COALITION PROGRAM MANAGER

Solutions Not Suspensions

Solutions Not Suspensions (SNS) is a coalition of students, families, community members,  and organizations committed to changing policies, practices, and mindsets in order to end racial disparities in discipline and foster positive school climates for all students. 

For the first time in its history, SNS seeks a full-time staff member to lead the execution of organizational programs and communications. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced advocate, organizer, and/or communications professional with an entrepreneurial spirit and a demonstrated history of anti-racist campaigns and/or community-based work. Building on almost a decade of coalition organizing, existing community partnerships, past wins, and current strategic plans, the Program Manager will catalyze increased impact for the students and caregivers most impacted by racist and ableist discipline policy.

Reports to: Steering Committee Lead

Time Commitment: Full Time

Compensation: $65,000 is the midpoint of the salary range for this position; a competitive offer will be made based on qualifications and years of experience

Work Location: Residency required within the Twin Cities Metro Area, but work is primarily remote with some in person meetings, events, and other work required

Benefits: Generous PTO and paid holidays, health and dental insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401k with employer match, remote and fully flexible work schedule 

Primary Responsibilities:

The Coalition Program Manager will play a pivotal role to support the reach and impact of the Solutions Not Suspensions Coalition, working with its Steering Committee and Board to implement programming and base-building to achieve our mission. The Coalition Program Manager will:

• Lead the recruitment and retention of coalition members, including:
  • Developing and maintaining a membership ladder of engagement
  • Outreach to and engagement of priority coalition members (ex: youth, caregivers, educators)
  • Having one-on-one meetings with coalition members to identify opportunities for individuals to take action and to develop coalition leaders that advance the coalition’s goals/priorities
  • Leading community engagement on behalf of the coalition including participation in other local and national coalitions and programs
• Lead coalition programming including:
  • Planning and leading regularly scheduled full coalition meetings
  • Planning and leading project-specific workgroups
  • Coordinating events
• In partnership with coalition partners and the steering + policy committees, develop and execute campaign plans and advocacy tactics at various levels (statewide, district-wide, etc.) that advance coalition objectives
• Develop and execute communication strategies to advance coalition objectives/campaigns including managing coalition communication platforms (ex: email, social media, website)
• Providing administrative support for the coalition and steering committee including:
  • Scheduling meetings and sending out reminders
  • Taking notes and coordinating action steps
  • Budget management and purchasing

Essential Qualifications:

• Demonstrated interest in issues of education equity, especially as it relates to exclusionary discipline
• Experience managing people, projects, and/or programs, with a preference for advocacy/campaign settings
• Self-motivated and takes initiative; independent worker
• Strong organizational skills, including strong facility for multitasking
• Persuasive and effectively leverages strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated interest and experience working within a collaborative, team-based setting
• Experience working with communities of color, multicultural populations, other marginalized groups, and youth. 

Inclusion Statements

SNS is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting equal opportunities without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, pregnancy, disability, work-related injury, covered veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other factor that the law protects from employment discrimination.

SNS is committed to making every reasonable effort to accommodate an employee’s disability. An accommodation may be provided as long as the employee can perform the essential duties of the job, and it does not create an undue hardship for the organization. A reasonable accommodation may include, but is not limited to, changes in the work environment or in the way a job is performed, so employees with disabilities may enjoy equal employment opportunities.

Application Instructions

To apply, please send a resume and brief written responses to the following questions to solutionsnotsuspensions@gmail.com with subject line “CPM Application Materials.”

1. Solutions Not Suspensions is a coalition of students, families, community members,  and organizations committed to changing policies, practices, and mindsets in order to end racial disparities in discipline and foster positive school climates for all students. Tell us about why this work is important to you and how your goals and values align with it. 
2. Based on the job responsibilities, what skills and experiences do you have that qualify you for the position? 

Applications will be reviewed on August 1st, 2023. Candidates who move forward will be invited to interview with a hiring committee comprised of members of the Steering Committee and Board by mid-August.