Program Manager for Heroes Within [An Initiative of The Superhero Project]

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Heroes Within is a new initiative focused on Queer youth (including, but not limited to, Transgender, Non-binary, Gender Diverse, Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual youth). The program is designed to uplift the youth participants, provide a creative and joyful social emotional experience, offer a chance for young people to support their younger peers, and celebrate the unique, powerful and beautiful identities within the larger LGBTQ+ community. Previous SHP participants have described the following benefits: increasing self-confidence, fostering resilience, building feelings of connection, and inspiring hope. Beyond the positive impact on individuals, the new pantheon of superheroes will be shared broadly through touring and digital exhibits. In addition to the posters and character stories, the exhibit title cards will include the participants’ “Words of Wisdom” for the next generation.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of SHP’s Executive Director, the Program Manager will serve as the primary administrator of Heroes Within, recruiting participants and community partners, scheduling and conducting youth interviews, coordinating artist assignments with the SHP Creative Director, arranging the printing and delivery of posters, and beginning to develop the exhibit tour.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administration: Design program processes and create a handbook of all operations instructions. Accurately maintain all records in the SHP database.
• Participant Recruitment: Share program details with youth-serving organizations, clinics, universities and schools. Serve as the primary point of contact to answer questions and provide additional information as needed. Recruit a minimum of 35 participants.
• Interview Management: Schedule and conduct individual virtual interviews with each participant based on a framework developed in partnership with the Executive Director. Interview training will be provided.
• Program Assistance: Collaborate with SHP staff after interviews to send artist assignments, have the completed posters printed and coordinate delivery to participants.
• Communication: Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with SHP staff members, printers, community partners, participants, families, and others as needed.
• Assessment: Administer pre- and post-program evaluations by participants; compile results to share with the evaluation consultant.
• Exhibit Tour: Develop a timeline for the exhibit tour, research possible venues, and establish protocols for the selection and delivery of exhibits.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Professional experience working within a youth program; associate or bachelor’s degree and/or roles in the nonprofit sector preferred, but not required. We’d be particularly delighted to hire someone who has a demonstrated interest in doing social impact work benefiting Queer youth, shown by previous volunteer or work experience.
• An understanding of youth development.
• Ability to receive, offer, and address feedback respectfully.
• Schedule flexibility, including some evening and weekend work.
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and multitasking skills, with the ability to think several steps ahead. Adaptable and resilient in fast-paced environments.
• Strong people skills and ease working with individuals with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and gender and sexual identities.
• Ability to conduct positive, thoughtful and joyful interviews.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong proficiency in Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet) and experience in or comfort learning additional technology platforms, including MailChimp, Airtable, Zoom, and Acuity.

AN IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL:

• Appreciate and respect the organization’s mission and core values: imagination, inclusion, representation, and joy.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and absolute discretion with confidential information.
• Thrive in establishing connections quickly with a diverse group of youth.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, community partners and stakeholders to achieve goals. Listen openly and empathetically to contribute to a positive work environment.
• Share information and communicate effectively through the program design process.
• Skillfully employ effective time management to coordinate multiple activities simultaneously and work within deadlines. Assess workload and prioritize to complete tasks within deadlines.

YOU SHOULD APPLY:

The Superhero Project community is a diverse one. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our organization stronger in delivering social impact. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities. We know there are great candidates who might not check all of the qualifications listed above or who possess important skills we didn’t consider when designing this new position. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. The four short narrative questions in the application are important as a reflection of who you are, a glimpse into why this position and our mission are compelling to you, and as a demonstration of your communication skills.

Heroes Within is program provided with the support of Stonewall Community Foundation, The Janet Silverstein Charitable Fund, and The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland.