"Program Associate for Project Based Learning"

Brief Description of Duties

The Program Associate for Project Based Learning will design, implement, facilitate, and evaluate community-based research and education projects through project-based learning activities in the District of Columbia's K-12 education pipeline and District community-based organizations. The incumbent will engage K-12 students and educators in hands-on, applied learning focused on innovative urban agriculture technologies such as hydroponics; urban sustainability; green infrastructure; and sustainable entrepreneurship, with a focus on equity and resilience. The Program Associate will develop, implement, evaluate, and report on the impact of the new programs, curricula and partnerships to engage University of the District of Columbia (UDC) students and District youth in green sustainable, pro-urban food systems technologies and related career sectors. The position will cultivate research, training, mentorship, and partnerships across schools, government, and nonprofit organizations, and emphasize improvement of educational outcomes, workforce readiness, and community well-being in under served areas of Washington, DC (particularly Wards 7 and 8) to advance the University's strategic goals of student success, academic quality, workforce development, and impactful community engagement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitates DAWN Initiative (To learn about DAWN please visit) partnership through the implementation of project-based learning opportunities primarily at Anacostia High School, Kramer and Sousa Middle Schools and other stakeholders in Wards 7 and 8 for at least 3 days each week. (30%)
• Designs, develops, implements, evaluates, and reports on the novel project-based learning programs which support the College's and the University's goals, while improving the quality of life and economic opportunity of District residents. (20%)
• Plans, leads, and implements training sessions, workshops, webinars, and other similar activities to increase awareness and effectiveness of relevant stakeholders. Ensures accurate data collection and timely reporting of program impacts. (10%)
• Engages, develops, and implements curricula and a mentorship program for a diverse audience of stakeholders, including but not limited to UDC students, District K-12 students, and their respective faculty and teachers. (5%)
• Advances a database and network of urban sustainability, urban agriculture, and green infrastructure experts from universities, federal and district agencies, and community-based non-profit organizations to support project-based learning. (5%)
• Develops educational and research resources including fact sheets, toolkits, white papers, and publications to support project-based learning in the District. (5%)
• Identifies funding sources and actively pursues grant opportunities to fund research and program in collaboration with CAUSES Project Specialists, the UDC Foundation and relevant UDC stakeholders. (5%)
• Develops and implements an active applied research program incorporating project-based learning activities. (5%) Represents the University, CAUSES, and the Center in appropriate internal and external meetings. (5%)
• Coordinates and communicates a plan of work, and accurate and timely reporting of program impacts and accomplishments on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis. (5%)
• Performs other duties as assigned, including special assignments to support the needs of the center, college, and university. (5%)

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree.

Experience:

Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in:

• Community engagement or youth development
• Experiential or project-based learning
• Strategic planning or community development

Core Competencies: Demonstrated knowledge of:

• Strategic planning and community development principles
• Modern office procedures and information and communication technologies (ICT)
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a goal-oriented environment