THE ORGANIZATION

Chess in the Schools (CIS) is an innovative nonprofit organization helping students engage more fully by providing mentoring, academic enrichment, and scholastic chess during school, after-school and in the summer for elementary through high school scholars in low-income communities.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Senior Director will demonstrate a passion for Youth Development, enthusiasm for the mission and leadership within the organization. She/he will lead the team responsible for the implementation of the School, Project Chess, and College Bound programs. The Senior Director ensures consistent and outstanding delivery with a focus on achieving the programmatic goals.

Essential Duties

Hire, train, supervise and support staff members through regular observation and evaluation
Create a motivating and rewarding environment that promotes excellent program implementation, continuous learning, and ongoing staff development
Supervise all program operations to ensure high-quality execution of Chess in the Schools year-round programming, including after-school and summer programs
Develop annual programmatic goals through strategic planning, ensuring that administrative, operational, and programmatic benchmarks for the organization are met
Support ongoing program model enhancement by suggesting best practices in teaching, education and youth development
Support and collaborate with team members to develop a rigorous College Bound program that includes a social justice curriculum, college prep curriculum, and SAT prep
Co-lead monthly trainings for chess educators in best practices
Develop and track program budgets
Pursue and foster relationships with other organizations/corporations and stakeholders that enhance program offerings
Lead and support program staff to ensure the programmatic, operational, and administrative success of the School, Project Chess, ad College Bound programs through monthly reviews, weekly check-ins, quarterly reflections, training, trouble-shooting, etc.
Conduct school site visits and provide regular feedback via debriefings, site observations, etc.
Develop evaluations tools to analyze and present data on school and student outcomes.
Ensure timely and high quality evaluation by program staff
Work closely with the development department to coordinate donor visits, special events and ensure that program reports are accurate and timely
Chaperone College Bound events (chess nationals, college tours, middle school college experience, etc.)
Establish and foster strong mentoring relationship with College Bound students

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree preferred
Highly enthusiastic about helping youth in under-resourced minority communities
Strong program planning/creative curriculum development skills
4+ years of experience in educational design, education/youth development programming
3+ years working as a manager or leader in an educational/ non profit setting
Teaching experience preferred
Familiarity with social justice issues
Familiarity with Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills a must
Strong skills in planning, training, and providing staff support
Group leadership skills including an understanding of group dynamics
Ability to think strategically and use data to inform processes to create more efficient systems
Strong written and oral communication skills
Ability to develop and track budgets
Sense of humor and team spirit
Knowledge of chess a + but not necessary

Chess in the Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our goal to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law. This policy also prohibits employees from harassing any other employees for any reason including, but not limited to, race, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disabled status.

How to apply

Submit your cover letter and resume to jobs@chessintheschools.org. No phone calls please