Program Director

Lowell, MA, United States

About Kids in Tech

Two out of five schools across the country offer instruction in programming and coding. Representation and exposure to STEM skills, careers and experiences as a young person dramatically increases the pathways for students as they begin their own careers. .Kids in Tech strives to excite, educate, and empower children to acquire skills and confidence in technology through interactive after-school programs. Our programs focus on helping kids develop the necessary tech skills and aptitudes to participate in and be future leaders of the 21st Century innovation economy. At the core of Kids in Tech programs is the After-School Tech Club. Skilled volunteers and qualified educators guide kids ages 9-14 in fun, hands-on learning activities in technology, including computer programming, coding, career paths, audiovisual production, and more.

About Kids in Tech

Two out of five schools across the country offer instruction in programming and coding. Representation and exposure to STEM skills, careers and experiences as a young person dramatically increases the pathways for students as they begin their own careers. .Kids in Tech strives to excite, educate, and empower children to acquire skills and confidence in technology through interactive after-school programs. Our programs focus on helping kids develop the necessary tech skills and aptitudes to participate in and be future leaders of the 21st Century innovation economy. At the core of Kids in Tech programs is the After-School Tech Club. Skilled volunteers and qualified educators guide kids ages 9-14 in fun, hands-on learning activities in technology, including computer programming, coding, career paths, audiovisual production, and more.

Our programs are based in Lowell and Boston, MA and serve up to 360 children between the Boston Public Schools & Lowell Public Schools. In partnership with local public schools, charter schools, and other youth serving agencies, we aim to increase STEAM skills for students in our community. We are strongly committed to making our approach available for the benefit of ALL children across ALL socioeconomic strata in Lowell and Boston, and potentially beyond.

About The Role

As the Program Director, you’ll play a vital role in developing plans and strategies to support the holistic growth of our program and participants. You will have the opportunity to create a strong operational foundation for the organization as it grows, including recruitment and instructor support, program evaluation, and school partner recruitment and management. As Program Director, you will use your strategic planning skills, strong communication capabilities, detail-orientation, instructional knowledge, and strong people management experience to facilitate and improve our growing programs.

Responsibilities:

The Program Director will report to the Senior Director of Operations while collaborating closely with the Founding President & CEO. Additionally, they will manage a small team of full time staff members, including the AmeriCorps Program Manager, as well as and potentially a few part-time staff members. You are ultimately responsible for the design, implementation, and management of the Kids in Tech Afterschool Tech Club and AmeriCorps Programs and future programming initiatives.

Program Management and Administration

Develop, implement and manage effective internal operational systems for all Kids in Tech programs.

Foster a team-oriented, supportive, accountable environment at Kids in Tech focused on improving STEAM access in the community.

Ensure effective roll out, implementation, and evaluation of AmeriCorps fellows program.

Contribute to grant writing and ensure timely and accurate funder reports.

Present programmatic elements of Kids in Tech in a compelling manner to prospective funders and other supporters.

Create and maintain an enduring list of potential school partners to consider for expansion within Lowell and Boston.

Recruit and hire new staff members and AmeriCorps members in keeping with the Kids in Tech model.

Work closely with the senior leadership team to ensure successful adoption of chosen databases by program teams and create detailed data systems to ensure the integrity and consistency of data collection and data management.

Collaborate with senior leadership team to implement special projects aimed at increasing program and organizational capacity.

Lead program staff meetings and other relevant team meetings.

Oversee Kids in Tech youth development, technology, and community building and advocacy work.

Oversee development and implementation of strategy for all programs and services.

Lead staff in long-term program planning.

Work with the senior leadership team to develop and evaluate program strategies and goals.

Provide hands-on supervision and coaching for staff. Participate in training of AmeriCorps members.

Analyze internal reports to evaluate program effectiveness using an outcomes-based approach and ensure the agency’s ability to anticipate and effectively respond to changing client needs.

Build productive relationships with school leaders and school-based service providers to maintain positive reputation for current school partners and new relationships for expansion efforts.

Manage and build strong positive relationships with school district partners .Lead program expansion efforts in Lowell and Boston.

Other duties as assigned

External Relations and Collaboration

Partner with founding President and CEO ,as needed, to serve as a spokesperson and bridge-builder on Kids in Tech advocacy and policy work.

Oversee community-driven campaigns on pressing local issues, e.g. education, digital equity.

Work with external partners within various networks of organizations to solve local issues through collaborative programming.

Represent Kids in Tech at local events, community gatherings, or workshops and trainings.

Work with external partners to harness resources for Kids in Tech and the Greater Boston & Lowell community, including but not limited to opportunities for employment, enrichment opportunities and enhanced educational opportunities.

Other duties as assigned

Who We’re Looking For

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow and excel professionally. We know people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate most of the qualifications and experiences listed below.

Prior AmeriCorps service and/or experience with AmeriCorps grant management and member supervision is preferred.

Genuine passion in the mission of Kids In Tech and working with youth. You also had a clear commitment to equity

You are a strong people manager and have experience leading teams to achieve ambitious goals

Exceptional organizational, administrative, problem-solving skills; able to manage multiple priorities

Versatility, flexibility, willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm

Ability to inclusively collaborate and build trusting relationships quickly

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel & Google Applications

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in education, social work, human services or a related area .

Kids in Tech provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We serve and partner with a diverse population of schools, students and staff, and wish to build high-performing teams that mirror the communities we serve. Kids in Tech prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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