Join Us

Joining the Higher Ground team means more than accepting a role— It’s a commitment to continuous improvement, well-being, and employee growth. We believe in investing in our employees just as much as we invest in our mission.

Collaborate with a diverse and dynamic team— Our teams range from elected officials and city branding directors to former educators, and principals. To bring our mission full circle, individuals who once benefited from Higher Ground’s services now lead our efforts. With over 17 years of experience in community building, we’re proud of our reputation for making data-driven decisions.

Enjoy unparalleled benefits— Our commitment to your well-being is real. We offer 12 weeks of paid parental leave, a healthy amount of vacation and sick time, and paid administrative leave. Resting and recharging is essential. At each stage of employment, we explore opportunities for continued learning, believing in long-term professional development.

Partner with experts in their fields— We often work alongside renowned researchers like Dr. Angela Duckworth and Dr. Adele Diamond, as well as local leaders such as Dr. Nolan Cabrera and Dr. Leah Kapa. These partnerships reflect our deep commitment to excellence and innovation.

See why Tucson voted Higher Ground the Best Place to Work in 2024. Apply to join our team today!

"Life Changer" Application
Employee Application

  • We are always looking to meet with highly qualified individuals who are passionate about helping to transform the lives of youth and families in our Tucson and Chandler communities.

    Higher Ground offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, compensated professional development, and many more perks! Check back for open positions in the future or continue reading for other ways to get involved.

  • High school & college students who have a passion for helping others are encouraged to apply!

    Gain training and experience either in a school setting at one of our Restart SMART sites or with our Higher Ground teams in areas like media, HR, and our patented life-coaching technology.

  • There are many ways to volunteer with Higher Ground! Whether you volunteer alone, with a group, or as a business, we consider you a “Life Changer!” Here are some of the ways Life Changers can help our Restart SMART Sites:

    • Work in the community gardens
    • Paint murals
    • Inventory resource rooms
    • Table at school & community events
    • Set up & take down events
    • Offer employment or mentorship experiences
    • Donate services, supplies, or time

    Have an idea? Just reach out!

Be part of the team!

  • Volunteer Opportunities

    Have a passion or skill you want to share or grow? Join our team as a volunteer to spark positive change and support student, family, and community wellness!

    As a volunteer, you can work directly with students and families, lend a hand at our offices, or be a part of getting the word out about our work.

    Contact Now

  • Internship Opportunities

    Are you a college student looking to for hands-on experience? Intern with us earn credit while being a part of lasting community change!

    As an intern, you can support students, families, business operations, data & technology innovations, or marketing & communications.

    Contact Now
"Life Changer" Application

Benefits

We believe that our basic needs must be met in order to help ourselves (and then help others!) Employee well-being, health, growth, and security are paramount to Higher Ground’s mission and values.

  • ● Health Insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of AZ (Plans are comparable to the University of Arizona’s health offerings.)

    ● Employee Assistance Plan which provides 12 free, confidential therapy sessions per year and other resources

    ● Dental

    ● Vision

    ● Life insurance

    ● 401K plan

    ●Opportunity for 1/2 days on Fridays for wellness

  • ● Robust, continuous professional development

    ● Paid professional development

    ● Career advancement opportunities within the organization

    ● Community networking and relationship-building opportunities

    ● Conference and leadership opportunities

  • ● Sick leave

    ● Paid time off

    ● Parental leave

    ● All paid federal holidays off

    ● Flex time opportunities for hourly staff

  • ● Community volunteer opportunities

    ● Paid staff fun days

    ● Work laptop and email provided

    ● Professional travel reimbursed when necessary

    ● Tucson and Chandler locations with cross-state collaboration

Why Higher Ground?

  • "It comforts me to think of the transformative work that Higher Ground is doing for individuals, families, and communities. I have hope that our work will be part of systemic change that leads to fewer people living in poverty in Arizona within a generation."

    Sidney Jasper

  • "Higher Ground allows me to help my community on a broader scale, connecting directly with families and giving the families choices."

    Zeke Lara

  • "This job makes me feel fulfilled. I love my purpose at my site and my reason for being there-- being the support I didn't have when I was a kid."

    Alondra Guzman

  • "As a teacher who was compassion-fatigued, it was a natural fit to work for an organization that actively helps school environments by empowering youth and families. I wish the Community Schools Strategy was available to me when I was in the classroom.

    Kat St.Pierre

  • "I am able to work with the community that I grew up in to help make lasting change. I love working with my team!"

    Dallas Lara

  • "The training and onboarding process has been a strong representation of the collaboration forthcoming."

    Kenneth M. Welch