The Specialist, School Age Programs is the front line Save the Children (SC) staff member providing technical and management assistance to partners to ensure the effective coordination, implementation and monitoring of school based partnerships and programs such as literacy, nutrition and physical activity. The incumbent will work with ASES, districts, school leaders and partners to ensure alignment with district strategic plans, goals and priorities. Community and parent outreach to ensure programs are sustainable and responsive to parents’ needs are also key responsibilities. Regional representation and presentations are required of this position. Under the supervision of the State Director and working as a team member within the state of California, the Program Specialist oversees the implementation of the integrated programming at five direct implementation sites in Fresno County.
Specific responsibilities include managing relationships with assigned partner sites; lead partner planning; identify new partner sites and conduct site assessments; guiding new partners through the start-up process of the programs; providing training and technical assistance to partners to ensure high-quality programs; monitoring partner progress and performance to ensure that they are achieving program objectives. The position holder regularly consults with other support teams such as Education Specialists and sub-grant management teams to resolve complex issues and ensure compliance with sub-grant terms and conditions. Additional responsibilities include: supervising, training and technical assistance to the Program Coordinator and part-time regular and temporary staff to ensure high-quality programs; monitoring site progress and performance to ensure that they are achieving program objectives; consulting with the State Director and NEHT members and partners as needed, to resolve complex issues; and, ensuring compliance with grant/contract terms and conditions.
Program Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation (55%)
- Guide and support program staff to ensure quality implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of Save the Children’s program models according to established standards.
- Support in-person and remote training and technical assistance for program staff; maximize the use of technology to do so.
- Visit each site on a regular basis to observe and monitor site progress and provide appropriate training and technical assistance to all site staff members related to effectively implementing the afterschool programs: Literacy, Math and Healthy Choices programs. Complete site visit reports.
- Ensure accurate and up-to-date data collection and reporting for each assigned site.
- Review and analyze program data regularly and address as needed.
- Oversee afterschool site staff, assess job performance, identify areas and provide resources for improvement, and apply disciplinary action as appropriate and needed per SC HR Policies and Procedures.
- Identify subs when needed.
- With partners, ensure site staff are finger printed, background checked and have passed NCLB test.
- In collaboration with partners and schools, interview candidates to fill vacancies and make hiring recommendation to Human Resources Department.
- Regularly communicate with the State Director about program implementation challenges and successes and how to resolve complex issues.
- Organize local and regional trainings.
Partner Operations and Management (25%)
- Support the State Director with partner management including but not limited to annual partner planning, subaward budget and spending, grant budgets and reports, annual district/site stakeholder meetings, partnership performance management, sponsorship, and emergency/disaster communication and reporting.
- Meet regularly with district and school leaders and teachers to develop program ownership and long term program sustainability.
- Ensure timely and accurate incident reporting and necessary follow-up.
- Support the State Director with identification and assessment of new sites and on boarding of new partners.
- Provide new sites with start-up support including but not limited to hiring and training program staff, technology and program materials, and Partner Portal usage.
- Provide logistical support to the Sponsorship staff to obtain correspondence, Annual Family Updates, and assist with special sponsorship projects such as the Primrose partnership.
Local and State Relationships/Advocacy (5%)
- Ensure regular parent events and activities to create community ownership; build capacity, and provide parenting skills and support.
- Support the State Director, and program partners as appropriate, with local, regional, and state community engagement activities, and community partnerships/coalitions.
- Support program partners with media opportunities to highlight SC programs.
Professional Development (10%)
- Participate in SC Program Specialist calls, meetings, and trainings.
- Stay current on relevant national standards and best practices. Share knowledge and experience with the national program team and program specialist colleagues.
- Participate in national program team projects and USP work groups.
- Other (5%)
- Work in collaboration with USP teams (e.g., Early Childhood; NEHT; Technology, Monitoring and Evaluation; Sponsorship; Policy and Advocacy; Resource Development; Marketing, Communications, and Media).
- Provide stories from the field to national staff.
- Support, and contribute as appropriate and requested, to SC priorities and initiatives.
- Support State Director with VIP visits and other duties as assigned.
- Minimum 3-5 years’ experience of relevant experience
- High School diploma or equivalent required
- Knowledge of literacy curriculum.
- Experience working in or with school systems
- Willingness to travel extensively in the state or region and nationally as needed
- A strong foundation in relationship-based work and supervision.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated capacity as a team player and relationship builder.
- Ability to use MS Word, Excel, PPT and on-line technologies proficiently.
- Professional level of specialized knowledge to manage complex tasks, programs or projects.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of and experience with literacy programs using reflective practice
- Demonstrated organizational and management skills related to program implementation
- Experience developing and delivering training and technical assistance in-person and remotely as a trainer/mentor/coach
- Experience with working in rural communities with limited resources, and working with families who are economically challenged is preferred.
- Working knowledge of financial and subgrant management
- Ability to be flexible and adaptable to dynamic changes in the work environment
- Meaningful work, with a knowledge that you are changing the lives of children all around the world
- A family friendly work environment
- Highly collaborative and innovative teams
- Generous paid vacation days, holidays, family leave days, and sick time
- Healthcare plans including medical, dental, and life insurance
- Retirement savings account with matching company contributions
- Structured and formalized management development and coaching programs for mid and senior level managers
- Extensive e-learning opportunities on a variety of topics offered through our affiliation with several prestigious universities as well as language learning opportunities.