Experiential Learning Center (ELC) Director

Job Description:

This position is responsible for the overall quality and effectiveness of JA BizTown, JA Finance Park and JA BizTown Summer Camp for students, educators, and volunteers. Works with the Sr. Director of Education to assure that program strategy supports the overall business objectives of JA of Oregon & SW Washington. The position also increases public awareness for the program; ensures program quality, expansion, and good school relations; helps develop the budget and manages the yearly planning calendar for the program.

This position is responsible for the implementation of two site locations – one in Portland and one in Hillsboro – and is expected to be at both locations. Management of daily operations for programs, trainings and works with other JA ELC staff to ensure a successful simulation for students, educators, and volunteers. This individual will represent Junior Achievement with an audience of schools, educators, volunteers, and students through program service delivery across Oregon and SW Washington.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop annual strategy and operating plans related to the ELC programs that support the overall JA Area business objectives
• Creates and implements marketing strategies to schools
• Ensure that program targets for the number of students served are reached to ensure program growth
• Assists leadership team in development of ELC goals and larger program goals for organization
• Develops and administers standards for program quality, including simulation delivery, reset, and communication with stakeholders by ELC team members
• Supervisory responsibility for all full and part time team members, including hiring, training, coaching, development, and scheduling
• Regularly expands knowledge of ELC programs through engagement with JA USA resources, other JA areas, best practices, and trainings
• Implements best practices, maintains thorough understanding of simulation technology and updates, helps implement technology upgrades and changes as needed
• Responsible for establishing and maintaining efficient inventory levels of simulation supplies. Coordinates end-of-year inventory of all materials and supplies
• Responsible for coordination, planning, and implementation of JA BizTown Summer Camp program including registration portal, advertising, program development, administration, and overall communication with families
• Ensures completion of work of Site Managers, filling is as needed to ensure program quality and consistency
• Ensures accuracy of program information in BCRM database.
• Other duties as they arise

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is preferred. Four or more years of JA or related experience preferred, experience in a fast-paced environment
• Initiative-taking with strong customer service skills, exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Strong oral, organizational and program management skills demonstrated by an ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects, including special events, to full completion while achieving stated goals
• Strong problem-solving skills; strong presentation and public speaking skills demonstrated by the ability to confidently speak to and motivate a variety of volunteer constituents in small and large groups, including volunteer training environments
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a fast paced, changing environment
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated customer focus in dealing with a variety of stakeholders
• Strong technology skills with all Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with database platforms and modern work devices
• Minimum of 2 years with leadership or supervisory experience
• Previous involvement in a corporate, nonprofit or education settings
• Prior experience working with children is a plus

COMPANY SUMMARY:

Junior Achievement: Empowering young people to own their economic success®

Junior Achievement of Oregon & SW Washington (JA) is a nonprofit youth organization whose core purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Junior Achievement will reach over 35,000 students this year with relevant, hands-on learning experiences that teach young people to manage their money, plan for their economic future, own their own businesses, and develop readiness for careers or college.

Junior Achievement associates are known for their passion for the JA mission that brings together business and education to work with students in kindergarten through high school, so they are empowered to own their economic success. Members of the JA team interact with community leaders who support JA with their time, treasure, and talent. Junior Achievement of Oregon & SW Washington offers a collaborative, inclusive work environment and the opportunity to impact the lives of young people in our community.

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT’S COMMITMENT TO EQUITABLE EDUCATION:

Junior Achievement is committed to continuing to expand outreach to priority youth throughout Oregon and SW Washington. Junior Achievement seeks staff, volunteers and board members who bring a unique perspective due to their personal and/or professional background as we continue our work to reach more students who are from low-income families and students in rural areas.

ABOUT JA BIZTOWN:

JA BizTown combines classroom learning with a one-day economic simulation in an 8,500 square foot replica of an American city. Upper-elementary students (grades 4th-6th) spend 12 hours with educator-led curriculum, learning essential business concepts such as basic economics, civic responsibility, and community engagement. They apply for jobs and participate in mock interviews. After completing the classroom lessons, students visit JA BizTown for a one-day experience where they become citizens, work in various businesses, make personal financial decisions, hold business meetings, pay taxes, and donate to a non-profit organization. This interactive program not only teaches students how to manage their personal finances and the importance of becoming successful professionals in a community but also empowers them to take responsibility for their professional and educational futures.

ABOUT JA FINANCE PARK:

JA Finance Park is a program designed for middle and high school students to learn about budgeting and personal finance. Students participate in approximately 12 hours of educator-led classroom instruction, culminating in a high-tech, high-touch simulation day. During the four-and-a-half-hour simulation, students assume randomly assigned fictional adult roles that denote career, marital status, income level, and family size. They move from business to business, making real-life budget decisions about groceries, housing, health care, transportation, utilities, and savings. This simulation allows students to apply what they have learned in the classroom by creating a balanced household budget.

ABOUT JA BIZTOWN SUMMER CAMP:

An extension of our JA BizTown Program, JA BizTown Summer Camps are a dynamic, hands-on learning experience that engages students ages 10-14 in the American free enterprise system. Exposing them to business, entrepreneurship, and financial planning. In addition to being a fun and exciting program for all students involved, the camp focuses on workforce development, economic education, and experiential learning. This interactive program not only teaches students how to manage their own personal finances and the importance of becoming a successful professional in a community, but it also empowers them to take responsibility for their professional and educational futures.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $62,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Portland, OR 97206 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Portland, OR 97206: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $62,000 - $65,000