What are the responsibilities and job description for the Education Specialist position at The WRK Group?
Join Our Team as an Educational Specialist
As an Education Specialist, you'll be at the forefront of creating transformative learning experiences that can change lives. Your expertise in curriculum development and implementation will directly impact our participants' educational journeys and future opportunities.
Why You Should Join Us
- Impactful Work: You'll be part of a dedicated team committed to facilitating economic mobility and creating pathways to success for young people.
- Competitive Compensation: Benefit from a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being.
- Growth Opportunities: Access ongoing professional development and career advancement within a mission-driven organization.
- Collaborative Culture: Be part of a dynamic, supportive, and innovative team that values creativity and teamwork.
Who We Are
REACH serves as the driving force behind the revitalization of the Riverside neighborhood in Wilmington, DE. Guided by the Purpose-Built Communities’ model, we focus on four pillars:
- High-Quality Mixed-Income Housing
- A Cradle-to-College-and-Career Pipeline
- Community Health
- Economic Vitality
Together with Kingswood Community Center and The Warehouse (an innovative teen center with 150 partners), we form the WRK Group, a coalition dedicated to transforming Riverside into a thriving, vibrant community. Learn more at www.wrkgroup.org.
What You’ll Do
The Education Specialist is responsible for the planning and implementation of high-quality learning experiences. The Education Specialist leads educational programs, develops curricula, prepares lessons and relevant presentations/materials, and facilitates classes, workshops, and other training services. This position utilizes superior classroom management skills while building partnerships with families to assist them in identifying goals, strengths, needed services, and support systems.
Program Development:
- Develop curriculum and lesson plans that align with educational standards and organizational goals.
- Ensure the implementation of high-quality curricula and activities, following national best practices and standards in youth services.
- Write and edit curriculum, promotional materials, educational materials, and training manuals as appropriate to the program.
- Create and implement TWH tutoring program, including recruitment, training, and supervision of tutors.
- Plan and coordinate high school/college tours and HBCU fairs to get a firsthand view, answers to questions, and valuable information to help decide whether the institution aligns with their goals/interests.
- Develop a scholarship and grant resource guide (including Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) for youth transitioning to high school, college, and/or training programs.
Instruction and Facilitation:
- Facilitate SAT/ACT and GED preparation workshops and classes.
- Administer educational assessments, draft individualized education plans, and monitor/track progress toward goal attainment.
- Advise students with the college admissions process, including test preparation plans, personal statement, essays, and financial planning.
- Engage parents/caregivers and guidance counselors as a resource to support youth educational exploration and the high school and college matriculation process.
Community Engagement:
- Coordinate logistics, secure vendors, and manage event budgets to ensure successful implementation.
- Promote education initiatives through various communication channels, including email, intranet, and social media.
- Represent the organization at community events and meetings.
Resource Management:
- Manage supplies, equipment, and facilities to ensure they are available and in good condition.
- Prepare and maintain budgets for education programs and projects.
- Support funding opportunities and write grant proposals to support education initiatives.
Data Management and Reporting
- Implement program evaluations and assessments (e.g., surveys) to include program delivery, customer service, effectiveness, and progress toward employment objectives.
- Monitor program progress and outcomes to ensure they meet quality standards and comply with relevant regulations and requirements.
- Enter data into Delaware Job Link and Apricot systems and conduct file audits.
- Analyze information and maintain complete, organized, and accurate documentation (including email communication) on program performance and outcomes for management and stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement best practices to enhance service quality, delivery efficiency, and effectiveness.
What We’re Looking For
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College or University which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position. A track record of effectively leading a performance- and outcomes-based program.
- Candidates should have 2-5 years of experience preferably in a community or educational setting. Proven experience in administering standardized testing (i.e.: GED, ACT, SAT and or Praxis) and strong teaching, curriculum development or instructional design background preferred.
Certification Requirements
First Aid/CPR preferred; must be certified within first 60 days of hire.
Conditions of Hire
- A satisfactory criminal background and reference check, a valid driver’s license, and an acceptable driving record are required at time of appointment and throughout employment in this position.
- Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
Skills and Abilities
- Be a self-starter, with a high level of initiative, and a proven proactive thinker who thrives in a dynamic and matrixed environment.
- Exercise initiative and sound judgment in analyzing complex issues and problems.
- Identify and evaluate alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
- Express ideas, concepts, and technical information clearly and concisely, both in writing and orally.
- Manage multiple projects with strong attention to detail and effective time management skills.
- Microsoft Office suite, database management, project management software, and applications such as Adobe proficiently.
- Be a team player, adapt to change and demonstrate flexibility as workstreams shift.
- Be culturally sensitive and open to constructive feedback.
- Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
- Demonstrate solid business acumen.
- Set priorities and provide guidance through direct and influence management.
- Effectively block, tackle, and troubleshoot day-to-day issues.
- Thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Develop and provide budget oversight and tracking.
- Lead effective and impactful community engagement.
- Network effectively with local businesses, corporations, vendors.
- Analyze data and make data-driven decisions.
Work Environment and Requirements
- Schedule: This is a full-time position, and general hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 11:30am-8:30 pm.; however, this position may require day hours and weekend work.
- Travel: Primarily local during the business day, with some out-of-area or overnight travel as needed.
- Physical Demands: Ability to sit for extended periods, use technology, and move about to facilitate workshops or meetings.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
How We Evaluate Performance
Performance in this position will be evaluated in alignment with our Employee Handbook standards.
Equal Opportunity Employer
REACH Riverside Development Corporation is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under local, state, or federal law.
