Programs Director

ABOUT ENERGY CONVERTORS

Founded in 2017 by Dr. Charles Cole III, Energy Convertors focuses on building agentic students and agentic communities in order to ensure our students get the education they deserve.

We exist to utilize the voices of the end-users of education - THE STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND THEIR COMMUNITY. Our starting place is with those that public education was meant to serve from day one rather than the “system.” We prioritize the quality students and parents desire over any system. Through our research, students and their families understand their power and agency in education. You can find the voices of our convertors through our blog, our reports, our videos, our podcast, and other forms of media.

Our fellows are not victims, they are everyday change agents.

Energy Convertors runs two distinct but related cohort-based Fellowship programs each academic year. The Place-Based research program engages middle and high school students in learning, research, and action on topics important to them and their community. the National Reseach Fellowship, launching in the fall of 2024, will engage high school and college students in learning, research, and action through topics and media that are interesting and important to them individually.

THE POSITION

The Programs Director is responsible for ensuring that all Energy Convertors’ programs operate successfully and have a positive impact on youth and community agency. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Programs Director is responsible for organizing, implementing, and monitoring Energy Convertors’ core programs, Place-Based Research Cohorts and the National Fellowships. The Programs Director supervises one part-time Program Manager and up to five contracted educators who lead the place-based programs.

As a leader at Energy Convertors, the Programs Director is expected to achieve their goals with minimal supervision; build and maintain strong relationships with Fellows, staff, and partners; proactively and creatively address challenges; and demonstrate agentic mindsets and actions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program and People Leadership (60%)

• Design and lead all program recruitment and orientation activities to ensure participation targets are met prior to the launch of each cohort and participants are prepared and able to engage upon the start of their program.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of curriculum for the Place-Based Research Cohort(s) and the National Fellowship(s) in partnership with the Executive Director and programs team.
• Proactively communicate with educators and participants to ensure they have access to the information and materials necessary to engage in their programs and events.
• Maintain a thorough and timely awareness of the status of each program.
• Directly lead workshops or activities if the regular facilitator is unavailable.
• Hire, onboard, supervise, and evaluate all program staff, currently one part-time Program Manager and growing to the Program Manager plus five contracted educators.
• Co-facilitate workshops and trainings for program staff and volunteers.
• Collect, review, and approve staff timesheets, contractor invoices, and program expenses.
• Maintain knowledge about the priorities and trends in agency, mobilization, youth and community empowerment.

Community Engagement (20%)

• Communicate with potential program participants and community partners to establish interest in and support for Energy Convertors’ programs.
• Network and develop relationships with individuals and organizations that may engage with or support the cohorts’ projects, analysis, dissemination of reports, or adoption of recommendations.
• Establish relationships and develop interest in Energy Convertors’ work to support the recruitment of future Fellows and increase interest in agency.

Impact Measurement (10%)

• Ensure that all participant and program data is accurately collected and saved.
• Create reports and contribute narrative detail for quarterly and year-end grant reports.
• Regularly evaluate programs to assess program quality, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and implement plans to improve program outcomes.
• Report to the Board on programs upon request.

Resourcing (10%)

• Provide program data and narratives to support donor and grant requests.
• Establish annual program budgets and actively manage expenses against budgets.
• Participate in fundraising meetings and events.

EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

As a prerequisite, the successful candidate must believe in the core values of Energy Convertors and be driven by our mission. The candidate should demonstrate a commitment to supporting and empowering young people and communities of color.

Beyond that, we are seeking a candidate that has:

• At least four years as a senior manager or director at a school, youth empowerment, civic action, or similar community-based enterprise. Experience as a teacher, trainer, facilitator, or curriculum leader is a plus.
• Strong relationship building and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to educate and inspire diverse audiences (e.g., young people, funders, partners) across multiple mediums.
• Research experience, including qualitative data collection and analysis. Experience with quantitative data analysis is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to design, launch, and manage multiple concurrent programs.
• The ability to think strategically and make assessments of opportunities and challenges within the social and political landscape.
• Proficiency using common online tools and software (e.g., Zoom, survey platforms, Google Suite, Canva, Apple Keynote or Powerpoint, etc.) and the ability to support Fellows’ use of that technology.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Able to work on a computer, including sitting at a desk, for extended periods of time with or without reasonable accommodation. 
• Manual dexterity to operate a keyboard and other equipment.
• Able to see or read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids.
• Able to speak clearly and in audible tones on the phone and in person and be understood by others.
• Able to hear and understand speech at typical levels and on the telephone.
• Able to understand and follow oral and written instructions.