George B. Cox Equity in Urban Education Fellow - Retention (SY26-27)

Reports To: Retention Manager

Type: Full Time - Two-Years

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

Founded in 1647, Boston Public Schools (BPS) is the oldest public school district in the country. As the birthplace of America's public education system, BPS has a long and rich tradition of commitment to education. We are a leader in urban education. BPS has been recognized nationally for programs and initiatives such as universal preschool, early childhood education, an equitable school-based funding formula, and policy specifically focused on creating greater racial equity, to name a few. Boston Public Schools is committed to transforming the lives of all children through exemplary teaching in a world-class system of innovative, welcoming schools. We partner with the community, families, and students to develop in every learner the knowledge, skills, and character to excel in college, career, and life.

FELLOWSHIP OVERVIEW:

The George B. Cox Equity in Urban Education Fellowship (EUEF) was named in honor of a beloved educator, leader, writer, mentor, and advocate for Boston's children and families. In memory, his college-mate, Charles Yancey, who later served as a Boston City Councilor, remembered George B. Cox as "a dedicated warrior for human rights, high-quality integrated education, diversity, and justice. He fought against racism, sexism, intolerance, and discrimination. He was strategic in his approach and a strong mentor to many young people in our country. To learn more about George B. Cox, click here.

Boston Public Schools (BPS) is seeking a highly motivated and mission-driven early career professional to join the Office of Human Resources as a Retention Specialist Fellow. This two-year fellowship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in supporting the design and execution of employee retention programs that foster a sense of belonging, reduce turnover, and enhance the workplace culture for the BPS workforce.

The Retention Specialist Fellow will support a range of strategic initiatives, including data collection and analysis, event coordination, affinity group support, and the implementation of mentorship and recognition programs, under the guidance of the Retention Manager. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about promoting equity in education, fostering employee engagement, and implementing inclusive human resources practices.

Key Responsibilities:

Program and Project Support

• Assist in the coordination and implementation of BPS retention programs, including executive coaching, peer mentorship, and onboarding support for new educators.
• Support the development and execution of wellness and recognition initiatives aligned with BPS employee engagement goals.
• Contribute to planning and logistics for district-wide events, retreats, and professional development sessions hosted by the Retention Team.

Data and Evaluation

• Conduct and support stay interviews, exit interviews, and employee feedback surveys to identify trends impacting employee experience.
• Maintain accurate program tracking tools, reports, and dashboards to monitor participation and impact.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to inform recommendations that improve retention practices.

Affinity Space and Community Engagement

• Collaborate with internal leaders to support Affinity Spaces such as:
• ALANA (African, Latino, Asian, and Native American)
• Bolling Black & Brown Network
• Provide administrative and outreach support for BPS educator networks: WEOC, MEOC, ALANA, and the Keith Love Peer Mentoring Program.

Communications and Marketing

• Assist in the development of communications, newsletters, digital content, and marketing materials to promote retention programs and initiatives.

Ensure consistent and inclusive messaging aligned with BPS values and goals.

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Early Career Professional
• Strong program or project management experience with extraordinary attention to detail, professionalism, ability to organize, plan, and execute multiple projects simultaneously
• Demonstrated experience in developing spreadsheets and reports/ database management (Excel, Google sheets)
• Interest in analyzing and interpreting quantitative data and diverse information, and to make recommendations based on the findings, specifically using Excel and/or Access
• Strong skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint; Google Suite; proficiency in developing/maintaining websites
• Ability to adapt to changes quickly, proposing and implementing thoughtful solutions
• Very strong interpersonal skills, ability to develop good relationships and network with various populations
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong ability to work as part of an active team, work simultaneously on multiple tasks and projects, prioritizing daily activities
• Possesses growth mindset, actively seeks and uses feedback to improve performance
• Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment

QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED:

• Experience in design, layout, and branding
• Wiki space, management experience
• Knowledge of or experience with PeopleSoft
• Knowledge of or experience with grant administration
• Experience in office coordination in a large organization
• Experience working in or with schools/districts

TERMS: Managerial Tier B, 12 months.

Please refer to www.bostonpublicschools.org/ohc (under "Employee Benefits and Policies") for more information on salary and compensation. Salaries are listed by Unions and Grade/Step.

NOTE: School-based managerial employees will work 223 days between July 1st and June 30th each year. The 223 day work-year will include the 180 days in which school is in session, and the additional days will be determined by the employee and the principal or headmaster of the school. This position subject to the City of Boston residency requirement.

School-based managerial employees are not eligible for vacation time or compensatory time. In the event of school cancellation due to snow or inclement weather, school-based managerial employees need not report to work.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.