ROLE TITLE: Part-time Interviewer

POSITION REPORTS TO: Manager, Operations, Kelsey Fox

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 11, 2024 by 11:59 PM ET

LOCATION: Flexible

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As a leadership development program, we are constantly seeking out those who possess the kind of perspectives and qualifications necessary to become great teachers – and foster their skills to become lifelong leaders for educational excellence and equity. Reflecting on our commitment to the communities we serve, Teach For America (TFA) believes that incorporating community voice in our Admissions process is a way to make our impact more responsive, equitable, and effective.

As a part-time interviewer with Teach For America, you can help improve educational outcomes for your community by identifying and lifting up highly passionate equity-minded individuals who can advance the academic and personal growth of students in the classroom and beyond. We are looking for individuals who find interviewing and the idea of getting the right candidate in the right role important and fun. The ideal candidate will appreciate the challenge of rigorous decision-making conversations and enjoy assisting others in developing their decision-making skills.

WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

The Commitment

• Complete Onboarding and Training: You should anticipate devoting approximately 8.5 hours to complete the interview training. This time includes the same training that staff participates in, along with a few additional background pre-work activities to build context.

• Interview Applicants, Evaluate Evidence, & Collaborate on Decisions: During interview deadlines, you can anticipate spending 15-20 hours. We anticipate you will interview 3 to 4 applicants each deadline. You should plan to spend 4 hours on each applicant you interview: 1 hour preparing for the interview, 90 minutes for conducting the interview, and up to 1 hour making a decision and closing the file. You will also be expected to collaborate on “tough decisions” at decision-making calls. Each call can vary from region to region, but typically we ask people to devote at least 1-2 hours each window to consult with others.

• Provide Post-Participation Feedback: There will be opportunities throughout your participation to share feedback on your experience and your perspective of our admissions process.

A WEEK IN THE LIFE

During Interview Deadlines, you will spend your time preparing applicant files, conducting interviews and participating in collaborative decision-making.

Preparing Applicant Files:

Review and score applicant materials including resumes/CVs, Letters of Recommendation, and responses to questions.

Prepare additional probing questions based on areas where more information is needed or clarification is required.

Conducting Interviews:

Interview scheduled applicants, ensuring to take high-quality and legally sound notes during the process.

Use structured interview techniques to gather relevant information and assess candidate qualifications effectively.

Participating in Collaborative Decision-Making:

Attend a Collaborative Decision-Making Call with other interviewers in the community.

Present evidence supporting your final decision on each applicant's file and engage in collaborative discourse to resolve any challenging decisions.

YOUR EXPERIENCE

To excel in the role, you should possess a combination of skills, qualifications, and personal qualities that enable you to effectively evaluate applicants and contribute to our Selection process. Here's a breakdown of the type of experience and qualities we look for:

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. Interviewers need to ask clear, relevant questions and provide information to applicants professionally.

• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills are essential for building rapport with applicants. Interviewers should be able to make applicants feel comfortable and encourage open and honest communication

• Adaptability: Interviewers should be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances, as well as open to feedback and continuous improvement in their interviewing skills.

• Time Management: Effective time management is crucial for scheduling and conducting interviews efficiently, ensuring a smooth applicant experience.

• Attention to Detail: Interviewers need to pay attention to details in applicants' responses, resumes, and recommendations to identify strengths, inconsistencies, or red flags.

• Mission Aligned: Being aligned with our organization’s mission and core values is essential for ensuring that interviewers can accurately assess whether applicants are a good fit for our program

Minimum Qualifications

• Previous TFA Staff Experience

• Ability to manage confidential information

• Alignment to Teach For America’s Core Values and commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness

• At least 2 years of work experience

• Availability for 6+ 90 minute blocks during interview deadlines:

  • February 18-21 (Third Deadline, 3DL)

  • March 24-27th (Critical Needs Deadline, CNDL)

Bonus (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience with TFA’s Current Selection Model: Trained under TFA's current model, introduced in Fall 2020

• Experience with Diversity and Inclusion: Awareness of diversity and inclusion principles and experience in promoting diversity and creating inclusive spaces

• Experience in K-12: Familiarity with the unique challenges and dynamics of K-12 educational environments

YOUR FUTURE TEAM

Teach For America’s work is about people — getting committed, passionate people into classrooms and other leadership positions where they can make a difference in students’ lives. The Admissions team is central to that goal. Last year, thousands of people applied to join our corps, and only a small number were accepted. Admissions decisions are tough, but our team prides itself on solving complicated problems through thoughtful research — always with an eye on what’s best for kids. We are inspired in our work by the passion of the applicants we encounter, and by the friendship, support, and dedication of our teammates.

YOUR COMPENSATION

As a part-time interviewer, you will earn $25/hour. During interview deadlines, part-time interviewers can anticipate working 15-20 hours a week, but may work up to 30 hours a week depending on need.