The Programs Manager works with a dynamic team to lead innovative writing programs serving middle- and high-schoolers at partner schools and our Mission Center. The core of our work is direct service, and this position will lead programming approximately 10-14 hours per week. The ideal candidate is energized by teaching writing to students in public schools and is deeply committed to supporting students’ growth. In addition, we are looking for someone who enjoys collaborating with classroom teachers, and is passionate about connecting students to leadership and publishing opportunities outside of 826 Valencia. The person in this role will also supervise AmeriCorps members, volunteers, and interns. 

POSITION SNAPSHOT

• Create change by teaching writing in public schools and amplifying student voice through publishing
• Develop and teach student-centered curriculum in partnership with teachers
• Manage and support a diverse and high-performing team

WHO WE ARE

826 Valencia is an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to supporting under-resourced students ages six to eighteen with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Our innovative model has inspired more than 40 like-minded organizations worldwide.

We offer a highly collaborative, bustling work environment full of passionate professionals who strive to create programs that transform our students’ relationships to writing, and to build an inclusive community that meets the needs and reflects the diverse backgrounds of our students.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Programs Manager reports to the Director of Secondary Programs and supervises two Program Associates (AmeriCorps members), as well as interns and volunteers. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Programs Planning and Implementation

• Design and/or implement standards-aligned, culturally-relevant, and project-based writing curriculum for middle- and high-schoolers at partner schools
• Collaborate with teachers and school administrators on program development to cultivate strong partnerships and build responsive programming that meets students’ needs
• Oversee the Youth Leadership Advisory Board at the Mission Center, a stipended program for about 10-20 high-schoolers who serve as peer tutors and leaders
• Oversee, directly manage, and support student publishing projects; plan publishing release celebrations to increase student pride and engage families
• Manage components of summer programs in collaboration with other Programs Managers and Directors
• Connect students to programmatic opportunities at 826 Valencia (i.e. leadership programs, summer programs, workshops) and outside of 826 Valencia (i.e. local publishing opportunities, community-based organizations)
• Track student and volunteer data using Salesforce and the Contract Management System of the San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Families. Oversee the distribution, collection, entry, and analysis of evaluation data for programs and continuous reflection and reporting

Management and Supervision

• Supervise and support two Programs Associates by providing ongoing coaching, guidance, and conducting performance evaluations in coordination with Bay Area Youth Agency Consortium (BAYAC) and the Human Resources Manager
• Supervise interns and volunteers. Train, support, and celebrate tutors to promote effectiveness and achieve 2:1 tutor-to-student ratio. Support interns’ professional development
• Assist with the process of recruiting, interviewing, and selecting well-qualified programs staff
• Work with Supervisor to set agendas and facilitate team meetings to maintain alignment and build community
• Create conditions for team members to do their best work and provide support informed by the Employee Handbook and other 826 Valencia policies

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in staff and departmental meetings, internal committees on diversity, equity and inclusion, the annual 826 National conference, anti-racism trainings, other professional development activities, and performance appraisal systems
• Proactively raise issues with the Supervisor to prioritize tasks and implement solutions. Meet all deadlines and support others to maintain accurate timesheets
• Work collaboratively with all staff members to ensure robust programming and coordinate best practices across teams, Centers, and departments
• All other duties assigned by the Executive Director and Supervisor

Required Competencies

• Develops project and team work plans with goals and interim milestones to manage resources, time, and people efficiently. Structures and delegates work to ensure deadlines are met
• Sets up strong collaboration structures that allow for the exploration of various perspectives and ensures roles and responsibilities are clear
• Understands how change can impact teams and projects, and communicates accordingly, demonstrating ability to effectively manage others in times of uncertainty and change
• Shares information and decisions in a transparent and timely manner, and encourages and celebrates differences in communication styles, providing appropriate coaching on balancing authenticity with sensitivity and respect
• Sees and responds to the big picture of which stakeholders are being engaged and heard, and actively amplifies voices of marginalized or underrepresented groups
• Adjusts coaching style for a diverse team; adapts to different skill levels, working styles, backgrounds, and nuanced definitions of what success looks like
• Supports an inclusive environment, is proactive in addressing breaches, and works to resolve conflict and foster growth

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least five years teaching and/or youth development experience in under-resourced communities
  Teaching credential (preferred)
• Experience as a supervisor or people manager (preferred)
• Fully bilingual in Spanish and English languages (highly preferred)
• Strong knowledge of the San Francisco Unified School District and Bay Area education issues, including a clear understanding of issues around diversity 
• Able to regularly travel to Writers’ Rooms at Everett Middle School, Mission High School, and other school sites
• Facility with Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Zoom, and macOS
• Able to complete a background check and tuberculosis screening. We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment, pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, but will not hire anyone with a record that includes a conviction of a serious or violent felony, sexual offense, or controlled substance offense
• Able to provide proof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination including all booster doses when eligible, or participate in an interactive process for accommodations. Able to follow COVID-19 health and safety guidelines

OTHER DETAILS

This exempt, salaried, full-time role (40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) is based at the Mission Center, 826 Valencia St., San Francisco, with substantial time at nearby schools. The work schedule is subject to change based on programmatic needs, and working some evenings and weekends may be required. Candidates must be located in or willing to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area, and able to work in an open-office environment where there may be substantial ambient noise and overheard conversations. 

COMPENSATION

• $67,000 Annual Salary, with up to $1,500 per year language premium for employees who meet the criteria
• Paid Time Off: 15 Vacation days per year (increases to 20 days after two years), 9 Wellness days per year, 13 Holidays, and winter office closure. Additional COVID-19 Time Off available through May 
• Employer contributions to health insurance coverage for employee and dependents, Employee Assistance Program, group life insurance
• Pre-Tax Savings: 401(k) plan with employer match, Flexible Spending Account for health care and dependent care expenses, Commuter Benefits
• Professional development funds (budget permitting)
• Relocation support may be available for moving to California from another state or country
• 40% discount at all 826 Valencia stores

TO APPLY

Submit your cover letter and resume to hiring@826valencia.org and fill out this short application by Friday, March 24:​ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3hd9oFeW-fuPsdIalTgs0iIvOANZDC9rQUzLozskisaBEhg/viewform. Please write the position title in the subject line. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

826 Valencia is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse staff and inclusive work environment. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. 826 Valencia does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, political orientation, disability, veteran status, or gender identity or expression. For more information, read the 826 Stand: http://826valencia.org/the-826-stand/. You can read about our core values at https://826valencia.org/core-values/.