Job Title: Director of Special Programs
Are you passionate about giving back to your community and serving the youth?
Who We Are:
In 1922, Woodcraft Rangers opened its doors in Los Angeles and began its mission of guiding young people as they explore pathways to purposeful lives. As a progressive organization, Woodcraft has always been responsive to the evolving needs of the communities served, and is notably inclusive, youth-led, and rooted in the Woodcraft Way, a holistic framework that develops body, mind, spirit, and service. Continuously at the forefront of expanded learning opportunities, Woodcraft Rangers has a rich history of making a significant impact in the greater Los Angeles area, believing that all youth are innately good, deserve the opportunity to realize their full potential, and should be an active participant in defining their own path.
What We Do:
Woodcraft Rangers provides TK-12 expanded learning programs, including before and after school, specialty enrichment, and summer learning. In the past few years, Woodcraft has expanded its menu of services beyond traditional afterschool programs and summer camps to include early learning, environmental and social justice, college access, and inclusion services for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, we offer Lifecraft, a college and career advancement program to support the development of approximately 1,000 staff. Today, Woodcraft Rangers serves more than 20,000 youth ages 4-18 annually in and from 110 Title I schools across LA County!
Ideal Candidate:
This role is for you if you possess a deep passion for youth education and have always been drawn to the transformative power of expanded learning. You are someone who naturally excels in building relationships and has an innate ability to persuade and negotiate, opening doors for new opportunities and partnerships. Your drive goes beyond traditional program management; you're an advocate at heart, eager to promote specialty programs that make a real difference in the lives of young people. With your creative mindset, you see potential everywhere and are skilled at turning these visions into reality, ensuring that every child has access to enriching, high-quality educational experiences. You thrive on challenge and change, and your leadership style is characterized by a dynamic blend of strategic thinking, empathy, and unwavering commitment to mission-driven work. If you're motivated by the prospect of spearheading innovative programs and forging new paths for Woodcraft Rangers in diverse communities, bringing your unique blend of passion, creativity, and strategic acumen to our team, this role is tailor-made for you.
Why Work for Woodcraft Rangers:

• Paid vacation
• Sick time
• Health Benefits
• 403(b) retirement
• Pet insurance
• Lifecraft
• Upward mobility
• Career development
• The opportunity to create a lasting positive impact on youth within your community.

Role Overview:
The Director of Special Programs at Woodcraft Rangers will lead the strategic expansion and oversight of our specialty programs, with a unique focus on leveraging the organization's position with Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to offer enrichment across school sites lacking Woodcraft Rangers' after-school programs. This role involves pioneering specialty programming clubs in collaboration with various providers, showcasing our high-quality offerings to a wider audience. Given this unique landscape, the ideal candidate will not only manage and enhance our programmatic offerings but also exhibit negotiation and persuasive communications skills, vital for forging partnerships, advocating for program placement, and broadening our reach. The Director will build and support an infrastructure that allows for the effective management of requests and opportunities in specialty enrichment areas, ensuring Woodcraft Rangers’ programs are not just implemented but are a preferred choice among educational institutions. This pivotal position demands a visionary leader adept at fostering relationships, driving program innovation, and strategically positioning Woodcraft Rangers in the competitive landscape of educational enrichment programs.
Responsibilities:

• Strategic Program Planning: Craft and execute a strategic plan for specialty programs ensuring offerings meet community needs and organizational goals.
• Innovative Program Development: Lead efforts in scouting, developing, and curating innovative programs across performing arts, visual arts, sports, leadership, STEM, and outdoor education. Enhance our programmatic breadth with initiatives that push the envelope in educational enrichment.
• Partnership and Community Engagement: Actively cultivate and maintain relationships with community partners, educational bodies, and other organizations to broaden programming opportunities. Represent Woodcraft Rangers at public, professional, and networking events to foster a positive community presence, including engagements with school districts and charter organizations.
• Program Quality and Effectiveness: Manage the lifecycle of program development, ensuring all activities uphold the highest standards of quality and effectiveness, with continuous evaluation for improvement.
• Training and Curriculum Development: Spearhead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive training program for all staff, including supervisors, to guarantee the delivery of high-quality programming. Oversee curriculum development and refinement, integrating best practices and innovative teaching methodologies.
• Operations and Staffing Management: Develop staffing structures and support systems that encourage high performance, collaboration, and inclusivity. Efficiently manage budgets, resources, and timelines to meet and exceed programming goals.
• Collaborative Stakeholder Relations: Work alongside internal and external stakeholders to tailor programming that aligns with the dynamic needs of our audience, ensuring scalability, sustainability, and measurable impact on participants.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Art, Sports Management, Recreation, or STEM.
• Minimum of five years of experience in program development and management, with a specific focus on educational or expanded learning environments. Experience in overseeing specialty programs such as performing arts, visual arts, sports, leadership, STEM, and outdoor education is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience in staff development, performance management, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Proven expertise in building and sustaining partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations, and other stakeholders. Strong networking skills and the ability to represent the organization positively in various settings.
• Experience in developing and refining curriculum, with an emphasis on incorporating innovative approaches and best practices in expanded learning.
• Competency in managing budgets, resources, and timelines to successfully execute program goals. Ability to develop and oversee efficient staffing structures and support systems.
• Agility in responding to changing needs and trends in educational programming, with a commitment to innovation and quality improvement.
• Familiarity with current trends, research, and best practices in education and program development across the areas of focus.
• While not required, bilingual abilities in English and Spanish are considered beneficial.
• Familiarity with relevant policies.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Demonstrated experience in working with ethnically and culturally diverse communities, along with a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs of high-need areas in Los Angeles, including knowledge of the existing educational systems, youth development principles, and related programs.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for all employees engaged in in-person work with staff or clients.
• Valid LIVE Scan, TB Clearance, and CPR Certification (provided by Woodcraft Rangers).

Skills:

• Ability to develop and execute growth strategies for specialty educational programs, aligning with broader organizational objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with the skill to negotiate, persuade, and advocate for program initiatives and partnerships effectively.
• Skill in establishing and nurturing productive partnerships with educational and community stakeholders.
• Creative approach to problem-solving and curriculum development, with a focus on incorporating best practices and new ideas.
• Strong presence and tact in representing the organization publicly, fostering positive relationships and program visibility.
• Strong self-motivation and self-learning abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
• Strong multitasking skills with a focus on managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Consistent display of poise and professionalism in all situations.

Physical Demands:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following physical demands may be essential for the effective performance of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:

• Frequent standing is required during working hours.
• The ability to travel across the Greater Los Angeles area, using either a car or public transportation, is necessary several times per month.
• Regular use of hands for various tasks, such as operating a computer and handling objects, is essential.
• Effective communication skills are required, necessitating the ability to speak clearly and hear well.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of objects weighing up to 40 pounds may be required.

Work Environment and Schedule:
We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and will actively consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals to effectively perform their roles. This position operates in environments typical of the following key aspects:

• Regular working hours are from Monday to Friday, with occasional weekends and evenings required for events, training, or conferences.
• Optional weekly work-from-home opportunities.
• Travel is necessary to various regions where Woodcraft Rangers programs are implemented, including San Fernando Valley, South Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley, Southeast LA, and Downtown areas, to support or deliver in-person training.
• Regular exposure to a computer monitor during work.
• The typical noise level of a standard work environment.
• Stable internet access is required for effective work-from-home performance.

Status: Full-Time
Salary Range: $95,000-$125,000 per year
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