Project Manager and Trainer – Education and Youth Development: Elementary and Youth Advisory Board

Garden State Equality seeks a Project Manager and Trainer to work under the supervision of the Director of Education and Youth Development to execute quality programming while combating disparities LGBTQ youth face in extracurriculars and in their communities. The candidate must possess a high level of commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting diversity, and fostering a sense of leadership that participants can continue in their own communities.

The Position:

Garden State Equality is seeking a Project Manager and Trainer to work under the supervision of the Director of Education and Youth Development to execute quality programming while combating disparities LGBTQ youth face in extracurriculars and in their communities. The Project Manager and Trainer will be responsible for expanding youth educational and development programs and facilitating cultural competency trainings in a multitude of capacities. The candidate must possess a high level of commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting diversity, and fostering a sense of leadership that participants can continue in their own communities.

It is often recognized that marginalized groups tend to apply for jobs only when they meet every single qualification. However, at Garden State Equality, we urge you to defy this statistic and apply regardless. The truth is, no one ever truly meets 100% of the qualifications. Our dedicated team believes in the power of hard work and compassion, and we value authenticity, empathy, and kindness. We are excited to review your application.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as an Advisor for Changemakers: A Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Youth Leadership Initiative.
  • This will include supporting students through difficult conversations, uplifting individuals after emotionally heavy content, and encouraging and leading positive and affirming dialogue.
  • Mentor the delegates throughout the program, ensuring that participants remain engaged, focused, secure, and safe every day.
  • Supervise and support camp counselors throughout the duration of the camp program.
• Assist in the development of training, providing of training, and onboarding of summer camp staff.
• Work alongside the Education and Youth Development Director to oversee the Youth Advisory Board.
• Take lead in facilitating monthly meetings with the Youth Advisory Board.
• Guide the Youth Advisory Board in the development of a yearly youth-led pride festival.
• Facilitate the development of in-person and virtual workshops led by the Youth Advisory Board.
• Work with the Education and Youth Development team to implement and design in-school programming for high school-age youth across the state.
• Design, implement, and take lead in spearheading elementary school-age youth programming initiatives.
• Develop relationships and maintain strong communication with stakeholders, participants, and parents.
• Document all program planning, policies, procedures, practices, and logistics to ensure quality control and sustainability.
• Manage youth department social media pages.
• Create graphics and flyers for youth programming.
• Work alongside the Education and Youth Development team to maintain a statewide GSA contact list.
  • This includes individual and personal outreach to new schools, youth programs, and organizations to continue to build our network of connections.
  • Fostering meaningful relationships with individuals/organizations to build community partnerships statewide.
• Work with the Director of Education and Youth Development to prepare and manage individual program budgets, including forecasting and actuals.
• Write or assist in writing programming initiatives, logic models, and grant proposals.
• Support organizational outcome tracking and evaluation procedures for programs.
• Assist with logistics as needed to support program implementation.
• Support relevant efforts related to program growth outlined in the GSE Strategic Plan.
• Perform additional duties designated by the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and Director of Education and Youth Development to achieve success of programs and meet the mission of Garden State Equality.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the role. The employee may be required to perform other job-related tasks as requested by their supervisor or organization. The job description may be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect evolving needs and priorities.

Skills/Abilities/Experience:

• 5 plus years experience in working with youth in a school setting or after-school program setting.
• Training and certification in Youth Mental Health and First Aid. Social work experience is a plus.
• Extensive experience in working with elementary-age students in a programming capacity.
• Experience in developing and delivering trainings for youth and adults in areas including but not limited to:
  • Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
  • Anti-Racism and De-centering Whiteness
  • The Cycle of Prejudice
  • Identities and Intersectionalities
  • Body Positivity and Self-Love
  • Ageism and Ableism
• Experience and comfortability in facilitating and navigating through difficult conversations.
• Proven track record of success in planning and developing youth curricula, as well as modifying activities when required.
• Experience developing schedules for single-day programs up to year-long programs.
• A strong personal commitment to Garden State Equality’s mission.
• Listening, trust building, and interpersonal skills with ability to engage and build relationships with both stakeholders, members, and communities.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to the organization’s anti-racist values and practices.
• Demonstrated strong facilitation and group leadership skills.
• A familiarity with and understanding of LGBTQ issues and issues of diversity and inclusion.
• Record of building coalitions and partnerships with like-minded organizations and individuals.
• Strong computer proficiency in Google Workspace, Windows/Microsoft Office environment, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Experience working with youth, schools, businesses, as well as elected and government officials, interfaith, and/or community groups.
• Experience working in a leadership capacity with diverse groups.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced working environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and take initiative independently.
• The ability to collaboratively develop curriculum for educational and camp programming.
• Good organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Strong presentation, oral, and written communication skills.
• An understanding of assessment and measurement tools.
• Willingness and flexibility to engage in occasional weekend, evening, and overnight residential programs.
• Must have own car, valid driver’s license, and auto liability insurance.
• Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to pass a government-issued background check.
• Spanish-language proficiency preferred.
• Degree or equivalent experience in a related field with preferred experience in program development and work in the fields of education, organizational development, diversity, and/or change management.

Salary:

• Full-time annual salary commensurate with experience.
• Excellent benefits package, including medical, vision, and dental.