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Girls Inc. of the Valley Employment Opportunities

Senior Program Director – STEM College and Career Readiness

Salary: $65,000 Full-Time, Exempt

Girls Inc. of the Valley is seeking a strong visionary leader to join our Program Department. We deliver life -changing programs that inspire girls* to be strong, smart, and bold! Girls Inc. of the Valley is an independent affiliate of the national Girls Inc. organization, the nation’s leading expert on issues affecting girls and young women. (*Please see our website at www.girlsincvalley.org to learn more about our inclusive gender statement.)

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The STEM College and Career Readiness Director (SCCRD) will be responsible for Eureka and Project Accelerate.

Eureka is our recognized year-round, five-year STEM intensive program that engages and empowers 8th-12th grade teens as they develop confidence and discover leadership and academic opportunities in STEM fields. Eureka begins with an intensive summer experience on the UMASS campus and combines hands-on STEM activities with personal development, health, and college/career readiness programming. Throughout the school year, Eureka not only encourages youth to see college as a realistic part of their future but provides them with the knowledge and skills to make it a reality!

Project Accelerate is a newer Girls Inc. program giving specific attention to high school students and alumni. Project Accelerate addresses inequality in the workplace, particularly the absence of women of color in positions of influence and leadership. The program will accelerate young person’s trajectories through college and career entry, leveraging partnerships with corporations and organizations to ensure both their preparation and their access to positions of influence.

The SCCRD will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Eureka and Project Accelerate. Programs include STEM programs, college readiness, career exploration, scholarships, future ideation, community engagement and life skills. A successful SCCRD will have the unique skills and passion for the Girls Inc. mission and is excited to motivate Eureka scholars through the alumni years to consider STEM post-secondary and career pathways.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop and implement annual Plan of Action for Eureka STEM and College and Career Readiness Programs and Project Accelerate including needs assessment, program goals, implementation timeline, staffing plan, recruitment and retention, and evaluation methods.
  • Oversee the Eureka and Project Accelerate Team, UMASS Volunteers, and Community Partners in the planning and delivery of the Eureka! school year and summer programs.
  • Collaborate and engage with academic, corporate and community partners with the goal of maintaining and developing unique real world learning opportunities for Eureka scholars.
  • Manage annual department budget and work closely with grants and development departments.
  • Provide strong supervision to the program team and build a team culture that promotes professional growth and development by providing ongoing supervision and mentorship to program staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Collaborative, optimistic, energetic, individual who enjoys working with teens
  • Bachelor’s degree preferably in education, STEM, or related field OR equivalent work and life experience.
  • Must have demonstrated experience in STEM education/ youth development programs
  • Minimum of two years’ work experience in youth development, specifically in program coordination or management with demonstrated leadership and supervision experience.
  • Experience in leading post-secondary planning, leadership development, or STEM exploration programs.
  • Effective communication skills and the ability to connect with people individually and interface with families, community organizations, businesses, in the Pioneer Valley with diverse backgrounds, experiences and abilities.
  • An awareness of and commitment to social justice education, gender equity, reproductive justice, trans justice, and anti-racism.
  • Computer literacy including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Self-directed with a high degree of professionalism and organizational skills.
  • Flexibility in hours, including some evening and weekend assignments.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license for at least two years with a clean driving record.
  • First Aid and CPR certified, or willing to attend training
  • Must be Covid vaccinated and boosted, or willing to get vaccinated before employment
  • Bi-lingual (Spanish) highly desired (bonus available).

BENFITS BEGIN ON DAY ONE:

  • Option for 100% employer- paid health and life insurance – coverage on the first day of employment.
  • Dental and vision insurance available at an affordable cost
  • Employer retirement contribution partial match offered after 1 year
  • $1,000 differential for bilingual (Spanish/English) staff
  • Regular staff appreciation events and professional development opportunities

We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. Girls Inc. will not tolerate discrimination in employment, employment-related decisions, or in business dealings on the basis of race, color, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other legally protected status.

 TO APPLY:

Please send a cover letter, résumé, and names/contact information of three references to Kim Colwell, Executive Assistant, at kcolwell@girlsincvalley.org. Applications accepted on a rolling basis with higher consideration for applications received by March 1st. Posting will be removed when position is filled.

Why work at Girls Inc.?

  • Option for 100% employer-paid health insurance and life insurance
  • Dental and vision insurance available at an affordable cost
  • Employer retirement contribution partial-match offered after 1 year
  • LGBTQ-friendly environment
  • $1,000 differential for bilingual (Spanish/English) staff
  • Regular staff appreciation events and professional development opportunities