Program Director Job Description
The next Program Director at the Alliance for Youth Action (along with our sister 501c3 organization the Alliance for Youth Organizing) will lead programmatic efforts of the premier youth organizing network in the country. This person will work with a national staff of seven talented, fierce individuals dedicated to supporting and scaling eight state-based young people political power building affiliate organizations comprised of some of the brainiest and hardest-working folks in the field. The Program Director plays an integral role in organizational strategy development and will manage and support the Program team. This is a full-time and exempt position and reports to the Executive Director.
About the Alliance For Youth Action
The Alliance convenes, supports, and scales a national network of youth-led, locally rooted organizations growing civic engagement and social justice coast to coast. We truly are a network “of young people, by young people, for all people.” In 2018, our affiliates and partners will run massive voter registrations and get-out-the-vote drives, train new young leaders, and run powerful campaigns to win on the progressive issues our generation cares about most. Our national team empowers this work by tracking down national resources for the network, building capacity for local groups, seeding new efforts, and coordinating national issue campaigns. And we’ll likely do it all while bringing our generation together via the various remixes of J Balvin’s “Mi Gente.”
Job Responsibilities
The Program Director will be responsible for leading and managing the organization’s Program Department. Key responsibilities of this position include:
Program Team Management (50%) – The Program Director will manage an experienced program team in the development and implementation of goals and objectives adopted during our annual planning process by ensuring team members have the tools and support they need to be successful and thrive. This person will also guide team members through professional development opportunities to grow their individual skills and abilities.
Network Expansion (20%) – The Program Director will manage the Alliance’s “incubation” process to expand the network of state-based youth organizations. This work includes vetting and recruitment of new organizations and emerging leaders, collaboration with in-state stakeholders, and significant support on organization building for first-time and/or young Executive Directors and board members.
Affiliate Executive Director Alignment & Coordination (15%) – Because our network is committed to taking the lead from young leaders on the ground, Executive Directors of Alliance’s affiliate organizations are crucial stakeholders in driving our work of developing new models of progressive leadership and accountability in progressive movements. The Program Director will be responsible for aligning, empowering, and coordinating Alliance Executive Directors to help set network-wide strategy and define our values. This person will also serve as a connector between affiliate Executive Directors, Alliance staff, and Board.
Strategic Partnerships (10%) – The Program Director will lead partnership work with national, state, and local organizations, companies, and brands to elevate affiliates and partners and further organization’s electoral and issue campaign goals.
Other Organizational Efforts (5%) – The Program Director will play a key role in supporting the work of the Program team through involvement in capacity building efforts, the national Alliance conference, and the 2018 electoral plan. This Program Director will also support organization-wide efforts in the development and external communications.
Key Qualifications & Experience
We’re looking for candidates with particular strengths in the following areas:
Organizing expertise and strategic thinking – Deep understanding of state and local grassroots organizing and advocacy, track record of developing & implementing either issue advocacy or electoral campaigns, ability to advise staff with campaign strategy/develop new ideas to maximize impact, make smart judgement calls as needed.
People & project management skills – Ability to manage multiple projects, plan backwards, anticipate obstacles, run a tight ship, support and develop staff.
Communication skills – Written and verbal.
Relationship building & collaboration skills – Track record of developing and maintaining trusting relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, ability to meet people where they are, find common ground, and inspire collective action.
Racial justice analysis – Experience organizing colleagues, organizations, and/or movements using a racial justice and/or equity lens.
Equal Opportunity
The Alliance for Youth Action is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse work environment. People of color, people with disabilities, people of diverse sexual orientations, gender expressions, and identities are encouraged to apply.
Logistics
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- Compensation: $80,000 – $90,000 per year commensurate with experience.
- Benefits: The Alliance offers a competitive benefits package covering 100% of employee medical, dental, & vision insurance premiums, 50% of premiums for employee dependents, employer retirement contributions (SEP IRA), cell phone reimbursement, public transportation stipend, professional development funds, and generous paid time off, including paid family and medical leave.
- Location: This is a full time position based out of the Alliance’s Washington, DC office.
- Travel: Approximately 20% of this position may be spent on domestic travel.
To Apply
Please email hiring@allianceforyouthaction.org as a single pdf document including the following:
- Cover letter, explaining why you want this job and what makes you well-suited to the position (please, show some personality)
- Resume
- Three references
Please reach out to hiring@allianceforyouthaction.org with any questions.
PRIORITY DEADLINE TO APPLY IS MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2018.