Jumpstart & Mizzou PALS Leadership Positions (job or graduate assistantship)

There are 4 types positions available with the Jumpstart program, which partners with local preschools to offer tutoring for children living with limited resources, and in some cases, no-cost quality afterschool care. In addition to their service with children, members also participate in a variety of community service events throughout the year. Jumpstart members are proud to be a part of AmeriCorps, a national service organization committed to making a difference in communities across our nation. There is also a position available with the Mizzou PALS program which involves direct service with preschool children in the community. 

Assistantship to graduate students. Benefits include a full tuition waiver, $1682 monthly stipend. The opportunity for the tuition waiver is dependent on your academic department.

To apply please send your resume and cover letter to Chrissie Dickson (dicksoncn@missouri.edu). Please indicate which position(s) in which you are interested in the cover letter, and order of preference. Upon review of your materials Jumpstart staff may contact you to schedule an interview.

Jumpstart is an early childhood intervention program. A Team Leader manages 5-7 college student tutors to provide educational tutoring to at-risk preschool children. Some responsibilities include planning and implementing effective Jumpstart sessions with children and tutors, coaching tutors on the use of Jumpstart curriculum and developmentally appropriate interactions with young children, and facilitation of team meetings. In addition, Team Leaders provide training and oversee team administration, and assist with recruitment including tabling efforts. Playing a variety of roles including coach, trainer, and observer, Team Leaders are essential to ensuring the high quality of the Jumpstart program. Training is provided to Team Leaders to fulfill all responsibilities. This position requires availability Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2:00-7:30, and Fridays 8:45-11:45. These hours are required for both fall and spring semesters. Applicants must have reliable transportation. Approximately 15-20 hours per week; 10-month position beginning in August and ending in May. Student must submit the FAFSA and qualify for work study.

The Jumpstart Volunteer Coordinator is primarily responsible for planning and implementing service projects, recruiting and placing outside volunteers to serve, fundraising, and promotion of the program. Some responsibilities will include facilitating orientation and training related to service for Jumpstart members, service learning students, and volunteers. Partnering with relevant community organizations to coordinate and implement community service events.

Research and seek potential sources of in-kind support including grants and securing in-kind donations. Promotion of the program through social media, news media, newsletters, and presentations. Assist with recruitment including interviewing and tabling. This position requires availability Fridays 8:45-9:45. These hours are required for both fall and spring semesters. Applicants must have reliable transportation. Approximately 15-20 hours per week; 10-month position beginning in August and ending in May. Student must submit the FAFSA and qualify for work study.

The Project Coordinator A supports administrative areas of the program. Some responsibilities will include assist with preparing training materials, support members with file completion and time tracking systems, maintain Jumpstart, AmeriCorps, and University databases including the following, prepare and distribute member accurate and timely reports, assist with interviewing of potential members, meet with members on an individual basis, prepare and member morale strategies, assist with recruitment including interviewing and tabling, provide coverage for Mizzou PALS if needed. This position requires availability Fridays 8:45-9:45. These hours are required for both fall and spring semesters. Applicants must have reliable transportation. Approximately 20 hours per week; 10-month position beginning in August and ending in May. Student must submit the FAFSA and qualify for work study.

The Jumpstart Project Coordinator B supports a variety of operational areas of the program. Some responsibilities will include inventory, creation, organization and distribution of supplies and materials, communication with members, plan and manage special events data entry, assist with recruitment including interviewing and tabling, provide coverage for Mizzou PALs, if needed. This position requires availability Fridays 8:45-9:45. These hours are required for both fall and spring semesters. Applicants must have reliable transportation. Approximately 20 hours per week; 10-month position beginning in August and ending in May. Student must submit the FAFSA and qualify for work study.

Mizzou PALS is an early childhood intervention program. The Mizzou PALS Leader works alongside the Jumpstart Team Leader and Tutors supporting preschool children and their families. Responsibilities include assistance with implementing curriculum and developmentally appropriate interactions with young children, team planning, supporting families with the drop-off/pick-up process, and creation of curriculum materials. Mizzou PALS Leaders are essential to ensuring high quality implementation of programming for children and families. Training is provided to fulfill all responsibilities. This position requires availability Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2:00-7:30. These hours are required for both fall and spring semesters. Applicants must have reliable transportation. Approximately 15-20 hours per week; 10-month position beginning in August and ending in May. Student must submit the FAFSA and qualify for work study.