Program Manager, Middle School Career Exploration

ExpandED is dedicated to ensuring that all young people have access to enriching learning opportunities that affirm their identities, teach them valuable skills, and spark new possibilities. Through program development, capacity-building, research and advocacy, we work toward our vision of a vibrant and stable publicly-funded system of school-community partnership so that all New York City children thrive. Established in 1998, the organization today works with more than 119,000 children and 900 programs throughout New York City to ensure that students in under-served communities have access to innovative, engaging ways of learning to enable them to reach their full potential. Over the last two decades, ExpandED Schools’ program, research and policy efforts have led to increased recognition of the academic, social, and emotional benefits of afterschool, increased funding, and new models for school-community partnership. Purpose of Position Reporting to the Program Director of MS Career Exploration, the Program Manager of Middle School Career Exploration will design the career connected learning experiences for students in 6th through 8th in collaboration with NYC Public Schools. Middle School Career Exploration supports students in grades 6 through 8 link their personal interests to career goals and professional identities. Using a career exploration curriculum, this model combines classroom learning with engaging career exposure opportunities. The model supports middle schools develop a research-based program for robust career exploration through teacher training, coaching, and connecting to employers. Linking this work throughout the school day allows for: Diverse career learning experiences, ranging from foundation building to experiential deep dives into specific industries Expanded opportunities for authentic, real-world career exposure events aligned to students’ interests Continued and varied connections between career learning and educational choices The right candidate for the role has strong familiarity with at least two of the three areas: middle school curriculum development and instruction, coaching, or New York City schools. Duties & Responsibilities: Curriculum Development Develop and refine a Middle School Career Exploration curriculum for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Curriculum development will be the primary focus of this role during the late summer and early fall. School Support and Technical Assistance Develop and lead professional learning opportunities for schools on integrating MS Career Exploration model into their school day. Coordinate and conduct support and coaching visits to implementation schools to provide on-site support, observe program quality, and offer feedback. Create and update tools and materials that operationalize best practices for all partners. Coordinate field trips and panels for pilot school partners Research and Continuous Learning Support program evaluation by sharing and tracking survey completion, coordinating student and staff participation in focus groups, and facilitating end of year reflection and fidelity conversations. Support program design by providing feedback to program stakeholders and evaluators on program strengths and challenges based on implementation. Qualifications and Competencies: Commitment to educational equity Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of teaching or related experience in the youth services and/or education field required Experience supporting partnerships between schools and community organizations particularly in a coaching capacity, strongly preferred Strong cultural competence with respect for and extensive knowledge of the cultures of the various stakeholders we work with and the communities we serve Commitment to collaboration and participating as a member of a team that recognizes that it is strengthened through its diversity Excellent planning and organizational skills with a proven ability to execute tasks efficiently Strong communication and facilitation skills, including clear and persuasive speaking and writing Expertise in using data to improve programs and instruction Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and execute projects independently Computer skills, especially MS Office: Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel Flexibility, adaptability and comfort with complexity and change Willingness to travel throughout NYC (up to 2-3 days per week) including evenings and weekends. Our organization follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office, as needed. Leaders of teams may call team members together for in-person meetings in the office when they reasonably believe that the work will be more productive and/or efficient if completed through in-person collaboration, and all full-time employees are expected to attend monthly all-staff meetings at the office. Additionally, this role requires that the employee reports 1-2 times per week in person to the NYC Public Schools office at 110 William St. This position requires regular use of public transportation and regular work in school buildings that may require climbing stairs.