Community School Director
ORGANIZATION SUMMARY
Promise Partnership Utah supports youth in their educational journey from cradle to career to ensure they can explore, dream, and take steps to realize their potential. Our approach involves being rooted in data and deeply collaborating with public and private sector partners to transform the education environment, so it produces more equitable outcomes and disparity gaps are eliminated. We operate on the deeply held belief that by working collectively we can have a greater impact for our youth than we could have alone. Promise Partnership Utah, United Way of Salt Lake, and 211 Utah (Salt Lake City team) are part of the Utah’s Promise organization. Together, we are committed to 100% of kids and families thriving.
Our workplace is fast-paced, friendly, adaptive, and grounded in our core values: relationships, continuous improvement, results, and equity. We offer competitive compensation including a comprehensive benefit package, generous paid time off, and flexible schedules. People with diverse backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to apply.
POSITION SUMMARY
Community schools are an innovative way to combat poverty by combining academics, social services, afterschool programs, and family engagement within the school setting. The Utah Community Schools Director (UCSD) leads UWSL’s strategy to support community school partnerships across several communities, districts, and the state. This includes leading the creation of a statewide coalition, facilitating one or more communities of practice, and supporting training opportunities for community school practitioners. The UCSD leads efforts to create the strategy, partnerships, and innovations necessary to help community schools succeed in reducing education disparities based on race, ethnicity, and income.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Lead UWSL’s community schools strategy with a focus on racial equity.
- Form strong relationships and collaborate with state, district, school, and community partners.
- Create and host convenings for a state-based Community Schools Coalition.
- Manage learning opportunities including communities of practice, coaching, and training.
- Lead an educational campaign about community schools.
- Utilize data to see what’s working and make improvements.
- Support fundraising and inform policies to support community schools.
- Champion community schools and continue engaging new partners.
- Represent Utah’s community schools work nationally at conferences, on panels, etc.
- Stay up to date on community schools best practices, research, and development.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Possess self-awareness and knowledge of systems of oppression and structural racism.
- Set goals with others, plan steps to achieve those goals, and ensure everyone is doing their part and accountable to the results.
- Use data to make decisions and/or tell a story.
- Design and hold meetings that get results.
- Remain flexible and persistent when challenges arise.
- Prioritize building strong relationships and inspire others to get involved.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Five years minimum of directly applicable experience, ideally within a community school.
- Experience building coalitions, collaborations, or organizing partnerships.
- Knowledge of effective community engagement/family engagement/community organizing.
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
- Proficient with Microsoft suites.
- Clear, concise, and professional written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work occasional weekends, evenings, and/or early morning work hours.
- Candidates must be able to pass UWSL background check to hold this position.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The team member is regularly required to communicate clearly, in oral and written formats, with others in person, over the phone and via other devices. The team member must be able to transcribe, take in new information, prepare and analyze data and figures, constantly operate a computer and other standard office machinery. The team member is required to regularly travel to offsite locations to set-up presentations and displays in physical and electronic mediums. The team member must have the ability to lift, carry, push and/or pull objects weighing up to 50lbs.
The employee is required to work primarily in-person, in our UP offices during core business hours Monday – Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Fridays. Utah’s Promise is currently piloting a 36-hour work week with Friday afternoons off.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The position is a full-time, exempt position with full benefits. $65,000 – 70,000. Salary commensurate with experience. UWSL/UP provides a wide range of benefits, including:
