The Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth (BBA) is a joint powers agreement between the City of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Hennepin County, and the school districts of Osseo, Brooklyn Center, Robbinsdale and Anoka-Hennepin. Ex Officio Members include: Hennepin Technical College & North Hennepin Community College. Our mission it to coordinate a system of high-quality, accessible and fully resourced opportunities that lead to an increase in high school graduation and pathways to college or career and safety & wellbeing.
 
The primary charge of the Youth Data Squad Specialist is to:

• Supporting the work of the Data, Evaluation and YPAR Coordinator.
• Use a youth centered approach to co-facilitate Youth Data Squad meetings.
• Plan outreach efforts for youth to gather 800 surveys throughout the summer.
• Outreach & Recruiting with the intention of including youth most disenfranchised.

The Youth Data Squad (YDS) is essential to conduct the biennial Youth to Youth Survey, a regional-wide survey centering youth focused on out-of-school time (OST) participation, barriers to accessing OST opportunities, motivations for participation on OST, and a variety of other research questions identified by youth and adult partners. Data from the Youth to Youth survey has supported the launch of various community initiatives shifting youth participation and access to resources such as the Rec on the Go Recreation Programs, BrookLynk, Health on the Go, and Youth OnBoard—as well as center all aspects of our work at BBA. The YDS consists of the Data, Evaluation and YPAR Coordinator, this position (YDS Specialist), and youth interns.
 
This position is an essential part of the Alliance Team, which includes an Executive Director, Data Evaluation and YPAR Coordinator, Youth and Community Engagement Initiatives Coordinator, Reimagine Black Youth Mental Health Coordinator.
 
The ideal candidate has a passion for serving and a relationship with the Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park community. Additionally, they have the knowledge, skills and attitudes that are rooted in anti-racist practices to authentically work to dismantle oppressive practices that block youth leadership, voice and positive community change.

NOTE: This is a grant-funded, up to 40 hours a week summer seasonal position. Preferred start date is June 1, 2024, but flexible subject to candidate availability and an end date of September 30, 2024.  

Application Deadline: This job posting will be open until filled. If you have interest in this position, it is highly recommended that you apply as soon as possible upon seeing the announcement as the vacancy may close without notice.
Support the Youth Data Squad (YDS)

• Co-facilitate YDS summer programming in partnership with the Data, Evaluation and YPAR Coordinator.
• Organize resources, food, transportation, and preparation for daily meetings June 15-August 15th.
• Attend onboarding and meetings regarding the Youth-to-Youth Survey.
• Provide safe, supportive, interactive, and engaging space for youth.
• Assist and support in employment skills, research, survey design, outreach, and presentation skills.
• Assist and support YDS in conducting the Youth-to-Youth surveys and interviews.
• Support outreach opportunities within the community.
• Support YDS Interns on data entry and ensure data quality entered.

Lead and Plan community based surveying outreach efforts. 

• Find and access local youth to understand their perspective, participation, interests, and needs. 
• As needed, support in recruiting YDS interns, and if needed, recruit broader set of youth to assist in gathering surveys. Track youth attendance and participation. 
• Provide safe, supportive, interactive, and engaging space for youth. 
• Ensure reliable transportation for youth for meetings and outreach events. 
• Create and manage the outreach calendar for youth to be surveyed.

 
Support the Data, Evaluation and YPAR Coordinator.

• Co-Supervise YDS Interns 
• Recruit a diverse team for the implementation of the Youth-to-Youth Survey. 
• Support training for YDS in research, survey design, data entry, outreach, and presentation skills. 
• Support onboarding, orientation, and essential tasks YDS Interns. 
• Assist and support YDS in conducting the Youth-to-Youth surveys and interviews. 
• Review and understand previous surveys and engage stakeholders in developing a comprehensive survey. 
• Work to ensure a statistically significant sample of surveys was collected from diverse youth. 
• Participate in writing the final report to be presented with stakeholders alongside the team.

Coordinate (organize and execute) Task Force and Ad-Hoc Projects

• As needed, support BBAY youth outreach and engagement activities.

 
 

Education

Associates degree or higher.

Experience

Previous experience which includes:

• Working with youth leadership groups;
• Organizing and executing projects with youth and adults;
• Working with the public, requiring tact and courtesy;
• Working with multi-cultural individuals, groups and organizations and facilitating groups;
• Facilitating groups.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

Licenses/Certifications

Valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong presence and comfort as a leader in a training room. 
• Proficiency using computers (i.e. Microsoft Word).
• Ability to professionally exhibit cultural self-awareness, sensitivity, patience and understanding in the course of work duties. 
• Ability to relate to and work with individuals representing a variety of diverse backgrounds and cultures. 
• Proven ability and demonstrated commitment to an inclusive workplace related to racial equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets or exceeds customer expectation and satisfaction.
• Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement. 

Desired Qualifications 

• Previous experience working on a Youth-to-Youth Survey project, or any BBAY initiative. 
• Understanding anti-racist framework that includes the following knowledge, skills, and attitudes
  1. Acknowledges the history in our country of the oppression of black and indigenous peoples, and the power, privilege, and access disparities along the lines of social identities.
  2. Review, examine, and rework existing policies and procedures that create barriers and perpetuate inequities for certain groups of people based on race, ethnicity, class, gender, etc.
  3. Create deliberate systems and supports to achieve and sustain equity (racial and other) through proactive, preventative, and restorative measures.
  4. Believes in the humanity of all peoples, that racial groups are equals in all their apparent differences, and that there is nothing right or wrong with any racial group.
• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, sociology, recreation, youth studies, or related degree. 
• Continuing education or coursework towards an advanced degree in public policy, social work, educational leadership, political science, sociology, youth development.
• Experience with written communications e.g. report writing, editing.
• Experience in project or program coordination.
• Experience in youth led civic engagement and youth led research.
• Experience working with others and providing a high-quality customer service experience.
• Experience coordinating teams, volunteers and/or workgroups.
• Previous education/training in youth development, youth program evaluation project management, youth civic engagement and service learning.
• Previous training or experience in systems building, racial equity, diversity, project management, and facilitation.
• Experience in creating partnerships with organizations and youth in the community. 
• Ability to perform a variety of planning, administrative, supervisory, and community relations work requiring independent judgment.
• Ability to foster and promote positive teamwork amongst youth and adults.
• Ability to follow through on tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Understanding of professional workplace norms and expectations. 
• Previous experience working with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds.
• Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Laotian or Vietnamese language(s).

Brooklyn Park is a thriving northwestern suburb of Minneapolis and the sixth largest city in the state with over 86,000 residents and 30,000 jobs. As the 6th fastest growing city in Minnesota, the city has become even more vibrant because of our remarkable racial and cultural diversity. Approximately 60 percent of our residents are people of color, 22 percent are foreign-born, and more than a quarter speak a language other than English at home.

Our Vision, Values and Goals

Core Operational Value Statements 

Ability to work within the Alliance value system with a willingness to further promote a staff that is diversified and inclusive, where individuals are valued and respected for their unique differences, experiences, skills, and knowledge.

• Youth Engagement, Voice and Leadership.
• Courageous Leadership and Action.
• Positive Development for Each Young Person, in All Places.
• Authentic, Timely and Respectful Communication.
• Inclusive Processes to Maximize our Resources.
• Individual and Collective Learning, Growing, Assessing and Celebrating.

Department/Division: Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth

Anticipated Work Schedule: Up to 40 hours a week, seasonal position; flexible work schedule to include a standard eight (8)-hour workday; will include evening and weekend hours.

Anticipated pay: Depending on experience

We welcome applications from all individuals, including (but not limited to): people of all abilities, persons of color, Veterans, LGBTQ and women. If you need these materials in an alternate format or if you have a disability-related need and need assistance with the application process, please contact Janis Lajon at either 763-493-8016 or via e-mail at Janis.lajon@brooklynpark.org.