Job Readiness Program Manager Start date:Between August 14 and September 5, 2023 Role type: flexible/full-time desired but part-time considered for the right candidate Application timeline: Applications accepted through August 4th, with all responses to applications and invitations to interview after that date Reports to: Executive Director Location: Biddeford/Saco Who we are: Apex Youth Connection is a scrappy, small and mighty community-focused nonprofit that models embracing challenges, adapting and adjusting when necessary, and valuing the voices of our youth. We’ve learned that in today’s world, many young people do not have what they need to transition to a purposeful adulthood that is fulfilling to them and an asset to their community. Apex partners with youth to identify their individual strengths, while developing skills to overcome gaps and barriers that threaten their potential. We are intentional, experiential educators who work in concert with schools and other strategic partners to challenge systems so no youth is left behind. Apex has a 20+-year history in Biddeford, working with primarily at-risk youth through active, intentional programs that build skills, self-confidence, and motivation. Apex values partnership and innovation to help solve our communities’ challenges. We were honored as the first organization ever to receive the Biddeford Schools’ Pillars of Pride Award in 2022. In 2023, Apex was recognized as the Nonprofit of the Year by the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce. The opportunity:The Job Readiness Program Manager (JRPM) will lead the continued development of an innovative new learning program for disengaged and disconnected young people ages 16-21. This program, Apex Builds, has moved through the design phase and is currently building curriculum and partners. Apex Builds is based on the YouthBuild model and is on track to apply for YouthBuild affiliation in 2024 as the only YouthBuild program in York County. The program will help students complete a high school credential through integrated, experiential learning and construction skills training that is relevant to skills needed in the workplace. The JRPM will lead the development of this curriculum, based on best practices nationwide and in collaboration with our partners at Long Creek Youth Development Center and with the Maine Department of Education. Additionally, the JRPM will continue developing business partnerships to engage them in investing in the success of Apex Builds students. The JRPM will collaborate with Apex’s Leadership & Empowerment Program Manager to develop the life readiness components of the program, as well as the social-emotional learning aspects of the program. The JRPM will hire additional staff for the launch of Apex Builds pilot, currently scheduled for November, 2023, to build his/her/their implementation team. Once Apex Builds launches, the JRPM will be responsible for delivering the academic curriculum, coaching staff, managing deliverables for the pilot, and managing current job readiness programs and contracts. The Executive Director will work with the successful candidate on prioritizing responsibilities until the programs are fully staffed. Is this position right for you? You are excited about delivering education in a different way, and you are committed to partnering with students toward that end who may be difficult to engage. You love working with youth, especially those who offer tremendous potential and may have had limited opportunities to own their path, and to feel connected to something bigger than themselves. You thrive on collaboration and look for opportunities to partner in order to create the greatest impact. You enjoy working with a team, while finding intrinsic motivation in moving an impactful goal forward independently. You are organized and enjoy moving from one task to another on a daily basis. You are energized by building something new, leveraging expert consultation and existing program successes in that process. You are eager to build and strengthen relationships, working with current staff to make connections with a range of stakeholders. You are similarly eager to move those relationships to meaningful partnerships whenever possible. You are able to move seamlessly from design to implementation, including program curriculum. You are comfortable with the roller coaster that often defines a small nonprofit; each day can be new, different, and unexpected! You want to be a part of a new way of partnering around education that is generating excitement at the State level. If many or all of the above are true about you, please apply! We want you.Apex is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences in our staff and our youth. For this position, direct experience in alternative education is desired, with Maine teacher certification (or history of the same) strongly preferred. Pay range is $50K to $55K. To apply for the Job Readiness Program Manager position, send a resume and an explanation around your desire to fill this position – feel free to send a cover letter, video, or other form of advocacy – to Melissa Cilley at director@apexyouthconnection.org. Accepting resumes through August 4th, with all responses to applications and invitations to interview after that date. We look forward to hearing from you!
