Education Program Manager

Portland, OR, United States

About Western States Center

Based in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain States, Western States Center works nationwide to strengthen inclusive democracy. For 37 years, our work has advanced social, racial, and economic justice by convening, developing, organizing, and supporting the communities most affected by inequities. We've played a catalytic role, working with community partners to build people-centered movements, develop new leaders, and shift culture - with our eyes on the prize of an inclusive democracy where people can live, love, and work free from bigotry and fear.

In response to the current climate of heightened threats to inclusive democracy, we focus our work into four pillars: Movement Building, Leadership Development, Shifting Culture, and Defending Democracy. Our programmatic focus in 2023 and beyond is to advance our work in each of these areas.

Position Overview

Western States Center is expanding to meet the urgent challenges facing our country and the growing threat of white nationalism and organized bigotry. WSC has been a leader in recognizing the scale of anti-democracy attacks on educational institutions like schools, universities, and libraries, and we have responded with toolkits, trainings, and direct support. We are now seeking a dedicated and talented Education Program Manager to help us take this work to the next level.

The Education Program Manager will be an important member of WSC's program team, reporting directly to the Deputy Director of Programs and working primarily with colleagues in the Momentum and Common Good programs. The Education Program Manager will collaborate on the development of new tools and resources, advise and supervise toolkit trainers and ambassadors, plan and implement in-personal and virtual training and other events, and expand direct organizing support to educational institutions and civic partners. This role will include an external component, representing WSC in workshops, on panels, and in the media.

This is a full time salaried position. Benefits include health and dental insurance, retirement benefits, paid sick leave, and four weeks paid vacation. Compensation is dependent on applicant's years of relevant experience, ranging from $71,000 - $80,000.

Responsibilities include:

Work closely with Deputy Director of Programs and other senior leaders in the organization to shape the strategic direction of WSC's work with educational institutions and turn that vision into action.

Expand the reach and elevate the profile of WSC's tools and work at the local, regional, and national levels.

Hold train-the-trainer workshops to deepen the bench of educators and local leaders equipped to support educational institutions under attack and young people harmed by white nationalism.

Recruit and support a group of senior trainers to deepen organizing work with educational institutions like K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and public and school-based libraries.

Develop new tools, update existing tools, and broadly ensure that WSC's external facing materials for this work are relevant, up to date, accessible, and easy to use for target audiences.

Participate in or lead rapid response organizing when it pertains to educational institutions and issues.

Provide information and support to educators and educational institutions as needed.

Expand WSC's network of institutional partnerships.

Represent the Center externally through coalitions, national and regional partnerships, media engagements, training, and public speaking.

Lead externally facing advocacy at local and national levels to influence politics and policy related educational institutions and their importance to inclusive, multi-racial democracy.

Serve as primary liaison and/or supervise various consultants, fellows, and senior fellows, as needed.

Qualifications include:

At least 2-4 years of experience supporting or leading field campaigns or organizing projects.

Experience in the educational sphere, ideally within K-12 schools or public libraries.

Ability to work independently and to coordinate multiple projects at once.

Ability to thrive in a diverse, multi-racial working environment both internally and externally.

A strong racial and gender justice analysis.

Ability to learn quickly and think creatively.

Strong writing skills.

Attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines.

Deep commitment to measurable results.

Ability to to be responsive to current events and opportunities in the field.

Excellent critical thinking and judgment.

Location:

The role will be remote with travel up to 1-2 times per month. We particularly encourage candidates based in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain States or with strong connections in this region to apply.

Compensation:

This is a full-time exempt position. Benefits include health and dental insurance, retirement benefits, paid sick leave, and 20 days of paid vacation. The annual salary range is $71,000-$80,000 depending on years of experience.

Application:

Please submit the following for consideration:

Cover letter clearly outlining the specific skills and knowledge you bring to the role; and

Resume detailing relevant experience, work history, education and accomplishments.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For priority consideration, please submit your application by November 17, 2023.

Western States Center is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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