Position: Program Support Manager Reports to: Managing Director of Programs (MD)
About Thread Thread understands that students growing up in concentrated poverty need more than just improved financial resources or better classrooms; they need the same unassailable support and deep interpersonal bonds that we all need. Thread believes that, by cultivating relationships that transcend racial and socioeconomic barriers – and by creatively building an unconventional family and community not defined by DNA and address – we can overcome the poverty of isolation and, in its place, establish a wealth of human connection permanently linked by unconditional love and support. Thread builds these bonds for students, volunteers, and collaborators. During Thread’s first 11 years, we have supported over 200 underperforming Baltimore City students as they have worked to navigate the challenges in their lives and become responsible, resilient, and self-sufficient adults. Thread has refined its model, developed community partnerships, and increased capacity to develop a truly unique programmatic structure that leads to extraordinary outcomes for our students. To date, Thread has retained 100% of the 207 students it has engaged, and 100% of the 47 students who have been in Thread for five years have received high school degrees. Thread’s approach, from the students it engages to the depth, breadth, and duration of the support it provides, is unmatched. Our students face vast obstacles to their high school and post-secondary success, from missing fundamental academic skills to lacking stable housing. Despite the challenges they face, Thread students are able to achieve outstanding feats: 60% of the 15 students who have been in Thread for 10 years have received a four-year college degree. An additional 20% have received a two-year degree or certificate. Thread achieves these remarkable results by supporting students for a period of 10 years and surrounding each student with a group of volunteers, a Thread Family. Thread Family Members provide students with continuous support: frequent and positive personal contact, tutoring and mentoring services, increased access to community resources, and constant encouragement. Thread never gives up. During their time in Thread, students experience consistent and caring relationships. As they mature and graduate from post-secondary schools and programs, they enter the workforce with the necessary connections to caring adults and resources needed to thrive.
Thread at Its Best
We are hard-working, collaborative, and passionate about Baltimore’s youth. We go all in with care, compassion, and empathy. We know that the long hours are worth theshort victories. We believe small acts make a big difference. We are small but mighty. We are about meeting people where they’re at. Wehave expectations of success from all in our community. Sometimes, it takes faith and tenacity; often, it takes grit and strategy. Whatever the case, we do whatever it takes. We are resilient. We are about building communities of responsibility. The work is hardbut magical and we keep our heads low and spirits high, as we go about it. The outcomes we obtain are exemplary. However, on the road to excellence is peppered with failure. We make mistakes often and fail frequently, but we learn from our mistakes and continue to tenaciously try and try again. We are in the business of laying stones, building bridges, and creating relationships that enable us and Baltimore to reach our true potential. We are weaving the new social fabric ofBaltimore!
Job Summary The key responsibility of the Program Support Manager is to support the entire Program Team by owning and administering key elements of Thread’s program. The Program Support Manager will enhance the effectiveness of others on the Program Team by managing program data, supporting communications, working on special projects for the Managing Director of Programs and assisting with the organization of program materials and events.
Key Responsibilities
Support Managing Director of Programs (MDP)
Assist with special projectsto support the growth, changes and improve student outcomes
Assist with annual budgeting process and ongoing program budget management
Assist with research as needed
Program Data Collection and Management
Collect Program specific data and ensure accurateand timely entry into data management system; notify appropriate Director when data is not made availableon a timely basisor when Thread collection tools are not being used
Establish working relationship with Manager of Data and Research to facilitate common understanding of metrics and regular production of reports; review reports to ensure understanding of program operations
Manage Program Event Logistics
Assist Program staff in scheduling and setting up meetings, including Site meetings, individual meetings, recruitment events
Assist Program staff in developing and preparing printed and other materials for meetings and events; anticipate and plan for purchases as required
Assist at Program events, including set up, check-in, distribution of materials, break down
Maintain Program Calendar with details for all Program activities/events
Support and ensure consistency of Program Communications
Assist with electronic, verbal and written communications from program staff, including regularly scheduled emails, attendance reminders and confirmations, follow-up communications
Coordinate with the Community Engagement team to ensure consistency of Program communications
Coordinate with Operations team to manage Program requirements
Coordinate requests from Program staff re: IT, purchases, etc. with appropriate individuals for approval and resolution. Process all approved purchases through Accounting and Operations Associate
Manage Zipcar account; coordinate with Accounting Associate to ensure accuracy of expenses
Research options and prepare purchase requests for Program purchases to present for approval and process approved purchases through the Accounting and Operations Associate
Manage Program email accounts
Set up all volunteer email addresses and send introductory email to volunteers
Make password changes as appropriate
Manage Program(staff and volunteer)email accounts and ensure that all listserves are up to date; coordinate with volunteer engagement team
Assist Volunteer Engagement team with Volunteer enrollment process
Maintain organized and confidential paper and electronic files, including scanning/uploading and filing forms and Program paperwork digitally
Perform other administrative duties
Manage inbound calls toThread during business hours and coordinate afterhours coverage with staff
Qualifications/Skills
Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Thread’s students and volunteers
Able to interact withstaff at all levels as well as external parties including volunteers and vendors
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to organize complex tasks and prioritize multiple assignments
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Ability to work independently
Adept at scheduling, logistics
Skilled in research techniques and analysis
Innovative and resourceful with respect to problem solving
Entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to employ sound judgement
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
Proficiencies with technology (e.g. Microsoft Office, including Excel) and Google Platform, and willingness to adapt to new technologies
Minimum 2 years in an administrative position or equivalent
Prior non-profit experience or knowledge preferred
Ability to work 9am-6pm and at least three evenings per month
Valid Driver’s License
How to apply
Please send cover letter and resume to careers@thread.org
Deadline: June 5th, 2015 at 5:00pm
Fax and mail submissions will not be accepted. No phone calls, please.