Youth Development Specialist

Our client envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. Our client builds community so young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy. They serve and advocate for the largest, most diverse generation in America: the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25, with particular attention to those living in poverty and communities of color. Our client partners with policymakers, aligned organizations and funders in this service. Our client is the only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice by wielding the moral authority of programmatic proximity and community organizing to inform public policy.

Position Summary

The Youth Development Senior Manager is a full-time (35 hours/week) salaried, benefits eligible position. The Youth Development Senior Manager plays a key role in the coordination and implementation of youth programs and is a key member in building partnerships with organizations of similar interest to integrate and implement Freedom Schools® model in Minnesota. This includes providing oversight and technical assistance to organizations implementing the Freedom Schools model and youth programming, through the development of necessary toolkits and educational materials. This position also works directly with 21st Century afterschool sites and manages these grants. This position also oversees our youth development and leadership programs.

Responsibilities

Freedom Schools®

· Identify organizations that have the potential and capacity to operate a Freedom Schools program at high standards.

· Provide leadership and technical assistance to sustain partnerships within Minnesota Freedom Schools network.

· Manage Youth Team and consultants to ensure program goals and key functions are being met.

· Represent Freedom Schools program in all initial and subsequent contact for individuals and organizations interested in sponsoring or supporting a Freedom Schools program in Minnesota.

· Conduct grassroots organizing, make presentations, recruit volunteers, and generate interest in their work across Minnesota.

· Maintain contact with existing and former Freedom Schools sponsor organizations in Minnesota to support local, state and regional work.

· Ensure the timely and accurate submission of all application materials for new and returning sponsor partners.

· Facilitate ongoing communication between the local office and current/former Freedom Schools sponsors and incorporate them in local and state events and activities.

· Coordinate annual Freedom School trainings and events.

· Facilitate Monthly Freedom Schools Network meetings.

· Conduct site visits of Freedom School Sites, checking for fidelity to the model and quality improvement.

21st Century CCLC Program Management

· Manage 21st Century CCLC out-of-school time centers that strive to improve student academics, attendance, and behavior.

· Establish and implement policies and procedures that fulfill all federal and state requirements for the 21st CCLC programs.

· Ensure student data and information is collected from each center to meet grant reporting requirements.

· Provide direct and indirect supervision of site coordinators and other center staff.

· Coordinate professional development opportunities for center staff and conduct regular partner meetings.

· Work with MN Department of Education on grant implementation and compliance.

· Assist with 21st CCLC budget development and oversight.

Youth Leadership and Development

· Support youth in developing skills to be active in their communities as partners, leaders, and advocates.

· Support Youth Participatory Evaluation (YPE) activities and trainings.

· Conduct meetings prior to and following any youth related activities.

· Plan and organize youth events in relation to the organization’s priorities and initiatives.

· Connect Beat the Odds alum with other youth programs and initiatives.

· Supervise any volunteer/interns working with Youth Programs.

· Serve as member of annual fundraising event planning team.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience – preferably in the field of education and youth development.

· Experience working with youth from various racial and cultural background.

· Five or more years of experience working in a school or community-based out-of-school time programs.

· Experience in grant writing, fiscal management, data reporting and evaluation.

· Experience managing contractors, staff and volunteers.

· Proficient in computer and software technology.

· A track record of developing and maintaining strong working relationships with and among stakeholders

· Experience in community organizing, program development/implementation/coordination, constituent outreach, and coalition-building.

· Specific experience with 21st CCLC programs and grant requirements.

· Commitment to our client’s issue areas.

· Demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of children and families

· Familiarity with Social Justice/Civil Rights Movement History and its impact on public policy.

· Commitment to racial and economic equity for children.

· Detail oriented and able to think creatively and take initiative.

· Excellent meeting and group dynamic facilitation skills.

· Ability to interact with diverse communities.

· Ability to translate complex concepts into easily understood language.

· Flexibility and willingness to participate as part of a team.

· Excellent writing and strong computer skills.

· Ability to travel frequently.

Competencies

The Youth Development Senior Manager should demonstrate competence in the following:

· Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization – must be able to work with people of all ages and backgrounds, skills, and abilities.

· Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques for multiple audiences.

· Foster Teamwork: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problem, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness and builds a team culture.

· Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule to monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information, and activities.

· Understanding: Understand and appreciate the mission and work of the organization and how public policy affects children and families.

· Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.

· Have fun: Bring a sense of inquisitiveness and humor as well as flexibility to the work.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Personal Characteristics

· Orientation to and background of servant leadership

· A deep commitment to improving the lives of children as expressed in the mission statement

· Ability to serve as an advocate and exemplar for the vision, values, and mission of the organization

· Demonstrated strong relational skills

· Brings empathy, passion, and humor to the work

· Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to think about the KIDS COUNT Data book and how data can be used in advocacy.

Type of work environment associated with the job

· indoor, office setting

· Statewide travel to sites will be required

· Some travel out of state

Additional Comments

· Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

· Note: This job description does not restrict management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.