Director of California Programs

Job Title: Director of California Programs

Reports To: Deputy Director

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Salary: Salary commensurate with experience, plus generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits

Organization

GSA Network is guided by our vision of full equality and social justice for all LGBTQ people. We have developed a model of grassroots organizing in California that trains youth activists to understand and challenge multiple systems of oppressions, in order to develop LGBTQ and allied leaders with a vision for broad social justice. Grounded in this model, GSA Network is building the GSA movement by providing resources, training, and grassroots organizing support to GSA clubs working to educate schools about LGBT issues and change public policy as well as to emerging GSA Networks in states around the U.S. As leader of the National Association of GSA Networks we bring together youth and adult leaders from state and regional GSA Networks to share best practices for GSA organizing. As a national leader in the LGBT, safe schools, and education justice movements, this is an exciting time for GSA Network as we expand our impact in California and nationally, and grow our team. You can learn more about our work at www.gsanetwork.org.

Position

GSA Network is embarking on an exciting organizational development expansion that includes hiring a Director of California Programs. This full-time position is responsible for leading a team of staff working to support GSA clubs and train youth leaders across California to engage in grassroots organizing and policy advocacy. Key responsibilities include supervision, project management, and program design, evaluation, and oversight. Additionally, the Director of California Programs will design and implement a new alumni program for former GSA Network program participants. The Director of California Programs must have a sharp understanding of grassroots community organizing, youth development, curriculum development, program design, and project management. A demonstrated passion for LGBTQ youth leadership and empowerment, an understanding of youth culture, and commitment to social change is required for all positions at GSA Network.

Job Duties:

• Provide direction and day-to-day management of key functions of GSA Network's programs in California that include: program compliance, budget oversight, team management, and project management.
• Provide leadership for a multi-disciplinary team of grassroots organizers, policy advocates, event planners, and youth development professionals. Tasks include hiring, supervising, training, evaluating, empowering, coordinating, team building, and maintaining a climate that attracts and motivates a diverse staff.
• In coordination with California program staff, develop and implement goals, objectives, procedures and work standards of California GSA Network programs.
• Provide project management to California program staff, organizing annual GSA Network program events, e.g. Summer Activist Camps, GSA Advocacy & Youth Leadership Academy (GAYLA)/Queer Youth Advocacy Day (QYAD), regional conferences and youth leadership summits, and Pride Parade activities.
• Manage California GSA registration process, periodic mailings to GSA clubs, GSA resource distribution, and tracking of GSA program activities.
• Lead strategy development and implementation for California coalitions and local GSA campaign organizing. (e. g: Boys & Men of Color/Brothers, Sons, Selves Coalition, Breakthrough Conversations Coalition; GSA Anti-Slur Campaign, GSA LGBTQ-Inclusive Curriculum Campaign. Design, implement, and oversee GSA Network Alumni Program)
• Lead annual program development and improvement processes, including revision of California GSA Network training curricula, resources, and materials
• Attend GSA Network events such as national gathering, youth conferences, camps, and QYAD
• Build and manage relationships and collaborations with other community organizations, local and state agencies, local officials, and others to locate and mobilize resources, identify collaborative program development opportunities, and maintain positive community relations.
• Direct and review program planning and evaluation for California programs with program managers and coordinators, in partnership with Deputy Director.
• Participate in the preparation and administration of multiple program budgets and ensure compliance with the organization's program funding terms and conditions, including preparation of grant reports.
• Oversee intern recruitment and training, as well as volunteer outreach and coordination, in California

Other Duties:

• Present workshops at regional and national conferences
• Assist with some national training and replication programs, as needed
• Write or solicit articles for printed newsletters, e-newsletters, and blogs
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• At least 5 years experience in supervision and staff management
• At least 5 years experience in project management, program planning, and evaluation in non-profit setting
• Training and curriculum development experience, particularly with youth
• Direct experience working in youth development programs with LGBTQ youth, particularly youth of color
• Knowledge of and direct experience with grassroots community organizing and coalition building
• Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills
• Excellent writing skills required
• Fundraising and/or grant writing experience a strong plus
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including public speaking, meeting facilitation, and conflict resolution
• Solid time management skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, anti-oppression work, and LGBTQ rights
• Desire to grow with fast-paced organization
• Ability to work with efficiency, flexibility, and good humor
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and with people from a variety of different racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, religious, sexual, gender, and generational backgrounds
• Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends.