PROGRAM DIRECTOR
A+ SCHOOLS
A+ Schools believes that public schools are the backbone of the city of Pittsburgh. The quality of schools is of vital interest to children, parents, taxpayers, residents and all those who care about the city’s future. A+ Schools is seeking a Program Director to manage programs and provide additional capacity to the organization. If you are a leader with project management experience and a passion for the success of students and the Pittsburgh Public School system, this opportunity might be right for you.
BACKGROUND
A+ Schools is an independent community advocate for improvement in public education and seeks to mobilize
the community to improve public education. A+ School’s vision is to provide successive generations of young
people who thrive and build their families and futures in Pittsburgh. A+ Schools was founded in 2004, has an
annual budget of roughly $500K, and three staff. It is located in downtown Pittsburgh.
For more information on A+ Schools visit www.aplusschools.org.
OVERVIEW & RESPONSIBILITIES
The Program Director (PD) is responsible for managing programs that advance the mission of A+ Schools. This
position strongly supports the Executive Director, and requires someone who has a strong generalist skill set,
with the ability to work autonomously on high-level projects. This position does not have direct personnel
management responsibility, but does work collaboratively with others in the A+ organization including both
staff and board members. Responsibilities include but are not limited to project management, fundraising,
general and applied research and contract management. The PD reports to and is managed by the Executive
Director. Additionally, specific responsibilities include:
1. Project Management
- Direct and manage community engagement and planning projects including community meetings, community school planning projects, and other efforts that engage community in public school improvement
- Organize community stakeholders to identify and pursue advocacy agendas for the benefit of student outcomes.
- Facilitate meetings with the community
- Develop community relationships for the promotion of A+ Schools mission
- Conduct and direct necessary research for program development
- Direct and manage other projects and programs as needed
- Assist with other work deemed necessary to accomplish the mission of A+ Schools as directed by the Executive Director
2. Communications/Public Relations
- Manage the content and design of A+ Schools website
- Direct public communication efforts
- Represent A+ Schools in public, at community meetings, and when the Executive Director is not available
- Attend Board meetings and work with the Board of Directors as needed
- Provide staff support to A+ Schools’ various program committees
3. Fundraising
- Research alternative grant funding sources and prepare grant proposals and reports
- Prepare grant proposals for submission
- Follow-up with funders as needed
- Manage budgets as needed
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced facilitator and problem solver with conflict resolution
skills. We are seeking a talented manager who can oversee administrative duties, create new programming and
interface with diverse members of the community. Additionally, we’re seeking individuals with the following:
- A bachelor’s degree and at least three years of relevant experience
- A track record of dedication and the attitude to do what it takes to succeed
- A passion for education and working with educational systems
- Demonstrated organizational skills with project management
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationship with diverse populations, a “cando” team player attitude, a desire to continually learn, and an ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Analysis and synthesis skills, including the ability to collect information, determine key objectives, and act strategically to promote desired programming
- Excellent communication skills, including verbal, written and public speaking
- Coalition building skills, including the ability to motivate, negotiate, and persuade stakeholders into a course of action
- Successful experience working with (facilitation, consensus building, managing, problem solving) groups
- A comfort level with being in the spotlight, but not having the spotlight be about them; rather it being about the larger education issues and relevant concerns
- A respect for and comfort level with rigorous and healthy debate around issues
COMPENSATION
This position has an attractive compensation and benefits package, which is commensurate with an individual’s
background and experience, and organizations of similar size and scope.
TO APPLY
Qualified individuals may apply confidentially by submitting resume, cover letter and compensation
requirements as MS Word attachments to:
Please reference the following in the subject line of your email: Program Director, A+ Schools (#103-MH687)
Candidates must submit materials no later than Friday, March 7, 2008. If you do not receive an e-mail confirmation of your submission within three business days, please call Dawn Kopp at 412-434-1335. Please direct all inquiries related to this position to Dewey & Kaye.
A+ Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
A+ Schools
Pittsburgh's Community Alliance for Public Education
Regional Enterprise Tower
Suite 1850
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412.258.2660
412.258.2666 fax