"Associate Director, Youth Programs and Outreach Initiatives (Grant-funded, 1 year) - Worcester State University"

Job Description

OFFICIAL TITLE: Director, Youth Programs and Outreach Initiatives (Grant-funded, 1-year)

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Executive Director, Latino Education Institute (LEI)

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Supervise the K-12 Program Manager

General Statement of Duties: Support the Executive Director (ED) in strengthening and expanding the reach of LEI's programming for Latine/BIPOC youth, with a specific focus on the pipeline to college: 1. LEI's K-12 after-school and out-of-school (ASOST) programs, 2. WSU's enrollment and retention efforts, dual enrollment and early college initiatives. This position requires developing strong collaborative relationships with Worcester Public Schools (WPS), as well as relevant divisions at Worcester State University (WSU) pertaining to enrollment, retention, and inclusiveness. The role involves working directly with LEI's K-12 Program Manager and overseeing the overall enhancement of LEI's pipeline programs. Key responsibilities include supporting the K-12 Program Manager to ensure adherence to programmatic models rooted in current pedagogical practices, annually revising existing curricula for updates and improvements based on these practices, developing new curricula as required, assessing the effectiveness of programs using appropriate evaluation tools, and ensuring that the Program Manager, as well as the program facilitators, coordinators, and mentors, receive adequate annual training. The position also involves direct collaboration with WSU's enrollment and retention offices, early college and dual enrollment initiatives, and other pipeline initiatives. This includes working with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging for retention efforts. The role requires effective collaboration with a diverse group of youth, families, and staff from both WPS and WSU, as well as with professors and teachers. It also involves effective communication in Spanish with Hispanic and Spanish-speaking individuals, along with English language learners, while demonstrating sensitivity and cultural awareness. Being bilingual (proficient in both English and Spanish), maintaining confidentiality, and approaching all responsibilities with professionalism are essential for success in this role.

*This position is a grant-funded, one year appointment.

Responsibilities: (E) = Essential

1. (E) Oversee, support, and ensure quality implementation of LEI's youth pipeline programs in close collaboration with the Program Manager.
2. (E) Support the Executive Director in strengthening and expanding LEI's youth pipeline programs to align with the current demands and needs of WPS and the community.
3. (E) Serve as LEI liaison, overseeing the implementation of collaborative initiatives with WPS, WSU, and other post-secondary institutions and community organizations that work on strengthening the pipeline to college for underserved youth.
4. (E) Support the ED in incubating and developing initiatives to strengthen the pipeline of students from WPS high schools and LEI programs to college and WSU.
5. (E) Collaborate with WSU enrollment and retention management for Latine students (e.g., surveys, evaluations, activities) to increase college enrollment of the youth we serve. This responsibility includes developing, implementing, and measuring the success of a strategic plan (to be revised annually) for enrollment and retention of matriculated Latine students, with direct support and advice from the related offices at WSU and in line with the university's Strategic Enrollment Plan. This plan should include details on:
   1. Recruitment activities targeting prospective Latine students, including, but not limited to, culturally relevant Latine-focused on-campus events and off-campus recruitment initiatives.
   2. Data collection of prospective student information and providing contact details to the Admissions Office.
   3. Post-recruitment event communications aimed at increasing enrollment among prospective students. (Specifically, efforts to boost the yield of accepted students into enrollees, including, but not limited to, phone call campaigns and events that promote cultural recognition and affiliation.)
   4. Retention activities for current WSU Latine students, incorporating culturally-inclusive social events, networking opportunities, internships and part-time job openings at the LEI, as well as addressing course registration obstacles, to foster meaningful connections and engagement with the WSU community and reduce Latine student persistence and retention gaps.
6. (E) Review ASOST K-12 curricula per program annually to ensure pedagogical integrity and high-quality implementation in collaboration with the Program Manager and part-time staff members. This responsibility includes providing staff with the necessary annual training as needed
7. (E) Work directly with LEI's Data Analyst to collect and analyze various types of data (quantitative and qualitative) using different data collection tools (assessments, evaluations, surveys, questionnaires). Ensure data quality control in collaboration with the Data Analyst to assess program effectiveness and report to funders, WSU, WPS, and the broader community.
8. (E) Review and approve reports from the Program Manager and the staff of different programs for consistency and quality before submission to funders or any other organization. If needed, support the ED in writing and preparing reports for funders and other key organizations.
9. (E) Assist the ED in representing the LEI in WSU's enrollment and retention meetings and in other initiatives related to the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Inclusive, Excellence, and Belonging.
10. (E) Assist the ED in representing the LEI at civic engagements, community events, and committees focused on public education and funding. This representation may occur outside regular hours, during evenings and weekends, and could involve delivering presentations about the LEI and WSU.
11. (E) Support the ED in pedagogy-related theory and data for reports and grant writing.
12. (E) Participate in required training, workshops, conferences, or other aspects of professional development.
13. (E) Collaborate with the ED and LEI staff to ensure compliance with LEI-WSU policies, protocols, and safety guidelines, and respond to emergencies in accordance with established protocols.
14. (E) Support and foster positive relationships with partners, community-based organizations, and university resources to enhance LEI's program offerings.
15. (E) Responsible for contributing to the WSU Strategic Plan.
16. (E) Responsible for contributing to the Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action objectives.
17. (E) Performs similar and related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of master's degree in an education/pedagogy-related field and five years of experience in a similar role.
• Ability to communicate fluently in Spanish and English (bilingual).
• Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, listening, and counseling skills.
• Strong English writing skills, especially for data-driven reports and grants.
• Ability to interact with a very diverse group of representatives from WPS, as well as university leaders, faculty, students, and staff/personnel.
• Relevant working experience in education, especially in program and curricula development, implementation, training, and related pedagogical assessments/evaluations.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, grant-funded, benefited, exempt, professional APA position. The firm annual salary for this position is $75,000. Funding for this position is available for one year.

Here at Worcester State University, it is strongly recommended that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment.

Worcester State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• a choice of 8 different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options
• a choice of pension or 401(a), and supplemental plan retirement options
• life insurance up to 8x the annual salary
• long-term disability coverage
• dental insurance
• 20 vacation days accrued per year
• 15 sick days accrued per year
• 5 personal days per year
• paid holidays
• tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children
• and more...

We are an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. M/F/D/V. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.