Supervision: Youth Programs Assistant and associated contractors
Location: Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota office, 555 Park Street, Suite 410, Saint Paul MN 55103
Time Commitment: Standard work week – Monday through Friday. Some evenings and weekends may be required.
Organization Overview
The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. CDF’s Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. We 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. CDF partners with policymakers, aligned organizations and funders in this service. The Children’s Defense Fund 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.
Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota’s (CDF-MN) Youth Development Senior Manager position 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 programs in Minnesota. This includes providing oversight and technical assistance to organizations implementing the Freedom Schools Model and youth programming through the development necessary toolkits and educational materials. This position also works directly with CDF-MN’s own 21st Century afterschool sites and manages these grants. This position also oversees our youth development and leadership programs. See all CDF-MN program descriptions at our website at: www.CDF-MN.org
Roles/Responsibilities:
Freedom Schools
Identify organizations that have the potential and capacity to operate a CDF 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 CDF Freedom Schools program in all initial and subsequent contact for individuals and organizations interested in sponsoring or supporting a CDF Freedom Schools program in Minnesota.
Conduct grassroots organizing, make presentations, recruit volunteers, and generate interest in CDF’s work across Minnesota.
Maintain contact with existing and former CDF 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 CDF office and current/former CDF Freedom Schools sponsors and incorporate them in local and state CDF events and activities.
Coordinate annual Freedom School trainings and events.
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 CDF priorities and initiatives.
Connect Beat the Odds alum with other CDF youth programs and initiatives.
Supervise any volunteer/interns working with Youth Programs.
Serve as member of CDF-MN annual fundraising event planning team.
Education and/or Experience:
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 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
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in community organizing, program development/implementation/coordination, constituent outreach, and coalition-building.
Specific experience with 21st CCLC programs and grant requirements.
Commitment to CDF 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.
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 CDF-MN 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.
Personal Characteristics:
Orientation to and background of servant leadership
A deep commitment to improving the lives of children as expressed in CDF’s mission statement
Ability to serve as an advocate and exemplar for the vision, values, and mission of the Children’s Defense Fund
Demonstrated strong relational skills
Brings empathy, passion, and humor to the work
Type of work environment:
Indoor, office setting, some travel.
Additional Comments
Children’s Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, economic status, or status as an individual with a disability. Consideration will be given to qualified candidates on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
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