Project Director, A. J. Drexel Autism Institute

Posted by Drexel University on July 18, 2016

Project Director

Job description
Exciting opportunity to create and lead innovative programs that help teens and young adults on the spectrum. Transition Pathways is an “innovation incubator” intended to implement and pilot test a wide range of community-based, replicable approaches for helping youth with autism transition successfully to young adulthood. The project director will lead planned project activities, including campus based internships for high school students and a two-year college independent living program. These programs will give students the opportunity to realize their own potential in the community and give the community an opportunity to learn more about neurodiversity and the contributions that everyone can make to society. Transition Pathways is a new initiative at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute’s Life Course Outcomes research program.

Founded in 2012, the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute is a research institute emphasizing public health and policy aspects of autism spectrum disorders. The Life Course Outcomes research program is discovering strategies, beyond clinical interventions, that promote positive outcomes and prevent negative ones for people affected by autism and related conditions.

Essential Functions:

Work in close collaboration with the LCO Program Leader to:

• Implement and manage programs already under development as part of the Transition Pathways initiative, including:
  • Adapting the established Project SEARCH internship program model to serve autistic high school students. http://www.projectsearch.us/
  • Establishing a DREAM Partnership program that provides non-degree educational opportunities on campus for young adults. http://dreampartnership.org/
  • A neurodiversity community center serving Philadelphia and the Drexel campus.
• Plan, launch and manage new community programs to help neurodiverse youth transition successfully to young adulthood.
• Create and implement a holistic strategic plan to guide the future development of Transition Pathways.
• Develop and manage performance measurement systems to collect data that is used to drive continuous program improvement in current and new projects within the Transition Pathways initiative.
• Create and manage scope of work agreements with the Clinical Core at the Autism Institute re. the provision of clinical expertise and consultation for program planning and management.
• Collaborate effectively with other units at the Autism Institute, especially the Outreach and Communications Core, and the Administrative Core.
• Build and manage sustainable partnerships with community stakeholder groups including public agencies (state and local), nonprofit service providers, legislators, businesses and other employers, local school systems, consultants, advocacy organizations, funders and donors.
• Build and manage buy-in, support and collaboration with Drexel University stakeholders (including the Drexel Autism Support Program).
• Develop and implement a funding and financial management plan for Transition Pathways. Build positive relationships with donors and funders.
• Recruit, train and supervise staff, student workers and volunteers.
• Oversee development of policies and procedures for programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

To apply, go to https://www.drexeljobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=81041

For more information, contact Angel Hogan at A.J. Drexel Autism Institute: angelhogan@drexel.edu