Position Title: Director of Urban Programs (Milwaukee Based Programming)
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Regular. Full-time, Exempt
Basic Function:
This is a senior level leadership position at Lake Valley Camp (LVC), providing oversight for year-round Milwaukee based programs that support the development of youth from under-served neighborhoods to teach, lead and inspire others in the community. In addition to supervising existent programming, the Director of Urban Programs will be expected to provide creative, well researched, and thoroughly developed ideas that lead to programmatic enhancement as well as new program design. Improvements and new program initiatives will put emphasis on meeting identified needs, supporting positive youth outcomes, and reinforcing the mission and values of LVC. While this leader has the responsibility of overseeing Milwaukee based staff and programs serving youth ages 7 – 18yrs, the Director of Urban Programs also has the broader responsibility to work collectively with and to support other LVC program leaders and staff members to ensure consistency, continuity and a universally high level of program quality. The Director of Urban Programs is responsible for creating an environment and experience that ensures the safety (physical and emotional) of all participants (youth, families, and staff). The Director of Urban Programs is responsible for budget creation, oversight of Milwaukee program related spending, and fiscally responsible decision making. The Director of Urban Programs supports and communicates the goals and strategic vision of LVC, and embodies the LVC core-values at all times and works to ensure that staff and youth participants grow and thrive with LVC.
Reporting and Relationships:
The Director of Urban Programs reports to the Executive Director. The Director of Urban Programs supervises directly or indirectly all Milwaukee based program staff (line and managerial) The Director of Urban Programs works collaboratively with other program and administrative staff (e.g. Registrar, Human Resources Manager, Office Administrator). The Director of Urban Programs is responsible for reporting quarterly to the LVC board of directors on the status of Milwaukee based programs and youth participants.
Availability:
The Director of Urban Programs is expected to work a 40 hour week with additional hours as necessary to get the job done. This will include some weekend and evening hours to observe programming and program staff to ensure a consistently high quality experience for all youth participants.
Essential Job Functions:
Oversees and supports the development, design and delivery of all Milwaukee-based program initiatives while ensuring that the objectives of each are aligned with the organization’s mission, goals, values, and desired youth outcomes. Current Milwaukee based programs include: Leadership Training (high school student focused workshops, events, and activities); Success Coaching (teen case management); School Year Performing Arts (middle school focused); Day Camp (elementary school summer programming); Theater Camp (elementary and middle school summer programming); and the College and Service learning tour (for high school juniors, occurring in the late spring/early summer).
Supports the planning, coordination and execution of the “Endless Summer Celebration,” family reunions, and other LVC participant and partner focused engagement initiatives and events.
As a senior member of the program team, the Director of Urban programs is asked to serve as a support and internal advisor to ensure program cohesion and consistency between resident camp programming and Milwaukee based programming
Responsible for overseeing the recruitment, screening, and hiring of all Milwaukee based program staff as well as ensuring effective and fair supervision and evaluation of all Milwaukee based program staff members (line, support, and supervisory).
Creates and lobbies for professional development opportunities for staff that ensure a high level of competency in working with youth from stressed/distressed homes and communities, in broader youth development and in staff management. Professional development to include but not limited to developing and facilitating/co-facilitating trainings (on-boarding and ongoing), creating individual coaching plans (goals, objectives, action planning etc.), and determining individual or position specific opportunities for growth and development.
Supports and oversees ongoing program evaluation and enhancement as well as data collection to track participant outcomes and program impact.
Works with the Executive Director to create a sustainable staffing model that supports the mission and goals of LVC and allows for the highest level of program quality and consistency for maximum benefit to program participants.
In collaboration with the Senior Director of Camp Programs and the Leadership Training program team, the Director of Urban Programs co-develops teen programming that balances progressive responsibility, job-skills, career exploration and recreation.
Supports the recruitment of youth participants and works with the Executive Director and Senior Director of Camp Programs to define recruitment standards and practices. Supports the maintenance of partnerships with recruitment and program partners (school and community based).
Works to develop and maintain meaningful collaborative program partnerships with youth serving organizations as well as local businesses and universities.
Budget creation and oversight for Milwaukee Based Programming: Developing Milwaukee program budgets, authorizing and monitoring program expenses, and identifying opportunities for in-kind donation and savings to effectively maximize the use of organizational resources.
May be asked to represent the Executive Director or another Director in his/her absence.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
A deep commitment to the mission and values of Lake Valley Camp.
Highly energetic with an ability to work independently and maintain a strong commitment to teamwork.
Creative and independent thinker with a track record of success in achieving organizational objectives, including the conception and implementation of new program initiatives.
Exceptional people management and communication skills.
Outcomes Driven: Ability to define and communicate program objectives and to identify measurable outcomes.
Ability to relate to children, teens, and adults in an appropriate manner.
Strong communication skills and a desire to be a part of a team effort focused on long-term youth development and community improvement.
Calm under duress and able to make critical decisions in a quick and logical manner.
Technologically savvy with ability to learn systems quickly. Familiarity with Google Drive and client management databases a plus.
Bilingual in Spanish and English is an asset for any applicant.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree required – Must have a degree in education, social work, psychology, recreation or other related and applicable field.
Advanced degree preferred – Masters in social work or behavioral sciences, business, urban studies, non-profit management, or related field.
Experience working with diverse populations and previous youth work experience.
A minimum of 3 years served in progressively responsible roles for a youth serving organization.
Previous senior leadership role in a youth serving organization.
Certifications:
Must have a driver’s license that is valid in the State of Wisconsin and a clean driving record.
Valid CPR and First Aid certification will be required within the first month of employment.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
Comfort in an open office environment in the Milwaukee program center and in attending off-site programming (local field-trips and tours) to ensure quality and consistency. The Director of Urban Programs will be expected to support and attend several days of staff training to kick off summer programming at the LVC Boscobel WI resident camp. Additionally the Director of Urban Programs will be expected to visit and stay overnight at the resident camp in Boscobel WI occasionally when camp programs are in session to get a better sense of the resident camp participant experience and how this experience connects to Milwaukee based programming.
Additional Comments:
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
How to apply
To Apply: Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume, attached as a Word or PDF document, to workforus@lakevalleycamp.org, entering “Director of Urban Programs” in the subject line. Applicants should include their salary requirements in the cover letter.