POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT

United Way of Central Maryland (UWCM) is seeking an experienced, passionate and creative leader with a strong track record of success in program and partner management/oversight and demonstrated experience leading strategic programs and processes. Successful candidates will also exhibit a thorough, task-oriented mindset to their work in managing administrative program details, documentation, partner agreements and budgets. This position provides a unique opportunity to join the United Way Education team to manage our new Young Men United (YMU) equity in education initiative.

Under the direction of the VP of Education, the Senior Director of Education Programs – Young Men United is responsible for leading day-to-day operations of the YMU initiative and working collaboratively with internal UWCM staff and external program partners (school districts, schools, other non-profits, corporate partners, funders and volunteers) to manage this innovative initiative designed to support young men of color with their educational and vocational dreams.

United Way of Central Maryland (UWCM) promotes equity, creates opportunity, and improves lives. Our 97 years of service to the people of Greater Baltimore have taught us what it takes to change our region for the better. We strengthen families and communities by taking on systemic challenges and increasing access to basic needs- health, housing, employment, education, and more. 

Young Men United Overview

United Way of Central Maryland’s YMU is designed to support young men of color with their educational and vocational dreams – complete high school, pursue post-secondary education (college/training/certification) and embark on fulfilling careers while closing ongoing education and earning gaps. This comprehensive program helps develop a strong pipeline of engaged leaders who excel in their careers and strengthen our workforce.

Young Men United will:

  • Break down barriers to opportunity and access for young men of color
  • Help hundreds of young men of color locally complete high school, a post-secondary higher education, and enter the workforce with a meaningful career
  • Create a community of young men who will support one another to realize their full potential
  • Elevate and link critical, holistic services to support and empower young men of color to achieve their educational and vocational dreams
  • Build upon the strengths of each participant, dismantling barriers and connecting them to pathways leading to career fulfillment and financial success
  • Serve as a collaborator and convener, partnering with other non-profits who will provide direct service programming through a layered approach

Through these partners, ensure YMU provides customized, long-term holistic support for students and their families, including:

  • Exposure to and awareness of different industries, careers and post-secondary pathways
  • College and career guidance (academic program research, application, and financial aid guidance)
  • Access to and guidance on training/certification programs and trade education opportunities
  • Academic support, including technology resources and training
  • Mentorships, internships, job shadowing, and paid part-time employment
  • Financial education and support for students and families
  • Connection to supportive resources like housing, food, and mental health support for students and families

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Development /Program Management

Develop short and long-term program plans for successful implementation, innovation and expansion of YMU initiative including quality programming for students and families and establishing strong relationships with initiative partners (existing and new).

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, lead multiple stakeholders, and identify project risks and develop corresponding mitigation plans.

Strategically plan for YMU growth that allows for the balance of serving current student cohorts while onboarding new ones.

Serve as primary liaison/manager of day-to-day operations and implementation of the YMU initiative:

  • Manage/oversee YMU program partners-- nonprofits of varying size, focus area and experience, who provide direct service programming to YMU participants and their families. Includes coordination directly with each program partner as well as coordination between them.
  • Build and implement thorough processes for regular partner communication, oversight and contract renewals.
  • Ensure YMU participants and their families receive regular, quality programming through YMU partners who will provide direct service programming during students’ high school and post-secondary education journeys through a combination of school day/afterschool/weekend and summer programming.
  • Build upon and strengthen existing UWCM relationships/forge new ones with all key stakeholders (internal and external) through program development, implementation and expansion of the YMU initiative.
  • Develop and implement a plan for volunteer engagement/sponsorships with individuals and corporations looking to support the YMU initiative.
  • Work with UWCM Marketing, Development, and Grants teams to help frame promotion of the initiative to various internal and external audiences and develop reports on initiative progress, results and outcomes, for each unique audience.

Fiscal/Grant Management

Support development of and manage overall program budget, and necessary modifications as program evolves, including oversight of partner grant awards and related budgets.

Work with cross-functional internal teams to explore, foster and support funding opportunities.

Assist Grants team in development of grant proposals.

Collaborate with Grants, Development and Finance teams to provide program and budget reporting as required.

Data Collection/Outcomes & Measurements

Continuously monitor and track program metrics and outcomes, identifying areas that require attention and/or should be expanded, modified, etc.

Collaborate with external program evaluator to develop program metrics and systems for data collection and reporting.

Develop processes with and across program partners to share and collect data for efficient program implementation and continuous improvement.

Work with Grants and Finance teams to manage and provide required documentation for compliance.

 

INTERACTION:

Internal: Interacts with UWCM staff from all departments and levels on a regular basis, UWCM Board of Directors, RUN Boards and volunteers.

External: Interacts with other non-profits, including YMU program partners and prospective program partners, school districts, school staff at individual schools, YMU participants, prospective participants and their families, United Way Worldwide and other local United Way chapters, local and national foundations, community leaders, government officials.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

(required education, years of experience, skills, and abilities):

  • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years’ experience focused on program/project management, including strategy development, partner oversight and assessment. Master’s degree preferred.
  • Program Operations/Project Management experience with youth-focused organizations that serve students of color at the high school and post-secondary levels.
  • Ability to successfully plan, implement, oversee, lead and grow a highly successful program (strategic thinker as well as a meticulous administrator).
  • Experience cultivating diverse strategic partnerships with corporations, nonprofits, educational institutions and community groups/leaders.
  • Demonstrated cultural competence and responsiveness.
  • Strong budget management, data analysis, contract management, and reporting skills.
  • Demonstrated computer skills (proficiency in Microsoft Office with an emphasis in Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).
  • Sensitivity to the needs of immigrant children and families.
  • Demonstrated commitment to service and the well-being of students, families and communities.

Successful Applicant will: 

  • Demonstrate experience in planning, developing and leading highly effective strategic initiatives with measurable results through day-to-day program implementation and oversight experience.
  • Have the ability to critically assess a problem, opportunity or challenge quickly and make decisions based on facts presented, creative problem solving and previous experience.
  • Exhibit a commitment to program assessment to demonstrate measurable outcomes and results and inform overall programming.
  • Be a self-starter, with an entrepreneurial mindset and ability to work independently as well as take direction.
  • Illustrate they are a strong team player, able to work well within a diverse group to co-create and collaborate on solutions to challenges.  
  • Possess excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills with a strong business acumen that will enable you to establish rapport and build trust quickly at all levels.  
  • Demonstrate a high level of administrative skills: organization, attention to detail, follow through, proofreading and time management skills – with an ability to juggle multiple tasks, while meeting fast-paced deadlines.
  • Be nimble, resourceful, adaptable and open to alternative solutions.
  • Exhibit a willingness to listen and learn with a customer service orientation.
  • Have familiarity with Baltimore neighborhoods and community challenges, and previous experience working with historically marginalized racial and ethnic populations (Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Indigenous) and under-resourced communities.
  • Demonstrate a passion for positive youth development and working with organizations who directly serve young people.
  • Possess integrity; a commitment to ethical conduct and UWCM’s mission.
  • Travel between program sites during the workday as well as some evenings and weekends.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Occasional walking or standing is required.  The hands are regularly used to write, type, key and handle or feel small controls and objects.  The employee must frequently talk and hear.  Weights of up to 25 pounds are occasionally lifted.  There is extensive use of a computer.  Employee is primarily seated while performing the duties of the position. 

 

TO APPLY 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume via email to:

United Way of Central Maryland 
Attention: Human Resources
1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 340 
Baltimore, MD 21230 
Email: hrrecruiting@uwcm.org