Program Coordinator

Program Coordinator /The Fellowship Initiative

Location: Big Thought Headquarters

Reports to: Project Manager, The Fellowship Initiative (TFI)

Division: Programs

Position Type: Full-time, Exempt

Supervision: No

Purpose Statement:

The Fellowship Initiative (TFI) is a multiyear national program developed by JPMorgan Chase Philanthropy to expand opportunities for African American, Latino, and other young men of color. TFI’s mission is to help these young men acquire the skills, knowledge, experience, networks, and other resources they need to succeed academically and professionally. The Program Coordinator will support the Project Manager in critical activities to build and maintain this network.

About Big Thought:

For 30 years, Big Thought has worked with local and national partners to bring tailored creative learning opportunities to kids in Dallas neighborhoods with the greatest need. Big Thought focuses on programs that work with elementary, middle, and high school students to unlock their full potential and set them on a path to success.

#Big Thought Way:

Big Thought brings relentless optimism, innovation and imagination to everything we do. Our kids come first, and we use a collaborative, all hands-on deck approach to ensure that they are served well. 

Below you will find the primary job duties for this position. In addition to these duties, everyone at Big Thought is asked to do whatever is needed to support our initiatives and events. If you are flexible and thrive in a dynamic environment, Big Thought jobs provide interesting and challenging opportunities to make a difference.

Essential Job Duties:

•  Program Coordination/Direct Services: Work with Project Manager to successfully plan, organize, and execute student, parent, and mentor activities; Saturday sessions; Fellowship communication; and outreach to schools.
• Financial Management: Support budget management by monitoring expenses
• Communications: Help disseminate information about the program that will build support among diverse internal and external audiences
• Performance Management:  Support data collection among fellows and general program delivery areas
• Global Philanthropy: Coordinate with all key parties in planning (inter)national and local philanthropic events
• Event Planning: Support Project Manager with logistics of standard programming and special initiatives

General Job Duties and Expectations:

• Familiar with (EQ) emotional intelligence principles
• Versed in cultural competencies (inclusion/equity)
• Creative, flexible, and collaborative with an ability to work in a team-oriented environment; demonstrates a high degree of initiative; results-oriented
• Ability to continually seek information and look for new approaches to processes and practices§ Welcomes feedback as a means to personal and professional growth
• Excellent written and oral communication, customer service and interpersonal skills
• Personal presence needed to represent the program in diverse forums and organizational relationships
•  Well organized; strong ability to multi-task
•  Ability to travel – especially for 2-3 weeks each summer (overnight stays for special TFI intensives
•  Ability to work during many evenings (for tutoring and other sessions with TFI Fellows and families)
• Ability to work on Saturdays (most TFI activities take place on Saturdays)

Qualifications:

•  Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred; Some college coupled with relevant work experience considered
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience required in coordination and other administrative duties in youth development/education environments strongly preferred, especially experience working in schools or community centers
• Passion for TFI’s mission; deep knowledge of and experience related to youth development
• Experience directly supporting and building positive relationships with youth required
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus
• Proficient in computer skills

Physical Work Environment:

To perform the duties of role successfully, you may regularly be required to: sit, stand, or stare at computer screen for long periods of time; participate in external activities; use various office equipment, some manual; work in environment with loud sounds, multiple distractions and interruptions; be exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures on occasion