:30–6:30 PM
• Additional Hours: Approximately 1-3 hours per month for planning, meetings and trainings
• Pay Rate: $25 per hour
• Start Date: August 2026
• Duration: Indefinite; work available during the Afterschool Academy year (September/October–May/June), based on center placement. Limited summer hours available.
• Location: Onsite at a Higher Achievement middle school center location
  • Ida B. Wells Middle School - 405 Sheridan St NW Washington, DC 20011
  • Brookland Middle School - 1150 Michigan Avenue NE Washington, DC 20017
  • Eliot-Hine Middle School - 1830 Constitution Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002
  • Kelly Miller Middle School - 301 49th Street NE Washington, DC 20019
  • Greenbelt Middle School - 6301 Breezewood Drive Greenbelt, MD 20070
  • Achievement Prep - 908 Wahler Pl SE, Washington, DC 20032

What You’ll Do

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership, Instruction, & Scholar Management

• Lead and manage groups of 5–15 middle school scholars across core program components, including Learning Blocks, Electives, Community Meetings, and transitions (arrival, meals, dismissal), ensuring a structured, engaging, and enriching environment.
• Maintain the continuity of program flow and adapting in real time to unanticipated needs, through short-term leadership coverage.
• Build strong relationships with scholars through mentoring, encouragement of personal growth, and reinforcement of positive behaviors.
• Promote leadership, teamwork, and self-advocacy while setting and upholding high expectations for engagement and behavior.
• Model and uphold Higher Achievement’s culture of high expectations, positive behavior, and scholar engagement across all program elements.

Program Facilitation & Delivery

• Learning Blocks (up to 15 scholars): Ensure completion of high-quality homework; coach scholars in study skills, test preparation, and academic projects; support and direct volunteers; and guide scholars through academic and enrichment activities, including high school applications, group passion projects, and online learning.
• Electives (up to 15 scholars): Design and implement engaging activities aligned to scholars’ interests; provide structure and behavior management; and incorporate scholar feedback to drive participation and ownership.
• Community Meetings (5–15 scholars): Facilitate sessions focused on relationship building, social justice, and high school readiness.

Operations & Family Engagement

• Plan and prepare for program components (~3 hours/week) and attend staff meetings for planning and professional development.
• Execute daily site operations, including attendance tracking, scholar check-ins, meal setup/service, basic data entry, and maintaining a clean, organized environment.
• Communicate with families regarding scholar progress, engagement, and program expectations.

Additional duties as assigned may include, translation support for multi-lingual scholars and families; shuttle chaperone support and tasks for transporting scholars; scholar recruitment events and initiatives; all other duties as assigned by supervisor.