POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION: Escalera Program Manager

LOCATION: Washington, DC

CONTACT: Loretta Rodriguez

OPEN: August, 2015

CLOSE: Until Filled

SALARY: Commensurate with Experience

SUMMARY

The National Council of La Raza (NCLR)—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. Through its network of nearly 300 affiliated community-based organizations, NCLR reaches millions of Hispanics each year in 41 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. To achieve its mission, NCLR conducts applied research, policy analysis, and advocacy, providing a Latino perspective in five key areas—assets/investments, civil rights/immigration, education, employment and economic status, and health. In addition, it provides capacity-building assistance to its Affiliates who work at the state and local level to advance opportunities for individuals and families.

Founded in 1968, NCLR is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, tax-exempt organization headquartered in Washington, DC, serving all Hispanic subgroups in all regions of the country. It has state and regional offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, and San Antonio.

BACKGROUND

In 2001, NCLR created the Escalera Program: Taking Steps to Success to promote economic mobility for Latino youth by increasing educational attainment, career planning, and access to information about professional careers. The program aligns with NCLR’s goals to eliminate barriers to employment and economic mobility while increasing the capacity of NCLR Affiliates to provide effective workforce development, education, and leadership services for Latino youth. The intent of the Escalera Program is to design a replicable program model for serving Latino youth that NCLR Affiliates throughout the country can implement. To date, Affiliates have served more than 1,500 youth in the program, preparing them for postsecondary and career success.

The NCLR Education team seeks an experienced and accomplished program manager with a deep affinity for the organization’s mission and commitment to support Latino youth through the college and career-readiness process. The Escalera Manager position requires leadership, confidence and vision, thoughtful strategic planning, interpersonal communication, and curriculum and program development skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development and Implementation Develop curriculum tool kits, materials, and training modules for high school students. Identify and coordinate strategic support to Affiliate partners in program development, data

collection, program evaluation, and program expansion and replication. Provide guidance and technical assistance to program sites. Monitor program implementation and collect accountability reports from participating sites. Identify areas to strengthen program components and work with Affiliates to develop and

implement targeted solutions. Work in partnership with NCLR staff, Affiliates, and other strategic partners to identify and

design best practices and approaches to strengthen Escalera efforts. Establish and manage partnerships with institutions of higher learning and college-focused

organizations.

Data Management and Evaluation Establish standardized data collection systems to be used by program sites. Provide data collection support to Affiliates. Prepare quarterly program reports and funder reports and assist with grant proposals. Work with NCLR staff, program Affiliates, and external evaluators to conduct a formal

program evaluation of the Escalera program.

Public Information and Communications Manage the editing process of Escalera curricula and promotion materials. Prepare written internal and external reports, updates, materials, and other necessary

communications. Work with the NCLR media and information technology support staff to create and manage

information on the NCLR website and social media outlets. Support dissemination of college and career-readiness programs information,

announcements, materials, and tools. Provide support in resource development and funding activities, including the preparation of

proposals.

General Seek opportunities for Affiliate peer support efforts. Support and participate in cross-component NCLR collaborations, specifically with

education, youth leadership, and policy staff. Communicate and collaborate with NCLR staff and relevant staff in headquarters and field

offices. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree and at least five years’ experience in education programs Demonstrated knowledge of local and regional college & career preparedness and college-

going issues, particularly from a Latino perspective Demonstrated ability to engage a range of partners and support networks

Experience managing multiple projects Experience with curriculum and program development Strong ability to develop work plans, set deadlines, work with minimal supervision, manage

multiple projects and duties simultaneously, and prioritize among assignments Experience working with relevant sectors, including community-based/nonprofits,

institutions of higher education and the corporate community Demonstrated commitment to improving opportunities for the Latino community Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies and in a variety of situations Strong organizational and administrative skills and attention to detail; organized, and a quick

learner Well-developed writing skills and ability to synthesize information from different sources

and present it in a variety of written formats and styles for various audiences (e.g., activity and progress reports, manuals, articles, data analyses, and fact sheets)

Ability to work as part of a team and encourage excellence in performance Flexible in regards to schedule, working hours, and assignments, including ability to work

evenings and weekends when necessary Ability to travel Preferably bilingual (English/Spanish) Proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Office, communication software, and use of the Internet

Please note: Only those applicants who submit a cover letter and writing sample along with a résumé will be considered for this opportunity. Please include “Escalera Program Manager” in the subject line of any email submissions.

SEND COVER LETTER, WRITING SAMPLE, ANDRÉSUMÉ TO:

National Council of La RazaRaul Yzaguirre BuildingAttn: Loretta Rodriguez

1126 16th Street, NW, Suite 600Washington, DC 20036Email: hrmail@nclr.org.

No phone calls please!

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or enrollment in a college, university, technical school, or adult education.