Program Coordinators, Civic House, University of Pennsylvania

Posted by on June 20, 2011

Program Coordinators, Civic House, University of Pennsylvania
(Two positions will be available)

Overview
Reporting to the Associate Director of Civic House, the Program Coordinators oversee the development, management, administration, and evaluation of programs which support the civic engagement activities of University of Pennsylvania students.  The Program Coordinators will assist in communicating with community agencies, in promoting and supporting community involvement, advocacy, and service-learning among Penn students, in advising students and organized groups, and in office planning and administration.  During the academic year, the position requires availability during several evenings and occasional weekends.

Specific Duties:

As there are two positions, the duties enumerated below will be divided between two people, depending on the skills and experiences that successful candidates bring to the position.

Civic House Associates Coalition (CHAC)

As the key advisor for CHAC and its Executive Board (CHAC Exec.), the Program Coordinator is involved in all of the organization’s functions, including:

– providing support and guidance to CHAC and the CHAC Exec.
– Attending weekly meetings with CHAC Exec and weekly meetings with the CHAC Co-Chairs
– With outgoing CHAC Co-Chairs, developing and implementing all aspects of CHAC Exec’s annual orientation retreat
– advising organizational leaders with goal setting, leadership transition, establishing budgets, and goal development and implementation

– with the other Program Coordinator, developing and implementing the annual Leadership Gathering for members of CHAC
– Overseeing the CHAC recognition process for new service and advocacy organizations
– maintaining relationship with the advisor to the Student Activities Council (SAC) to facilitate the cooperation of the two groups
– Advising and providing technical assistance to service and advocacy groups as necessary

PennCORP (Penn Community OutReach Program)

Provide community involvement opportunities and educational experiences for selected incoming first-year students consistent with Civic House’s mission, orienting incoming students to Penn, West Philadelphia and local community involvement opportunities. Specific responsibilities include:

· Overseeing recruitment, selection, training of PennCORP staff;
· Supervising PennCORP staff;
· Overseeing management, administration, implementation and evaluation of PennCORP Program;
· Providing guidance and support to PennCORP student staff;
· Serving as a resource for curriculum development of PennCORP issue tracks and West Philadelphia orientation, and;
· Facilitating and presenting training sessions.

West Philadelphia Tutoring Project

· Coordinating recruitment, orientation, regular training, and assignment of all volunteer tutors;
· Developing and implementing comprehensive training program for tutors and Executive Board members;
· Conducting planning and follow-up visits to schools, evaluating progress of Project;
· Supervising Executive Board members, who serve as liaisons with tutors and Project schools;
· Maintaining records of all tutoring activities, and preparing regular reports and updates on Project;
· Coordinating transportation system for tutors;
· Promoting and assisting with special events related to the Project;
· Organizing Site Coordinators’ meetings as needed.

Alternate Spring Break
Serve as the principal advisor to Alternate Spring Break and its Executive Board by providing advice and performing tasks toward their success including:

· Maintaining constant communication with the Board throughout the academic year and summer via email correspondence and a handful of meetings per semester;
· Advising the group exploring service trips beyond the spring break period
· Directing the group in their use of University resources and facilitate their communication with key stakeholders including the Office of Risk Management, the Travel Office, the Student Activities Council, the Office of Student Affairs, and with external organizations essential to the trips’ success;
· Training the Board and Site Leaders for success as responsible leaders of the trips, with particular emphasis on the importance of both respect for University policy and communication with the Program Coordinator while on their trips. Also introducing facilitation skills suitable for daily reflection and examples of reflection techniques, and;
· Serving as the campus contact for students and their parents while the groups are on their trips – available by phone at all times for the duration of their trips.

The following responsibilities will be required in both positions:
Student Group Advising

· With the Director and Associate Director, providing advice and support to student groups involved in
a wide range of civic engagement efforts.

Civic House Programming and Other Duties

· Work with other staff and students toward developing and implementing programs in support of Civic House’s mission. Areas of responsibility will include, but not be limited to:
· Leading volunteer orientation, training, and reflection;
· Developing collaborative events with other campus and community organizations;
· Coordinating and staffing special Civic House events;
· Assisting with hiring, training, and supervision of part-time staff;
· Developing and implementing short- and long-term programmatic goals;
· Coordinating new projects and programs;
· Establishing and maintaining relationships with other University offices, student groups, and organizations and individuals external to the University;
· Preparing office publications, including newsletters, brochures, and training materials, and;
· Updating and developing Civic House website and other social media.

QUALIFICATIONS:
BA/BS or equivalent required, as is a minimum of 1-3 years professional-level involvement in higher
education community service-learning activities, work with community-based organizations, and/or
student development work. Master’s degree in Education, Social Work or related discipline preferred;
relevant experience may substitute for masters-level work. Deep understanding of social issues related
to community involvement and advocacy work in an urban setting. Applicants must be able to
demonstrate high level of initiative, as well as strong speaking, discussion facilitation, and writing skills,
and proven organizational and program planning skills. We also seek an individual with a
demonstrated commitment to diversity and to working with college students. Basic computer skills
required (Windows platform), including word processing and database use; experience with additional
software and with navigating and creating internet-based resources, including social media, helpful.

TO APPLY (NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE):
Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, resume, and list of three professional references
(with name, title/organization, postal and email address, and phone) attached to an email to the Search
Committee at the following email address by Monday, June 27th: civic@dolphin.upenn.edu. Please
place “Program Coordinator” in the subject line.

For more information on Civic House, please see our website: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/civichouse/

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY STATEMENT
The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, Sansom Place East, 3600 Chestnut Street, Suite 228, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).