JOB POSTING IS EXPIRED
Teen Empowerment Coordinator

Job Overview

GENERAL SUMMARY: Fosters a supportive environment for teenagers, empowering them to reach their full potential.  Designs and implements programs that address the unique needs of teenagers from diverse backgrounds, promoting personal growth, leadership, and community engagement.  Performs other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate possesses the ability to follow a management philosophy that is input oriented and values equity, problem solving and development of partnerships; the ability to work effectively as a member of a team; the desire to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork; and is passionate about the community benefits created by youth and recreation services.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Duties require delivering exceptional, innovative teen programs and services with the goal of developing future civic leaders. The Coordinator is responsible for the development and expansion, planning, implementing, and supervision of programs for teens; and demonstrates experience in collaboration and customer service. The work in this class involves programming responsibility for a comprehensive recreation program with core programming in teen empowerment and resilience. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Multicultural Family Center Director, requires the exercise of independent judgment, and is performed with relative independence. Work is reviewed through reports, conferences and results achieved.

JOB DUTIES:

• Plan, implement, and oversee high-impact teen programming that builds positive relationships with teens, parents, and families.
• Work collaboratively with community organizations, schools, and internal and external stakeholders to further develop and implement culturally inclusive and engaging teen programs that advance the mission of the Multicultural Family Center and City of Dubuque’s strategic priority to develop resilient and confident future civic leaders.

• Organize and facilitate events and programs for teens that promote cultural awareness, positive social interaction, leadership development, and community involvement among teenagers.
• Provide support and intervention in crisis situations. Ensure the safety and well-being of teen program participants.
• Develop, train, and supervise temporary personnel, AmeriCorps members and teen empowerment and resiliency program participants.
• Recruit and manage teen program volunteers to facilitate successful programs.
• Train temporary staff, volunteers, and AmeriCorps members key areas such as positive, strengths-based approach to teen development, behavior modification methods, developing meaningful relationships with teens; MFC/City procedures and policies, including personnel and safety guidelines, and program policies.

• Manage and allocate financial and material resources within a budget.
• Engage with teens and their families in the community outside of the Multicultural Family Center events, in schools and neighborhoods, and through social media platforms (i.e.: TikTok, Facebook, Instagram)
• Maintain accurate records of program activities, participant attendance, and outcomes. Analyze and evaluate program data for effectiveness, quality, and sustainability.
• Prepare and present updates and reports.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Child & Youth Development:  Knowledge of adolescent development and the unique challenges faced by teenagers, especially those of diverse backgrounds. Knowledge of recreational programming and child development, developmentally appropriate practice, and curriculum planning for youth ages 11-18, and an interest in and concern for youth. Knowledge of strength-based approaches and effective strategies that foster positive youth development and success for teenagers. Experience with behavioral interventions and strategies.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Considerable professional experience working with culturally diverse populations. Knowledge of the needs of traditionally marginalized communities. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across cultural and identity differences.
• Effective Communication:  Verbal and written communication skills, grounded in empathy, that are solution focused promoting collaboration within a team. Ability to effectively communicate with teenagers, parents/caregivers, community partners, and other stakeholders. Lead with compassion for team members and teens within the program.
• Community Engagement:  Experience and knowledge of community collaboration, community programming. Willingness to build relationships and collaborate with others in the community. Ability to make public presentations and work various types of social media to engage with community members. Ability to use resourcefulness and tact in solving problems. Strong customer service, problem-solving and communication skills with the ability to relate well to participants, volunteers, families, and community partners. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to meet the public courteously and to obtain and give information.
• Data Collection & Analysis & Clerical:  Record keeping abilities. High level ability to work with computers and tech, software programs, maintain and prepare reports, designing fliers and forms. Working knowledge of computer hardware and software, including Office 365 Suite.

• Budget Management:  Financial management skills, including budget development and monitoring. Ability to allocate resources effectively to meet program goals.
• Program/Event Coordination: Organizational skills for planning and coordinating programs, events, and activities. Attention to detail in managing logistics, scheduling, and participant registration.
• Administration and Management: Knowledge of management principles involved in strategic planning, leadership technique, supervision, training, performance evaluation, and coordination of people and resources.
• Critical Thinking, Judgment, Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving and Negotiation:  Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways or options to solve a problem and picking the best one.  Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to bring people together to solve the problem and any differences.

ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, crawl.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds, assisted or unassisted.
• Walk at times on uneven surfaces. Carry materials up and down stairs.
• Occasionally exposed to wet, humid, and outdoor weather conditions.
• The typical noise level in the work area is moderate.

• Work schedule ranges in time and day with night, weekend, and holiday work.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you're interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all of the hiring criteria described above.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree or college-level coursework in relevant field; and
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience in youth leadership; or
• Any combination of relevant education and experience equivalent to 4 years.
• Possession of valid state driver’s license at time of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in data analytics and customer service.
• Experience working with a diverse workforce and/or diverse groups of teens.
• Bachelor’s degree in education, youth development, recreation, or a related field.
• At least three years of professional experience in developing and implementing youth programs.
• The ability to speak Spanish or a second language.

Supplemental Information

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:  Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of their place of employment as soon as practical after appointment, but within two years of their date of employment or appointment.

FLSA (OVERTIME STATUS): Exempt

SUPERVISORY STATUS: None

Selection Process

1. MQ Review: HR will screen applications for minimum qualifications after the posting closes.
2. SME Review:  Applications for candidates that meet minimum qualifications will be forwarded for an in-depth review of supplemental question responses.
3. Panel Interview(s): Our goal is to schedule panel interviews with candidates that pass the HR review as soon as possible.

Our Commitment to You

We are committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities. The City of Dubuque values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.