The TA, Family Engagement will advance the strategic direction of YUSA by surfacing promising practices in the youth development field.
The Technical Advisor, Family Engagement provides family engagement-focused technical assistance to Y USA staff who lead research-based program models and practices discovered, developed, and supported by the Evidence Based Youth Development Division, which includes Achievement Gap, Character Development Learning Institute and Early Childhood Equity Improvement. It also includes any emerging initiatives and projects. The incumbent provides content expertise, resources, and communication in family engagement.
This position is contingent on grant funds (public and private) and is currently funded through 2019.
This position has the ability to work remotely and does not require relocation to the national office located in Chicago, IL.
- Provide overall Family Engagement technical assistance to ensure success of all evidence based projects and programs, newly developed programs and other related program areas as assigned.
- Infuse all evidence based programs and projects with effective Family Engagement strategies
- Provide technical assistance to EBYD management team EBYD as they help YMCAs elevate quality and practices across the four domains of environment, adult practice, delivery and data by engaging families as true partners
- Provide advice to Y USA Technical Advisors as they help YMCAs embed Family Engagement into the local community efforts
- Provide advice to Y USA Technical Advisors as they review the findings of Family Engagement assessments and improvement plans completed by local Ys
- Collaborate with other YUSA departments as promising Family Engagement strategies are identified to develop resources (trainings, publications, tool kits) to share with all Ys about how to improve Family Engagement
- Work with Sr Research Analyst and Manager to develop new family engagement research-based methodologies for increased effectiveness in program and practice development and innovation
- Partner with Training and Leadership Department providing subject matter expertise in family
- Ensure that member associations have easy access to high quality, contemporary tools and resources for implementing evidence based Family Engagement practices
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required. Master’s degree preferred.
- Requires 5 years of experience engaging families.
- Demonstrated expertise in successful engagement and retention of underserved, underrepresented families
- Good reasoning and sound judgment.
- Demonstrated ability to influence others to achieve objectives
- Strong interpersonal, verbal/written communication and presentation skills.
- Must possess proven success in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence.
- Proven ability to manage complex strategic situations and create comprehensive solutions.
- Commitment to YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
- Proven ability to establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with individuals across a broad range of groups.
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to adapt to changing environment and circumstances
- Background developing and delivering strategic solutions in engaging families as partners in their children’s development
- Proven ability to facilitate and coach senior program staff
- Demonstrated ability to think creatively and be innovative
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
- Ability to travel 20%