Location: St. Louis, MO at Washington University

Employment Type: Temporary, Full-time, Exempt

Compensation & Benefits: $17,000 covering training and the full program duration, up to $500 travel reimbursement, and room and board (details below).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a flexible timeline until all positions are filled.

Key Dates

• Remote Training: May 11 – June 10
• On-Site Training & Preparation: June 11 – June 21
• Academy I Session (6 weeks): June 22 – July 31
• Program Closeout: August 1 – 7

The Organization:

At Thrive Scholars, we provide high-achieving  students from under-resourced communities, the opportunities they need to thrive at top colleges and in meaningful careers.

Our comprehensive and data-driven program model focuses on the key inflection points that can be the difference between graduating from any college and graduating from a top college with the grades, degree, career skills, and network needed to thrive in any career. Thrive Scholars originated in Los Angeles as South Central Scholars (“SCS”) twenty years ago. Over this time, the organization has refined its program model and, in the last five years, has focused on expanding nationally; reaching more high-achieving underrepresented students, growing the number of Scholars we serve; and deepening our program impact. Thrive Scholars has begun to grow its footprint with new summer program offerings in three additional cities, with more to come. The organization has approximately 75 year-round employees and close to 200 summer employees.

The Program: Summer Academy - Residential & Commuter:

Summer Academy has long been the keystone of Thrive Scholars’ Six-Year Program, offering a signature summer experience through intensive college-preparatory courses taught by college instructors. Thrive’s current strategic direction builds on the success of our residential Summer Academy to expand our impact by establishing commuter-based Academies in cities across the United States. We launched our first two commuter programs in Los Angeles and New York City in 2024 and Chicago in 2025, while simultaneously continuing to offer the residential Summer Academies for Scholars who do not have an academy in their community. We expect to continue extending our reach to other cities in the coming years.

The Students:

Our students are high-achieving, including first-generation college-goers from under-resourced communities, with an average high school GPA of 3.9 on a 4.0 scale. They are eager to learn, inquisitive, and highly motivated to succeed. In general, they see themselves as good students who perform well in school and are determined to live up to that expectation. When scholars attend their first summer academy, whether commuter or residential, they are a rising high school senior.

The Opportunity:

The Academies Site Director (SD) is the on-site leader responsible for ensuring a safe, engaging, and transformative experience for Scholars at our Residential Summer Academy in St. Louis. The Site Director manages day-to-day program operations, supervises staff, oversees residential life, and serves as the primary point of contact for Thrive staff, seasonal staff, and parents. As a live-in position, the Site Director will reside in student housing and share responsibility with Assistant Site Directors (ASDs) for 24-hour coverage. This role requires strong leadership, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to student success. The SD will be expected to participate in planning prior to the start of Academy.

Key Responsibilities: 

Programming Leadership

• Collaborate with Thrive staff to design and lead orientation and welcome weekend programming.
• Oversee the execution of off-site trips and enrichment activities.
• Ensure smooth execution of all daily operations and schedules.

Administration & Operations 

• Assist with budgets, supplies, housing assignments, and program logistics.
• Maintain regular communication with Thrive leadership, addressing issues proactively.
• Oversee vehicle use, keys, and campus resources.
• Complete program closeout tasks, including supply inventory, final reporting and returning host institution property. 

Staff Management 

• Train, supervise, and support Assistant Site Directors (ASDs) 
• Lead daily staff meetings and conduct individual check-ins.
• Provide constructive feedback to ensure staff growth and high performance.

Student Supervision & Support

• Monitor student safety, well-being, and engagement.
• Address residential, academic, and socio-emotional concerns as they arise.
• Uphold program policies and Code of Conduct, providing guidance and discipline when needed.
• Serve as primary contact for parents during the program.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in Counseling, Higher Education, Social Work, or related field strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of full-time experience working with youth in educational or residential settings.
• Experience with living-learning communities (academic summer programs, residential high schools, or higher education).
• Highly dependable, with a strong focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of participants.
• Strong background in risk management and/or compliance for youth programs.
• Experience working with diverse young adults, ideally in a residential, and/or camp setting.
• Demonstrated success in supervising and training staff
• Excellent organizational skills; able to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with students, parents, faculty, and staff.
• High energy, resilience, and ability to foster a positive, student-centered environment.
• Valid driver’s license required; CPR/First Aid certification preferred
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. 

Compensation, Benefits, and Program Dates:

Site Directors will receive $17,000 to cover training and the full program duration (based on program length). This is a temporary, full-time, exempt residential position. Site Directors are expected to live on site for the duration of the program; housing and meals will be provided, though some facilities may be non-air-conditioned and include communal restrooms. Family housing is not available. Training will occur through a combination of asynchronous, synchronous, and in-person (on-campus) sessions. Travel reimbursement of up to $500 is available for eligible candidates. This position reports directly to the Associate Director, Academies.

Working Environment & Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a seasonal employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role:

• Frequent sitting, talking and listening and occasional walking, bending, stooping, and pulling
• Handle and operate computers, tools or controls
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• See clearly in an indoor and outdoor environment
• Work in an indoor classroom environment that may not have air conditioning in the summer
• Travel off campus (transportation will be provided and advance notice will be given if required)
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunities:

Thrive Scholars provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. Knowing their importance to the success of our work, Thrive Scholars is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we aspire to build a diverse staff team and community. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

For more information, please visit thrivescholars.org