Essay Reviewer

Title: Essay Reviewer

Department: SEO Scholars, High School - NYC

Report to: Senior Manager of Enrichment Programs

Compensation: $49/Hour

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Location/Hours: Remote, under 29 hours/week

 

ABOUT SEO

Founded in 1963 during the Civil Rights Movement, SEO closes educational and career opportunity gaps for 7,000 ambitious young people annually

ABOUT SEO SCHOLARS 

SEO Scholars provides motivated, low-income public high school students with a rigorous out-of-school supplemental academic curriculum, college guidance, and the leadership development necessary to gain admission to and succeed at competitive colleges and universities. (Learn more here: SEO Scholars).

POSITION OVERVIEW & RESPONSIBILITIES

SEO Scholars assists students with the enrichment program application process, dedicating considerable time to developing their scholarship essays. Essay reviewers will oversee application groups ranging from 1 to 20 students, each responsible for writing up to six essays per application. It is the reviewers' role to help our 11th Grade Scholars create strong and competitive essays.

• Provide thoughtful, constructive, and actionable feedback on student essays, focusing on clarity, structure, grammar, and storytelling.
• Help students refine their essays to effectively communicate their personal stories and align with college application prompts.
• Foster an encouraging and supportive environment that motivates students to express their individuality and strengths.
• Collaborate with students to help them explore themes and ideas that highlight their achievements, challenges, and aspirations.
• Complete essay reviews within the agreed-upon timeframes to ensure students meet college application deadlines.
• Maintain consistent communication with the SEO team regarding progress and any challenges encountered.
• Hold open office hours for scholars who need additional support or have questions.

 EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in English, History, or a writing-intensive field
• Experience working with high school-aged students and their writing process
• Strong familiarity with the college and scholarship application processes
• Proficiency using Google Docs (specifically Track Changes and Comment functions) and cloud storage software (i.e., Box or Google Drive)
• Demonstrated strength in critical reading, writing, and editing

Essay reviewers work part-time from December through May. They will work remotely and provide feedback using Google Docs. Reviewers will be added to Google Classroom, where all essays will be submitted. The hours vary, but the busiest season runs from January to March.

 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS    

This position is benefits ineligible in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. 

The compensation listed in this posting reflects what SEO believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and SEO reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. 

EEOC Policy   

At SEO we are committed to cultivating a team that embodies the backgrounds and experiences of the constituencies we serve and the communities we live in, and a workplace that reflects the impact we make in the world. Candidates from all communities – including people of color, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ Community, veterans, and people with disabilities – are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Equal Employment Opportunity is not just the law, it is our commitment. 

Sponsors for Educational Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer – M/F/D/V. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or characteristics, or any other legally protected status. 

If you need accommodation while applying for a role with SEO, due to a disability, please email SEO Talent. 

THE ORGANIZATION 

Established in 1963 by Michael Osheowitz, SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity) is an educational non-profit founded on the belief that talent is everywhere; but opportunity is not. Our programs are designed to educate, train, mentor, and amplify the voices of our participants to give them a seat at the table – every table. We propel human potential. 

SEO is an innovator in education, mentorship, and creating educational career opportunities that maximize the full potential of our participants. Each year SEO serves 7,000+ participants nationally, and the organization is widely recognized for developing best-in-class programs with exceptional results. 

Not every SEO participant is on the same journey, but all are hungry for opportunity and SEO creates an ecosystem of excellence. Learn more about SEO's programs here: https://www.seo-usa.org/our-programs/.