Program Director, Appalachian Center for Equality (ACE)

American Friends Service Committee•Charleston, WV

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Director leads the Appalachian Center for Equality (ACE), which seeks to improve economic opportunities and conditions for young people in the southern West Virginia coalfields and throughout the state through systemic change informed by youth-led community and policy advocacy. The role is responsible for planning and evaluating program projects and activities, supervising staff, participating in fundraising, and developing and overseeing program budgets and finances. The Director develops and implements program goals, manages campaigns and partnerships, oversees program communications, and establishes ongoing assessment and learning processes. The role also recruits and supports volunteers and youth leaders, works with funders and organizational departments, and collaborates with AFSC programs and committees. The position is hybrid, combining in-office and remote work, with frequent travel to Charleston and southern areas of West Virginia and occasional regional and organizational travel.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required; a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is listed.
At least three years of experience in community organizing, advocacy, program development, or other work advancing social justice or social change, including paid or significant volunteer experience.
Demonstrated experience supervising staff, volunteers, or teams.
Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with community partners, organizations, coalitions, and other stakeholders.
Initiative, creativity, patience, drive, energy, ability to listen, and a sense of humor.
Valid driver’s license or independent ability to travel within West Virginia and to occasional regional and organizational meetings.
Ability to work evenings and/or weekends and travel as required.
Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
Experience with Microsoft Office and related technology.
Ability to work under tight time constraints in a high-volume environment with multiple priorities.
Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.
Respect for Quaker values and testimonies and support for AFSC principles and philosophy, including nonviolence and the intrinsic worth of every individual.
Respect and sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic, racial, gender, and religious diversity, and familiarity with nonviolent approaches to problem solving.
Ability to organize, plan ahead, prioritize multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated commitment to fairness, equity, and inclusion across race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, and disability.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a nonprofit, community-based, advocacy, or social justice organization.
Experience with program management, including planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting.
Experience developing and monitoring program budgets and providing financial oversight.
Experience supporting fundraising, grant management, and grant reporting.

Responsibilities

Maintain a viable program focused on improving young people’s opportunities and conditions through youth-led community and policy advocacy and organizing projects.
Support recruitment and convene or facilitate meetings in collaboration with the Program Coordinator.
Plan, implement, and evaluate state-level policy and advocacy campaigns and national and global organizing campaigns.
Develop and implement clearly stated, observable program goals and objectives.
Supervise program staff, fellows, and interns in program implementation.
Maintain working relationships with school and community partners and statewide advocacy and coalition partners.
Ensure consistent program communications, including partner email updates, website or blog development, and ACE’s online social media presence.
Obtain and monitor the human and fiscal resources needed to achieve program goals, including creating and managing budgets.
Work with the grants department to plan and evaluate funding requests and reports; maintain current funder relationships; research prospective funders; and build relationships with supporters.
Review budgets annually and mid-year with regional leadership, track grant expenditures with program, finance, and grants staff, and support monthly expense reporting as appropriate.
Establish and maintain program assessment, learning, and evaluation processes, supervising staff in youth-led program reporting and data monitoring practices.
Recruit and maintain a local volunteer program committee to develop program ideas, connect with the community, and help carry out program work.
Assist with outreach to Friends and interfaith groups in the region.
Serve on local, regional, and national committees and participate in AFSC-wide initiatives, especially youth-focused networks, campaigns, and structural change initiatives relevant to West Virginia youth.
Coordinate, train, and supervise volunteers and youth leaders; collaborate with the Program Coordinator on event and trip planning and assist with chaperoning.
Attend staff meetings and collaborate with colleagues across the organization, identifying opportunities to work with other AFSC programs.
Facilitate ACE youth participation in national and international advocacy and organizing opportunities.
Keep up to date on regional and national policies and procedures and youth program best practices, and ensure staff attend relevant youth safety and skill-building trainings.
Participate in thematic meetings and convenings and support collaborative, synergistic efforts related to the program’s themes and local work.
Perform other duties and projects assigned by the Regional Director or Associate Regional Director, and provide administrative support as needed.
Maintain regular attendance and punctuality, operate safely, and follow organizational policies and procedures.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws, including training and engaging employees, directing work, appraising performance, and addressing complaints and problems.