Rec Center Program Manager – Mighty Writers

Posted by Mighty Writers on November 20, 2018

About Mighty Writers
Mighty Writers is a nonprofit that teaches Philadelphia kids, two to 17, to think and write with clarity. Our free, out-of-school writing programs in four Philadelphia neighborhoods have grown to serve 2,500 kids a year. We have four storefront locations (MW South, est. 2009; MW West, est. 2013; MW El Futuro, est. 2015 & MW North, est. 2015) and dozens of in-school programs. This position will aid our expansion into rec centers beginning in 2018.

Position Description
The MW Rec Center Program Manager will oversee management of Mighty Writers programs at a Philadelphia Rec Center, in the Mighty Writers designated classroom. This Mighty Zone will offer with sports-related and other interdisciplinary writing programs to engage youth who attend the rec center and provide a stepping stone to a full-time site.

S/he will work with the Mighty Writers leadership team to build and sustain the organization’s thematic workshops and curriculum units for targeted age groups ranging from 7-17. The Rec Center Program Manager will serve as the lead teacher, collect data, and facilitate the writing process for no less than 50 students in Year One, four days/evenings a week, supported by our robust volunteer program.
The MW Rec Center Program Manager reports to Education Director and will managing many aspects of site including daily activities, creating and managing program content and initiatives including the:

• Volunteer/intern program
• Program registration
• Program evaluation
• Site phone calls
• Snack program
• Cleaning and trash

Candidate will have regular interaction with MW upper management and is expected to provide project updates and report on the state of the program.

The successful applicant will be entrepreneurial: able to build unique programs, to be accountable and to take ownership of program results. S/he will have high expectations for students, will work well with diverse constituencies and will have a good rapport with people of all ages and backgrounds, including children, teenagers, parents and volunteers. S/he will be self-motivated, work well under pressure and be able to handle several projects at one time. S/he will have good judgment and an eye for detail; as well as the ability to see the big picture.

Administrative

• Maintain a physical presence and support programs on-site Mon-Thurs, approx. 2:30-7:30pm
• Design, deliver & manage daily programs for ages 7-17, in collaboration with coaches and other program leads at the Rec Center
• Serve no less than 30 students at your site in daily programming (estimate based on two programs per day, 15 children per program)
• Serve approx. 45-60 students at your site in summer programming (half day camps, 8:30am-12:00pm, summer only)
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities to other staff and interns to ensure the continued success of all involved programs: writing workshops and
• summer camps in year one; option of adding Academy, Teen Scholars, SAT Prep and/or other programs in later years.
• Help to oversee all operations, such as:
  o Troubleshoot physical site issues as needed with rec center staff (electric, HVAC, plumbing)
  o Keep site (writing classroom) in good shape
  o Outfit spaces with new/current technology and replace as needed
  o Update décor as needed
  o Systems (computers, phones)
• Be one of the public faces of the organization and represent Mighty Writers to the media, other organizations and the public at large
• Remain knowledgeable and informed regarding any issues, regulations or professional standards that may impact Mighty Writers’ policies or operations
• Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent or sensitive information

Education and Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Arts Administration, Liberal Arts, History, English, Social Work, or Public Administration (preferred, but not required); and/or equivalent prior experience
• Experience working directly with city youth in an educational setting
• Excellent writing skills
• Fluent Spanish speaker

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1-2 years of direct experience working with youth in an education-focused environment
• A strongly held educational philosophy of how to inspire kids to write and succeed
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong organizational, time management and computer skills
• Proven management and leadership capabilities
• Interest, enthusiasm and affinity for working with children, youth and adults

To apply:  Please submit resume and cover letter to rloeper@mightywriters.org.

Cover letter should answer these questions:

• What is your educational philosophy of how to inspire kids to write and succeed? Where does this philosophy come from?
• How does your previous work and life experience qualify you to take on this position?

More information can be found at:

• https://mightywriters.org/
• https://www.facebook.com/MightyWriters
• https://twitter.com/mightywriters