Title:Special Projects & Development Manager

Employment Type:Full-time, exempt

Program area(s):Special Projects/English Innovations

Reports to:Director of Development

OneAmerica is a progressive, Seattle-based immigrant rights nonprofit whose mission is to advance the fundamental principles of democracy and justice at the local, state, and national levels by building power in immigrant communities in collaboration with key allies.

Established in the wake of September 11, 2001, OneAmerica initially focused on organizing within diverse and new immigrant communities that had been targeted by federal actions undertaken in the name of national security, working with these communities to effect positive change at the local, state, and federal levels. Since then, OneAmerica has grown to become a locally and nationally recognized leader in advancing immigrant, civil, and human rights. Our strategies include public policy advocacy, community organizing, training and technical assistance, public education, and outreach and leadership development for immigrants and refugees in Washington State. We are a leader in national strategies on matters related to immigration reform and immigrant integration. We also help to anchor and lead several national coalitions addressing issues involving due process for immigrants, comprehensive immigration reform, and national immigrant voting.

POSITION SUMMARY

OneAmerica is seeking a creative, strategic, and experienced development professional to help identify, cultivate and secure funding and partnership opportunities for its nationally expanding English Innovations project. The ideal candidate is an accomplished grant writer and a confident relationship builder who has the commitment and ability to target and secure funding, as well as track and manage administrative functions and financial elements of a nation-wide program. This position will work in close collaboration with OneAmerica’s Development Team, Executive Director and peer Special Projects / English Innovations Program Manager. The ideal candidate will be able to successfully navigate the logistics of a start-up project with multiple moving parts, creatively solve problems and have a demonstrated ability to build enthusiasm and financial support for an innovative new program.

Additional Program Background: OneAmerica, in partnership with the Learning Games Network and the National Partnership for New Americans, is leading the design and implementation of this national project utilizing technology to expand access to English language learning (ELL) and digital literacy opportunities for immigrants, particularly potential beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. This initial phase is being made possible through support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The program is centered on OneAmerica’s English Innovations model, which uses blended learning instruction – a combination of face-to-face learning in a classroom setting coupled with online game-based learning. The live instruction will incorporate academically rigorous best practices for ELL education and will be delivered in six sites around the country with over 74 hours of in-class instruction plus additional time learning outside of class.

Xenos, a game-based learning tool, will be the model’s online component. Developed by the Learning Games Network, Xenos combines a virtual world, games, activities, and community in a playful, social, language-learning application. Independent research found that 50% of participants in the pilot program made gains in their English language skills over 12 weeks that were equivalent to those of traditional methods over a year.

This national project will be the basis for the establishment of a new initiative, the English Innovations Institute, which will seek to support and advocate for innovative best practices in ELL strategies that advance immigrant integration and economic opportunity for immigrant and refugee populations in the United States.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Special Projects & Development Manager will be responsible for the following:

Identify, cultivate and secure funding for the project that meets program objectives and requirements.

Work with Project Staff to develop, continuously improve, and implement a detailed work plan for the project, with a focus on project promotion, fundraising and sustainability strategies.

Coordinate and provide administrative, technological and fundraising support for six English Innovations program sites across the country that are using technology and OneAmerica’s approved online curricula to expand access to ELL opportunities for Limited English Proficient (LEP) adults

In collaboration with project staff, consultants and program sites, coordinate the administration of student assessments and program evaluation at multiple points throughout the project cycle.

Negotiate the purchase or use of technologies and other related items necessary for the project at favorable rates, and where possible build relationships with technology partners in support of the project’s missions and goals.

Manage accountability matters with regard to contracts, overall budget and reporting obligations as required under grant.

Provide appropriate written updates and assessments of the overall project and the site work for funders and partners

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of experience
Excellent writing and presentation skills
Proven ability to research and identify prospects, draft applications, secure funding, and generate partnership opportunities
Demonstrated knowledge of ability to manage and track program budgets as well as steward these relationships on an on-going basis
Ability to manage expectations of and relationships with site staff located across the country
Proficiency in computer-related technological tools
Capacity to adapt to changing needs and priorities in order to successfully meet project deliverables
Ability to work under pressure and with tight deadlines
Ability to work both independently and with a team in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while remaining results-oriented
Creative problem-solving skills
Demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of immigrant populations
Sense of humor and can-do attitude
Willingness to travel

COMPENSATION

Competitive salary range
Comprehensive health, vision, dental, life, and short- and long-term disability
Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and family leave
403(b) employee savings plan

How to apply

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter, along with three references, to Ashley Leasure, Director of Development, at jobs@weareoneamerica.org with the subject line “Special Projects & Development Manager.” In your cover letter, please describe how your personal and professional backgrounds align with your interest in working with OneAmerica. Deadline for applications is Monday, July 27, 2015. Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis. Please, no phone inquiries. 
OneAmerica is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women and people of color to apply.