JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION DESCRIPTIONPOSITION:

Program Manager,

OPEN:March 20, 2014

Escalera STEM

LOCATION:

Washington, DC

CLOSE: Until Filled

CONTACT:

Julie Perez

BACKGROUNDThe National Council of La Raza (NCLR)the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United Statesworks 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 areasassets/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.

SUMMARY

The Program Manager, Escalera STEM, is responsible for the implementation and management of the NCLR Escalera Program: Taking Steps to Success, a comprehensive initiative to promote economic mobility for Latino youth by increasing educational attainment, career planning, and access to professional career paths while eliminating barriers to basic and advanced education and employment. The program incorporates best practices in youth employment and development to provide academic support, work readiness, leadership development, and career exploration and planning for Latino high school students at risk of not graduating. The Program Manager will administer this program consistent with NCLRs mission and Education component strategy, and aligned with NCLRs Affiliate Member Services Business Plan. In particular, this position will be responsible for the expansion and enhancement of the Escalera Program within the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Primary responsibilities include strengthening data collection and reporting efforts, managing an evaluation of the existing program sites, and developing and executing a national Escalera Program sustainability strategy. The Program Manager will also lead efforts to refine and standardize critical program components, including curriculum materials and training modules.The Program Manager reports to the Senior Director of K16 Education and is expected to work closely with other NCLR staff members to support specific assignments and projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Implementation

Develop curriculum materials based on Escaleras core threads: cultural awareness, leadership development, self-advocacy, individual goal setting, and college and career readiness, infused with STEM elements and concepts. Prepare materials and deliver professional development trainings centered on Escaleras STEM curriculum. Work closely with NCLR staff and Affiliate partners to implement Escalera Program components and provide guidance to Escalera Program sites.

Identify and coordinate strategic support to Affiliate partners in program development, data collection, program evaluation, and program replication. 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 STEM efforts. Design and execute a national Escalera Program sustainability strategy. Establish and manage an Escalera STEM Advisory Group that will provide guidance and input into program implementation and expansion.Data Management and Evaluation Work with in-house staff, Affiliates, and external evaluators to standardize a data collection system to be used by program sites. Serve as the lead coordinator for the collection of program data from Affiliate partners implementing the Escalera Program. Provide data collection support to Affiliates. Manage Escalera Program data and prepare quarterly program reports on these data.

Work with NCLR staff and Affiliates to conduct a formal program evaluation.Public Information and Communications

Prepare written internal and external reports, updates, materials, and other necessary communications. Work with the NCLR media and digital teams to create and manage information on the NCLR website. Support the dissemination of information, announcements, materials, and tools concerning the Escalera Program. Provide support in resource development and fundraising activities, including the preparation of proposals.

Support Education programmatic efforts where appropriate.

Perform other relevant duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced degree and at least five years of experience in education program implementation and/or STEM expertise Demonstrated knowledge of local and regional youth development issues, particularly from a Latino perspective

Demonstrated ability to engage a range of partners and support networks Experience managing multiple projects

Demonstrated experience in resource development and fundraising 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 nonprofit organizations 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; a quick learner

Strong sense of self-motivation; ability to work with minimal supervision, meet deadlines, prioritize activities, and function effectively with multiple projects and short timelines

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 regard to schedule, working hours, and assignments, including ability to work evenings and weekends when necessary

Ability to travel

Bilingual ability (English/Spanish) preferable Proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Office, communication software, and use of the Internet

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Send cover letter, rsum, two references, and a writing sample to:

National Council of La RazaAttn: Julie Perez1126 16th Street, NW, Suite 600Washington, DC 20036

Fax: (202) 776-1775

Email: HRmail@nclr.orgEQUAL 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.