Type: Full-time
County: Remote
Agency: California AfterSchool Network (CAN)
About the Organization:
With stakes high and time precious, the California AfterSchool Network (CAN) promotes the belief that Expanded Learning programs can be a robust place of learning and discovery that supports high achievement for all students. CAN’s mission is to provide the resources and support needed by the OST field and its partners across sectors to build high quality OST programs that improve the lives of California’s most vulnerable children, youth, families, and communities.. CAN envisions compassionate communities that collaborate with OST programs to support whole children, families, and communities so that every young person, and every family is well-known, well-cared for, and prepared to thrive.
CAN is “of the field and for the field”, assembling and mobilizing geographically, professionally, and culturally diverse stakeholders to collectively address significant field needs and advance innovation. CAN is a catalyst for quality, building capacity by promoting a shared vision of program quality and advancing a culture of continuous improvement. CAN is a vehicle for advocacy, equipping the field, stakeholders, and decision-makers with the resources, data, and information that illuminates the importance of out-of-school time programs. CAN is a conduit for communications, elevating field voice and providing the information, tools, resources, and practices that address stated field needs and enhancing practice.
The California AfterSchool Network (CAN) is a Collaborative Impact partner (fiscally sponsored project) of the Foundation for California Community Colleges (the Foundation). The Foundation, located in Sacramento, has served as fiscal sponsor to a number of educational, government and non-profit organizations. Incorporated in 1998, the Foundation serves as the official auxiliary to the California Community Colleges’ Board of Governors and the system-wide Chancellor’s Office. With a full-time staff of approximately 130, the Foundation is a fully professionalized organization with expertise to provide efficient back-office support to manage grants, contributions, and earned income.
In partnership with the Foundation, CAN is well-positioned to ensure children and youth benefit from high-quality out-of-school time learning and enrichment opportunities, resulting in positive developmental, academic, and wellness outcomes and increased readiness for college, career, and civic life.
For more information, please visit our website: www.afterschoolnetwork.org.
Job Purpose:
Under the supervision of CAN’s Director, Policy & Outreach, the Specialist works with the CAN team and other local, state, and national interest holders to increase the quantity and quality of Out-of-School Time opportunities for youth in California. The Specialist engages statewide and national Out-of-School Time experts, practitioners, funders, researchers, advocates, professional development and technical assistance providers, curriculum providers, school district administrators, and California Department of Education staff, to shape CAN project goals and directions.
A successful candidate will possess the qualifications and skills necessary to independently manage projects including event and convening logistics, oversee committees/work groups including their processes and products, support CAN’s various communication and outreach strategies, and help maintain and sustain key relationships with the OST field and related interest holders. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of statewide expanded learning systems and its educational and youth development partners; event and meeting facilitation skills; communications and outreach competencies, and ability to work with out-of-school time professionals. As a member of the CAN team, the Specialist makes independent decisions about day-to-day operations and completes project management responsibilities in partnership with the Policy & Outreach Director.
Essential Job Duties / Responsibilities:
Collaboration and Relationship Building
Work closely with the CAN Directors and Executive Director, along with statewide Expanded Learning and OST (out-of-school-time) interest holders and practitioners to develop, lead, and support multi-faceted, multi-stakeholder initiatives and events (statewide, regionally, and locally).
In partnership with the Executive Director and CAN team, develops and retains key stakeholder relationships including with the CAN Leadership Team and other committees/work groups.
Ensures strategic collaboration with appropriate internal and external personnel to accomplish organizational goals and objectives as directed by the Policy & Outreach Director.
Communications & Events
Work with members of CAN’s Policy & Outreach team to organize and implement conferences and events including virtual, hybrid, and in-person events.
Supports CAN communications strategy development and implementation including the development of documents and publications, website development and design, CAN’s electronic newsletter, and social media. Edits and proofreads written materials for content consistency.
Supports development and implementation of a strategy for multimedia content (e.g., videos, podcasts, etc.) and supplemental materials.
Prepares correspondence and other written materials requiring specialized knowledge of the subject matter.
Outreach & Training
Organize, lead, and facilitate meetings of interest holders and practitioners including funders, California Department of Education Leadership, County Office of Education and School District Leadership, higher education leadership, non-profit and CBO Leadership, expanded learning program staff, and others.
Represent CAN publicly when necessary, including participation at stakeholder meetings, providing conference workshops and presentations, delivering training and professional development, and attending statewide and national conferences.
Support efforts related to CAN’s outreach strategies, policy development, and coalition building work.
Support the Equity & Quality Team of CAN for training on various topics to support CAN’s general information dissemination efforts.
Other duties as needed and assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
A passion for Positive Youth Development and dedication to support thriving children, families, schools, and communities.
A commitment to value and embrace diversity and equity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, income level, national origin, physical ability, sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression.
A willingness to engage in Continuous Quality Improvement as a member of a learning organization.
Ability to plan, coordinate, and prioritize projects while keeping appropriate personnel apprised of status on a regular basis.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to effectively present information and facilitate meetings/trainings to a wide range of audiences in varying sizes/scope.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills including planning, delegating, program development, and task facilitation.
Strong initiative and follow-through skills.
Ability and commitment to collaborate with staff, stakeholders, and other volunteers.
Education and Experience:
Minimum of three (3) + years of relevant experience with project management, event planning and support, supporting communication strategies, facilitation/training, outreach, and relationship building.
Familiarity with and experience working in the expanded learning and/or out of school time field.
Demonstrated respect for and ability to work with diverse populations.
Experience with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams etc.), Google Platforms (Drive, Docs, Slides, Jamboard, etc.), and Zoom/virtual meeting platforms.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Level of Supervision:
This position does not supervise.
Proven ability to manage by influence and ability to build and maintain credibility.
Receives assignments from Director and CAN leadership.
Subject only to very broad communications from a supervisor; always exercise independent discretion and judgment in significant matters.
Evaluation is based on ability to perform essential job duties and responsibilities, as well as successful execution of tasks/projects.
Working Hours, Location, and Travel:
This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week, with additional hours as needed to address the organization’s needs. This is a California-based position, with the flexibility to work remotely (in California) or in person at our Sacramento office. This position may require moderate travel to attend meetings, conferences, and perform other essential functions of the job.
Physical Requirements:
The Foundation may make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job’s essential functions/physical requirements. The following physical requirements are essential to the performance of this position:
Must be able to remain in stationary position up to 4 hours at a time and 8 hours total in a day.
Ability to constantly work at a computer workstation for up to five consecutive days.
The person in this position frequently communicates with internal office staff and/or external third parties who have inquiries about their job tasks. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
Ability to frequently move and/or remain in a stationary position without breaks during meetings.
Ability to constantly operate a computer.
Ability to perform repetitive movements (e.g., typing and filing) and operate and use common office equipment (e.g., copy machine, printer, telephone).
Benefits:
Our benefits include the CalPERS defined benefit retirement plan, generous medical, dental, and vision, tuition reimbursement, and more. We take a strategic and comprehensive approach to investing in our people, fostering an environment for employee growth, and providing diverse opportunities for continued learning, professional development, and advancement.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The Foundation for California Community Colleges is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities (EEO) are available to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, genetic characteristics, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital/parental status, political affiliation, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, The Foundation for California Community Colleges complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment.
As the official nonprofit auxiliary to the Chancellor's Office, we aim to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the California Community Colleges and the 1.8 million students, campuses, and communities it serves. Individuals are hired for their deep understanding of each population’s unique needs and will join a collaborative environment where each team member plays an important role in helping Californians across all communities improve their social and economic mobility and build a better future for themselves and their families.