Project Director – M Street Youth Advisory Council

The Perry School Community Services Center

Located at 128 M Street NW in Washington, DC, the Perry School Community Services Center is a nonprofit organization rooted in community empowerment and cultural legacy. We are housed in the historic M Street High School building—the first public high school for Black students in the United States—and are proud to steward its legacy as we serve the surrounding community.

In addition to providing affordable space for nonprofit tenants that address critical needs like childcare, healthcare, youth development, and affordable housing support, we are deepening our commitment to cultural programming and youth leadership. Our recent initiative, Celebrating M Street High School’s Living Legacy: The M Street Project—a poster series highlighting the stories of notable alumni – https://bit.ly/MStreetLegacy – has reconnected the community with the building’s powerful history and laid the foundation for a new direction in our work with young people. This includes a focus on leadership development, cultural storytelling, and empowering teens to serve as community ambassadors and provide input into the future of the Perry School Community Services Center.

About the M Street Youth Advisory Council

The M Street Youth Advisory Council is a year-long leadership development and community engagement program for DC high school students. Using the legacy of M Street as a springboard, the program engages students—particularly those from historically underserved communities—in developing their leadership capacity, strengthening their storytelling skills, and participating in meaningful community engagement. Participants explore the power of their own voices while connecting to a long tradition of Black excellence, civic responsibility, and community impact. The program includes weekly after-school sessions during the school year and a summer intensive.

About the Role

We’re seeking a passionate, creative, and collaborative independent contractor to serve as Project Director for the M Street Youth Advisory Council. This part-time role is central to shaping youth engagement at the Perry Center and serving as a vital liaison to the broader community.

You’ll guide a diverse cohort of ~15 students high school students through experiences that build leadership, pride in place, and meaningful community connections. The ideal candidate relates easily to teens, works well with students from a variety of backgrounds, and brings energy and vision to the youth experience. This is an initial 6-month contract, renewable based on performance and funding, with potential to grow into a larger leadership role within the M Street Center’s youth and community initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate all youth sessions (weekly during school year, multiple days/week in summer)
• Build strong relationships with ~15 students and create an affirming, inclusive space
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and communication with students and families
• Recruit and coordinate dynamic guest speakers, artists, and community leaders
• Manage program logistics: materials, transportation, schedules, and space
• Document milestones, track attendance, and support light evaluation activities
• Represent the program in the community and engage with donors and partners
• Act as a connector between youth, the Center, and the larger community

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working with teens from under-resourced communities
• Experience working with youth in Washington, DC and familiarity with DC communities is strongly preferred
• Ability to develop engaging, youth-centered programming with creative flair
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Deep knowledge of and connection to local partners, artists, and community organizations
• Strong collaboration and partnership-building experience
• Experience managing logistics and multi-part programming
• Must pass a background check and be available for after-school and summer hours

Timeline & Compensation

• Contract Period: 6 months (with potential renewal based on performance and funding)
• Time Commitment: Average of 20 hours per week; may require increased availability during summer programming
• Contractor Fee: $26,000 for the initial 6-month term
• Flexibility: Additional compensation may be available for expanded responsibilities or increased time commitment during peak periods
• Renewal Opportunity: Additional funding is anticipated for a second 6-month term, and the role may expand into a broader leadership position focused on youth engagement and community partnerships

To Apply

Please submit the following by email to prose@perryschool.org with the subject line:

M Street Youth Advisory Council Project Director Application

1. A resume and cover letter describing your experience, qualifications, and approach to youth leadership

2. In your letter, please briefly respond to the following prompt:

• How would you approach building trust with students and designing a session that connects them to the history and future of the M Street Center?*

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of April 30.