Going Place Network Coordinator, Dress for Success

Posted by on March 17, 2014

DRESS FOR SUCCESS PHILADELPHIA

GOING PLACES NETWORK COORDINATOR, Contractor/Temporary

Dress for Success Worldwide is an international not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Since starting operations in 1997, Dress for Success has expanded to more than 130 cities in 16 countries. To date, the organization has helped more than 650,000 women work towards self-sufficiency. Visit http://www.dressforsuccess.org to learn more.

Dress for Success Philadelphia is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated and passionate candidate who is committed to helping women succeed in life and in their careers. In addition, the model candidate is results driven; with experience in community outreach and engendering collaborative relationships. This individual would oversee and facilitate the Going Places Network (GPN) program, including working with referral agencies to obtain clients for this program; client-interfacing and retention; locating/organizing host space requirements; working with speakers to facilitate and present curriculum; engendering relationships with hiring managers to provide employment opportunities for GPN participants; reviewing and compiling reports; conducting evaluations; and achieving program milestones.

The Going Places Network by Walmart is an 8 to 10-week program for women who are affiliated with one of our partner referral agencies who have not yet secured employment. Meetings are held once a week for two hours and include job search topics by professional speakers, one-on-one counseling in the Career Center and an opportunity to share information and network with fellow members.

Planning

• Responsible for the overall preparation of the Going Places Network cohort(s)
• Recruits participants for the program, develops and cultivates a relationship with the participant prior to the programs kick off and throughout the duration of the program
• Secures speakers for each topic
• Plans the weekly agendas
• Creates and sends weekly invitations and descriptions of program and maintains a data base of potential attendees

Implementation

• Procures handouts, materials and presentations for program implementation
• Serves as the primary facilitator to introduce the workshops and speakers
• Will incorporate knowledge of the latest practices and trends in all aspects of the job search and retention e.g., interview skills, resume, cover letter, elevator pitch
• Will model professional behavior and appearance at all times
• Will motivate, encourage and inspire participants and serve as a support system
• Monitor and supervise the peer mentor relationship
• Participate on GPN conference call and be responsive to Worldwide

Program Retention

• Responsible for maintaining participant retention and retainment
• Will follow up with participants on a weekly basis via email, telephone and/or mail
• Responsible for the upkeep of all GPN program data
• Provide consistency and connections between the Going Places Network by Walmart and other Dress for Success programs (e.g. Career Center, Suiting Program and Professional Woman’s Group)

Program Outcomes

• Responsible for achieving both program and participant goals
• Evaluates the impact of overall GPN program (i.e. speakers, peer mentors, career coach, etc.)
• Measures program outcomes utilizing program evaluation tools and providing regular reports to Dress for Success Worldwide after each cohort
• Implements tracking mechanisms and follows up with GPN participants for reporting measures across 30, 60, and 90 day periods

Outreach

• Responsible for identifying potential employment opportunities, engendering relationships with hiring managers and implementing a career panel
• Expand awareness and support of Dress for Success within the local community, network with job developers and hiring managers, and make inroads with the local Chamber of Commerce and workforce development organizations

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Understanding of the Dress for Success mission
• Dynamic and inspirational group leader; experience in training and/or public speaking
• Passion for helping women succeed in the workplace
• Proven ability to connect with client base
• Strong leadership skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Familiarity with job search process
• Bachelor’s degree required plus minimum of two years relevant work experience
• Strong MS Office skills

This is a contracted position for a program that runs from February through November 2014. Suitable candidates must commit to the (3) consecutive cohort sessions; other than attending the actual 2-hour sessions, the hours are flexible. Requires approximately 20-25 hours per week. Monthly stipend is $1,200.00.

How to Apply:

Please email resume and cover letter to Gayle Gaskin, Program Director at gayle@dfsphilly.org using the subject line GPN COORDINATOR POSITION. No Phone Calls Please.

Dress for Success Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.