Soccer for Social Impact Program Director

The Program Director will be responsible for leading and managing Open Field’s Pittsburgh programs. The Program Director will work closely with the CEO to ensure the effective delivery of programs to youth and community partners, cultivating safe spaces on and around soccer fields to support positive learning experiences for participants. The Program Director will supervise program staff, facilitate programs, and collaborate with partner organizations and community stakeholders to oversee the implementation of Open Field’s newest initiative, the Global Soccer League (GSL). The GSL is a support network and post-secondary education pathway for teenagers from marginalized communities in Allegheny County. The Program Director will ensure the program achieves its goal to engage approximately 100 participants in a year-round, soccer-centric activities that with outcomes that include increasing understanding of post-secondary options, building positive connections with peers and adults, and promoting personal growth.

 Job Roles & Responsibilities Breakdown

Program & People Management (50%):

·       Oversee design, planning, implementation, and evaluation of Pittsburgh programs, in collaboration with CEO and program staff

• Provide leadership and direction to program staff, including coaching and supervising employees

·       Manage system to attract, screen, train, recognize, and retain coach mentors (volunteers and seasonal paid staff)

·       Lead planning, implementation, and evaluation of Global Soccer League in collaboration with CEO and program staff

• Collaborate with community stakeholders to build and maintain effective relationships and partnerships

·       Propose ideas and support direct reports in developing and implementing new SBYD activities, program enhancements, and opportunities that support cross-program collaboration

·       Proactively identify challenges, conflicts, and quality improvement opportunities and implements solutions grounded in organizational culture, values, and goals

• Stay abreast of best practices and trends in the field and integrate new knowledge and approaches into program design and delivery
• Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO

Program Implementation (40%):

·       Facilitate year-round programming related to Global Soccer League

·       Support partners, staff, and coach mentors to ensure that program activities align with Social Emotional Learning goals that promote personal responsibility, accountability to the team, respect for others, and personal growth for participants

·       Organize workshops and learning activities related to post-secondary education and workforce readiness skill-building

·       Ensure that program data is collected and reported accurately and on time

·       Implement SBYD youth programs, serving as a lead coach mentor and lead staff person on site, as needed

·       Transport soccer equipment and apparel to/from field, as needed

·       Drive the 15-passenger van, as needed

Community Engagement (10%)

·       Attend youth programs and support program staff, as needed

·       Represent Open Field in the community and advocate for the needs and interests of participants, partners, and the organization

·       Participate in fundraising events by inviting participants/attendees, soliciting in-kind donations for raffles/auctions, and ‘hosting’ the event

Job Expectations:

·       Maintains flexible, seasonal work schedule on site for youth programs (i.e. afternoon and evening hours during program seasons, Saturdays during spring season, and some weekends, as-needed)

·       Maintains balance between in office and work-from-home / flex-schedule, when not on program sites

·       Responds promptly to calls and emails

·       Promptly notifies and communicates with CEO and program partners about changes to program plans

·       Maintains consistent, thoughtful interaction with volunteers, participants, on-site contacts, parents, and other points of contact related to the program

·       Facilitate visits to the homes of youth participants in various neighborhoods, as needed

·       Communicates with families (parents) using interpretation and translator services, as needed

·       Adapts to unplanned events or unexpected changes in a way that is grounded in organizational culture, values, and goals

·       Takes ownership of responsibilities and shares decision-making power with others, particularly youth participants

Job Qualifications:

·       Bachelor's degree in education, social work, or related field or a minimum of 3 years working in youth development and/or sports-based programming

·       Minimum of 3 years of experience in program management and supervision, preferably in youth development and/or sports-based programming

·       Prior soccer experience, either as a player or coach (basic knowledge of the game is important)

·       Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating programs

·       Experience working with diverse populations, particularly immigrants and refugees, and an understanding of the challenges they face

·       Strong leadership, management, organization, and interpersonal skills

·       Strong attention to detail

·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills

·       Creative and skillful in problem-solving

·       Knowledge of post-secondary education options and workforce readiness skill-building

·       Passion for and commitment to youth development and social justice

·       Familiarity with trauma-informed and alternative discipline practices, e.g. restorative practices

·       Driver’s license and access to reliable transportation (your own vehicle)

·       Must have, or be willing to obtain, PA Act 33/34 Clearances, FBI Fingerprint Background Check (mandatory), Mandated Reporter Training, First Aid/CPR/AED Training

Schedule:           

This position is full-time, with some evening and weekend work required. The Program Director will primarily work at Open Field's Pittsburgh office Monday – Wednesdays, with the option to work from home on Thursdays and Fridays. They will travel to program sites and community partner organizations throughout the week. Work hours will vary based on the program season. For 8–10-week periods in spring and fall, the Program Director can expect to be at program sites most Monday-Thursday evenings (with later ‘office hour’ start times). The Program Director will lead the 10-week Saturday soccer league planned for April – June (expected hours are 8am-5pm). Other weekend activities (average 1 per month) include community events, youth workshops/trainings, field trips to professional and college soccer games, and fundraising events (2 per year). Open Field strives to provide staff with as much flexibility in work hours as possible.

How To Apply:

Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter/statement of interest to contact@openfieldintl.org before midnight on Wednesday May 31, 2023. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Candidates who advance to the second round of interviews should be prepared to submit at least two professional references – one former or current supervisor (mandatory), one former employee supervised by the candidate (mandatory), and one former student/youth served (encouraged, if possible). The projected start date is August 1, 2023.

Open Field provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.