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Our client is a mission-focused and results-driven non-profit organization working to develop talented leaders from multiple disciplines to transform urban K-12 education. To achieve this goal, our client operates a summer Fellows program for high caliber graduate students from various backgrounds to intern on mission-critical projects. Fellows participate in professional development and trainings designed to support a better understanding of key education issues and learn from leaders who are already making a difference in the field. Fellows work in critical roles as they explore how they might leverage their skills to transform the education system. In 2008, our client plans to select 175 graduate students to support Partners in five major urban centers across the nation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an entrepreneurial leader to serve as the founding Managing Director, launching and managing the new Chicago site. Managing Directors report to the Vice President of National Programs and work collaboratively with one another. In addition, Managing Directors supervise a local Program Associate and are supported by the national staff.

Key responsibilities include:

Select and match a diverse roster of Fellows and portfolio of Partners for participation in the Fellows Program

• Support implementation of organizational strategy to select a diverse group of talented graduate students to participate in the Fellows Program through active recruiting efforts at targeted graduate programs across the country
• Maintain strong relationships with current Partners and develop new relationships with local education organizations to grow the regional base of Partners
• Create strong internship matches between Fellows and Partners

Effectively implement an outstanding Fellows Program and support local programming for our client’s alumni

• Lead and facilitate five high-quality, issues-based workshops and other Fellows Program events involving local education experts, Partners, alumni, and other supporters
• Support local programming for program alumni
• Serve as a skilled coach, mentor and guide for Fellows and alumni regarding their summer internship experience, their ongoing professional development and their long-term career planning
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with Partners to support and ensure successful internship experiences for both Partners and Fellows
• Monitor Fellows Program evaluation and assessment through data collection and analysis, including feedback from Fellows and Partners
• Oversee the logistics for local events

Build local support and lead local fundraising efforts

• Create and cultivate a strong brand in the Chicago market
• Establish a local Advisory Board and maintain positive and effective board relations and communications
• Lead local fundraising efforts with foundations, corporations, and individuals
• Effectively utilize and manage the local site budget

Contribute to continuous innovation and improvement to drive their long-term impact and growth

• Support additional initiatives based on areas of interest and unique skills as our client continues to grow and increase its impact

Experience and Qualifications:

• Three or more years of relevant professional experience; may include program design and implementation, professional coaching and mentoring roles, teaching, direct management of teams, and talent management
• Extensive skill in relationship building with team members and external partners
• Strong oral, written, networking and presentation skills
• Superb facilitation skills, able to work with diverse groups
• Knowledge of local education organizations, leaders and programs, with an understanding of the current K-12 landscape
• Extensive experience successfully managing a program in a fast-paced, goals-oriented environment
• Graduate degree required
• Fundraising experience preferred

Personal Characteristics:

• A strong commitment to our client’s mission and core values of courage, optimism, collaboration, and action
• Independent, highly organized, and detail-oriented self-starter
• Energetic, hard-working, and enthusiastic team player
• Flexible, resourceful, and persistent change agent
• Creative, imaginative, and innovative problem solver
• Principled leader with high ethical standards

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.