Program Director

The ideal candidate not only understands how to develop and manage high-level program initiatives but has proven experience to secure increased funding to build upon the success of those initiatives.

If you are an experienced community leader and promising “rainmaker” who is ready to join a dynamic team that encourages self-care practices, learning together as a community, and the growth of individuals, we want to meet you. You will become part of a collective decision-making model, and staff members who work together to create and develop organizational systems and procedures to promote transformative justice. We believe in a holistic approach to engaging low-income youth of color in Oakland and our program methodology includes connecting young people to culturally relevant healing practices, and therapeutic activities like collaborative art making.

What You Will Do

You will be the point-person for leading UR to continued success by focusing on the following responsibilities. (Some of these things only occur on a monthly or quarterly basis)

(70%) Program Development & Management

• Orchestrate the programmatic ecosystem, including directly managing partnerships and collaborations with program partners.
• Oversee the Media Departments, including oversight of UR Media contracts, and development of the Digital Career Pathways initiative.
• Supervise the Program Manager and facilitate program planning for the organization
• Co-Manage the Determination Program with Urban Peace Movement; oversee the implementation of the Determination program and supervise the Determination Program Facilitator and Co-Supervise the Determination Program Coordinator.
• Facilitate the Programming Committee and weekly programing staff meetings for the Media and Determination programs.
• Oversee the partnership with Gameheads, if applicable the fiscal sponsorship of Gameheads, and the implementation of collaborative organizational projects with Gameheads.
• Develop new programmatic components in life coaching/case management, trauma informed care, and restorative justice practices, and utilize community network to set up a referral system.
• Conduct program evaluations, staff evaluations and oversee collection & aggregation of programmatic data.
• Coordinate a robust programmatic ecosystem that includes personal development support groups, media & tech training, social entrepreneurship training and healing practices to over 200 core youth members per year.

(20%) Programmatic Fundraising

• Set and meet aggressive annual fundraising goals, in partnership with Co-Executive Director, to secure financial support from foundations, corporations, individuals, and government funding sources.
• Write grants for specific programs, including submitting grant reports and managing programmatic grants for UR Media and Determination.
• Establish connections with companies and corporations around in-kind giving and other funding opportunities for programs.
• Build relationships with investors and venture capitalists to support business projects being launched by young adults at United Roots in both the Youth Hub Fellowship and UR Media enterprise.
• Work directly with the Fundraising Committee and Executive Director to identify funding leads for programs, and secure the funding needed to implement and launch a digital careers pathway program and/or case management support services for at least 50 youth by Spring 2021.

(10%) Operations

• Co-Supervise Administrative Staff to manage the community center, including setup and breakdown for programs & projects happening in the space.
• Innovate with Programming staff to implement communications strategies: conduct organizational website updates; programmatic newsletters and blogs; social media communications; distribution of youth-produced media. (This includes support with licensing agreements)
• Oversee communications outreach for the programmatic offerings of United Roots to enroll at least 100 youth new members per year.

What You Will Need

• 5+ years of experience as a Program Director or equivalent at an organization.
• 10+ years of experience working with low-income communities of color.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent recommended; Master’s degree or equivalent preferred.
• Strong fund development, financial management and budgeting skills; with extensive grant writing and fundraising experience.
• Experience working with organizations that engage youth and young adults.
• Familiarity with the Oakland community and culture, a commitment to supporting the long-term residents of Oakland, and established partnerships and connections in Alameda County a huge bonus!
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and strengths-based youth-centered work.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, restorative justice, and culturally relevant healing practices.
• Commitment to cooperative business strategies and economic equity for all people.
• High level of attention to detail, with the ability to complete multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to data quality and accuracy.
• Familiarity with nonprofit finance and accounting regulations.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong command of Microsoft Suite, Google Apps and Quick Books Online – required.
• Knowledge of databases and accounting systems preferred (e.g. VistaShare, NetSuite, Efforts to Outcomes, Salesforce, etc.)
• Exceptional interpersonal, facilitation and presentation skills; ability to effectively interface with senior management, the board of directors, collective members, staff and youth.
• To be a self-starter and motivated; ability to take initiative.

You Will Be An Ideal Fit For This Role If You Have. . .

• A high level of self-awareness, cultural competence, and emotional intelligence; optimistic, creative and resourceful.
• Confidence leading with healthy boundaries, humility and empathy, respecting and learning from the perspectives of others.
• Resilience, Tolerance for Change/Ambiguity – Can effectively cope with change, finding ways to advance work and projects.
• Comfort and skill with mediation and conflict resolution – Profound ability to find middle ground.
• Ability to be flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance and administration initiatives.
• Accountability: holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• A high degree of integrity and transparency and a commitment to continuous learning.
• Experience building bridges across cultures, generations, communities, sectors.
• Skills establishing quick rapport and strong relationships with colleagues, clients, partners, and donors to foster cohesiveness in achieving results.
• Capability of functioning well in a fast-paced environment and quickly learning new skills to meet the organization’s needs.
• A mental health, counseling psychology or clinical background – highly preferred.

We are hoping to bring on a candidate with as many of the above-mentioned areas of knowledge, ability, skills and experience as possible.

What We Offer

• Up to 39 paid days off a year – 10 official vacation days & 10 sick days a year, plus an additional two weeks paid vacation for Winter Holidays last week in December and first week in January) and 9 annual paid holidays.
• Work/Life Balance – 32 hours a week; general work schedule is Monday through Friday from 12:00-8:00pm.
• Flexible Schedule – Schedule is flexible and determined by work projects.
• Compensation – Salary & benefits equitable to other employees at United Roots and commensurate with experience. Exact salary will be determined upon hiring.

People at United Roots

Engage and empower low-income youth of color ages 13-30 in socially innovative ways, with a focus on:

• Personal Development: creating a safe, sustainable environment to heal and grow through ritual, cultural healing practices, and wellness services
• Creative Arts Education: instilling confidence and developing talent through digital and performing arts
• Career and Workforce Mentorship: cultivating innovation and entrepreneurship through fellowships, mentorship, employment pipelines and business incubation
• Civic Engagement: building coalitions between communities of color, decision makers, and employers to advocate for community change

To learn more about United Roots youth programs go to: https://vimeo.com/51260083

Start Your Application!

Applications will be accepted through May 15th or until the ideal candidate is identified. Early submissions are encouraged, and candidates of interest will be contacted shortly after receipt.

Please submit the following:

• A thoughtful cover letter outlining your interest in the position and how your qualifications align with the above requirements and United Roots’ focus and mission.
• Within the cover letter, please answer the following question, “What are the most important programmatic needs for youth and young adults in Oakland right now?”
• Include a current resume and 3-5 references.
• Email to: Careers@UnitedRootsOakland.Org

Front Desk Administrator

As a small organization, United Roots provides an intimate and collaborative working environment. While the Administrative Assistant will be the point-person for managing the below responsibilities, some of these things only occur on a monthly or quarterly basis, and often times the staff works together to execute projects.

• Provide administrative support
• Run background checks for volunteers
• Manage the operation of the front office, including: attendance tracking, distribute mail, answering phones, files and archives, etc.
• Data entry and day-to-day management of Salesforce database by ensuring membership records are accurate and entered in a timely manner

• Opening and closing building, set up center for daily programming activities
• Manage security cameras
• Light cleaning and organizing of center, coordinate with contractors for weekly cleaning
• Gather and empty trash, compost, and recycle bin
• Assist in ordering office & program supplies
• Work with staff to coordinate building maintenance and repairs
• Water plants in garden and in center

• Oversee and assist programs using the space and distribute stipends
• Support program staff with coordination of events, youth recruitment and enrollment
• Manage, schedule, set up media labs, check in/out equipment to youth
• Conduct equipment inventory and supervise equipment including organizing storage room, purchases, and repairs
• Assist with outreach, enrollment, social media content, outreach, posting for organization & programs
• Assisting members with computer access, printing, and scanning
• Conduct building orientations for new members

• Prior experience doing administrative work
• Familiarity with working with youth in a community setting
• An understanding of the Oakland community and social justice advocacy
• Attention to detail, accuracy and organization. Ability to complete multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize to meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with nonprofit organizations
• Written and verbal communications skills
• Basic computer skills and eagerness to learn new things
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Salesforce, Google Apps and QuickBooks Online a plus
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, adaptable – ability to work on a team
• Self-starter, motivated, and able to take initiative; ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment and can learn new skills to meet the organization’s needs
• Ability to lift 25 pounds
• All prospective staff must pass a background check

Works With: Operations Director is the supervisor

Start Date: ASAP

Professional

Please submit the following to: tammy@unitedrootsoakland.org

• A thoughtful cover letter outlining your interest in the position and how your qualifications align with the above requirements and United Roots’ focus and mission.
• Current resume and references.

United Roots complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and encourages and seeks qualified candidates from people of all backgrounds. Our goal is to ensure that United Roots upholds an inclusive environment where all people feel that they are equally respected and valued, whether they are applying for an open position or working at our organization. We welcome applicants of all educational backgrounds, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, religions, ethnicities, ages, citizenships, socioeconomic statuses, disabilities, and veteran statuses, and we’d love to learn about what you can add to our team.

Due to the volume of responses, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.