Position: Program Assistant, temporary position
Reports to: Program Coordinator
Location: Remote U.S.-base for training – Portland, ME during in person programming
Compensation: Competitive, in line with experience
Summary
The Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (BAFF) mission is to “deepen the ties between and among Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and the United States through programs of education and exchange centering on economic growth and democratic values”. In addition to the Research Scholar and Professional Internship scholarships and several small grants programs, BAFF offers a four-week program in the U.S. for Baltic high school students, “Leadership Academy”.
Summer 2026 Leadership Academy will serve 30 rising high school seniors. The program will be held on the campus of Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), South Portland, Maine. Students will arrive on Monday, July 13th, to complete a curriculum focused on design thinking, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills. On Friday, July 31st, the students will depart SMCC for a five day-tour bus tour of New York and Washington, DC, before departing for their home countries on August 4th.
The Leadership Academy Program Assistant will live on-site at Southern Maine Community College throughout the duration of the program, from July 11th (for orientation) until July 31st. The Program Assistant should also plan to accompany students to New York and Washington, DC, from July 31st through August 4th. The Program Assistant is responsible for completing BAFF youth program staff orientation, supporting delivery of the curriculum through non-formal educational activities, planning and supporting co-curricular activities, supporting Leadership Academy participants on-program and participant supervision. The Program Assistant will coordinate with BAFF staff and the Leadership Academy Program Coordinator to ensure a safe and high-quality program experience.
Primary Responsibilities
- Complete BAFF orientation for youth program staff.
- Complete First Aid certification.
- Collaborate with the Leadership Academy faculty to support curriculum delivery.
- Collaborate with Leadership Academy Program Coordinator to develop and implement co-curricular activities.
- Support and supervise program participants to ensure participant health and safety and compliance with program rules ensuring a high-quality program experience.
Skills and Experience
The ideal candidate will:
- Be at least a rising university/college senior or have a bachelor’s degree
- Have experience high school teaching or coaching, as dormitory resident staff, or other youth group facilitation
- Have excellent communication, organizational and time management skills
- Demonstrate the ability and willingness to remain flexible, as participant needs and program circumstances require
- Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills
- Intercultural communication a plus!
Work Environment
- Temporary position
- 3.5 weeks, July 11-August 4, 2026
- Two positions available
- On-site at Southern Maine Community College
- Single room dormitory accommodations and all meals provided
- Opportunity to chaperone the NewYork/Washington bus trip
- As required, domestic travel to/from Portland, Maine provided
Physical Demands
- Lifting 0-25 lbs.
- Frequency of lifting: infrequent
Additional Physical Demands
- Ability to speak and listen on the telephone
- Ability to view a computer screen and type
- Ability to participate in participant activities, walk or hike for extended periods
Visual, Hearing, Dexterity & Mental Demands
- Adequate to perform the essential functions ofthe job such as using a telephone, answering emails, filing paperwork, viewinga computer screen, and operating office equipment
Due to federal regulations, a background check will be conducted as a condition of employment.
