Program Director, United States Senate Youth Program

We are seeking a dynamic Director of the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), a role steeped in history and pivotal in shaping the future of our nation’s young leaders. Since its inception in 1962 through Senate Resolution 324, the USSYP has been committed to fostering an understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government and the responsibilities of federally elected officials among America’s most talented high school student leaders, to encourage them toward careers in public service.

This high-impact leadership position carries forward the vision of Senate luminaries including Senators Kuchel, Mansfield, Dirksen, and Humphrey who founded the program with the sons of William Randolph Hearst. The Director will work collaboratively with the U.S. Senate, Department of Defense, state departments of education and federal agencies to deliver an unforgettable Washington Week program each March. This is a full-time position of The Hearst Foundations, based in Washington, D.C.

As the Director, you will uphold the highest standards in planning and executing the program week, spreading the word of this prestigious program to students nationwide, and engaging champions within Washington. You will spearhead strategic planning, nurture relationships with stakeholders, manage budgets, and cultivate the program’s enduring legacy through robust alumni engagement. Leading a dedicated team, you will ensure the well-being of over 100 program participants during Washington Week and administer scholarship awards, continuing the USSYP’s long-standing tradition of excellence and commitment to public service.

EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Arts or Science (minimum)
• Ten years (minimum) experience, in senior staff positions with a Senate or other federal office or corporate or nonprofit organizational positions directly involved with government relations or public service

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Excellent understanding of the federal, state and municipal government and how Washington politicians and agencies function and interrelate
• Excellent knowledge of social, political and corporate protocol at high official levels
• Excellent spoken and written communications skills
• Strong experience building relationships across federal, state and municipal government
• Strong understanding of politics and current events
• Strong managerial, promotional and organizational abilities
• Ability to learn specific technology platforms for program management
• Strong leadership skills

TO APPLY: Please send a resume and a cover letter expressing your interest in the Program Director role and why you would be the optimal candidate to hearst.ny@hearstfdn.org with attention to Donna Lagani, Eastern Director. Please use USSYP APPLICANT as the subject for the email.

We will reach out by email to applicants moving to the next phase of the process to participate in interviews.

To learn more about the United States Senate Youth Program, please visit www.ussenateyouth.org.

Please send a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in the Program Director role and why you would be the optimal candidate to Donna Lagani, Eastern Director at hearst.ny@hearstfdn.org with USSYP APPLICANT as the subject.