Post Secondary Coordinator

Primary Function

The Post-secondary Coordinator has the overall responsibility for the development, implementation and execution of educational planning, and career/vocational development for ASM / CPS AAEP program participants for transition out of high school. This includes ensuring access to services and providing an assortment of guidance activities and oversight of all post-secondary guidance, workshops and materials. The Post-secondary Coordinator works closely with the Chicago Public Schools Area Post-Secondary Specialist.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

1. Collaborate with ASM Regional Teams / CPS AAEP and CPS Office of Post-secondary in the development, implementation, evaluation and coordination of post-secondary guidance programs.
2. Collaborate with ASM Regional Teams / CPS AAEP and CPS Office of Post-secondary in assessing interest for post-secondary guidance needs for successful transition out of high school.
3. Collaborate with the CPS Office of Post-secondary to provide career counseling and advising, career education exploration through college fairs, college visits, scholarships, related internships and apprenticeships.
4. Research and identify scholarship information, potential internships and related career opportunities through organizations, businesses, and post-secondary guidance of scholarships, grants, fellowships, etc.
5. Coordinate activities of post-secondary to provide comprehensive college and career/vocational services to participants by providing access to post-secondary related services / workshops (i.e. goal setting, essay writing, financial aid, portfolio compilation, and succeeding in college, etc.
6. Develop strategy to provide participants with opportunity to attend NACAC college fairs (i.e. CPS annual College fair and Performing & Visual Arts College Fairs) as well as organize opportunities for college fairs to be hosted at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts.
7. Establish relationships with colleges and academic departments to obtain support for participants as well as organize college recruiter visits, portfolio reviews, etc.
8. Maintaining affiliations with professional organizations such NACAC, NAIS, etc. to understand current issues and trends in college admission
9. Develop long-range plan for the provision of post-secondary guidance services including program enhancements, design and evaluation of services.
10. Develop a recruitment plan for special population students into vocational education classes.
11. Maintain AAEP Student Computer Center, for online college applications, financial aid, scholarship research, and artist statements, etc.
12. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• BA degree; Master's degree preferred
• 5 years high school post secondary guidance experience
• Excellent organizational skills, problem solving abilities and extremely detail-oriented
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills
• Illinois State Type 73 Certificate of the equivalent
• Valid IL drivers license and insured transportation required
• City of Chicago residency required

Technical Skills

• Broad knowledge of admission programs and policies, scholarships, and electronic resources for counseling.
• Strong Internet skills and Microsoft Office skills; ability to collect and maintain information as needed.

Comprehensive knowledge of core applications and After School Matters technology

• Proficient in Windows Operating System and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

Cooperative Skills

• Strong orientation to customer service.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, high energy environment.
• Energetic team player who works well in collaborative situations.
• Respect for all levels of the organization and outside partners.

Please send resume and cover letter via email, fax or mail to:

Human Resources Manager
Fax: 312-744-9249
Email: hr@afterschoolmatters.org
No phone calls please.

Controller

Department: Finance
Reports to: Operations Officer

After School Matters (ASM) is a non-profit organization that partners with the City of Chicago, the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Chicago Public Library to create a network of out-of-school opportunities for Chicago teens. ASM aligns the resources of these partners along with the resources of private and other non-profit organizations to offer teens a comprehensive network of specialized opportunities throughout the city.

Basic Function:

The Controller is responsible for providing leadership and supervision to staff responsible for all general accounting, budgeting and contract administration functions of ASM's Finance Department. This position is a key member of the ASM's leadership team and will work closely with management staff from other departments to ensure financial processes and procedures meet the needs of the organization as a whole.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations of the finance department.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate department staff.
• Manage month-end close process, which includes review of all journal entries and preparation of account reconciliations.
• Ensure preparation of timely, accurate and meaningful monthly financial reports for other department heads, Executive staff and Board of Directors;
• Direct and coordinate the organization's budget preparation and management functions.
• Monitor and analyze monthly operating results against budget.
• Coordinate annual audit and preparation of annual financial statements, including footnote disclosures.
• Ensure company accounting procedures conform to generally accepted accounting principles.
• Recommend benchmarks for measuring the financial and operating performance of divisions and departments.
• Establish, implement and monitor accountability to short- and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal financial reporting requirements.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein as may be assigned or delegated

Qualifications:

• 8-10 years of experience in a senior-level accounting/finance position with a non-profit organization; (CPA certification and 4-5 years of public accounting experience preferred)
• BA/BS Degree in Accounting
• Comfortable with general ledger software packages; experience with Blackbaud's Financial Edge preferred
• Evaluates and recommends insurance coverage for protections against potential liabilties
• Significant leadership skill and proven ability to manage effectively in a high growth, demanding environment
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills
• Highly organized and extremely detail-oriented
• Energetic team player who works well in collaborative situations
• Excellent problem solving abilities
• Ability to motivate staff to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high energy environment
• Responsible for compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications
• Valid IL drivers license and insured transportation required
• Chicago residency required.

Please send resume and cover letter via email, fax or mail to:

Human Resources Manager
Fax: 312-744-9249
Email: hr@afterschoolmatters.org
No phone calls please.

Program Specialist

Department: Program Quality
Reports to: Regional Director

After School Matters (ASM) is a non-profit organization that operates as a partnership between the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Public Library and the Department of Children and Family Services, along with a growing number of private funders, ASM is already attracting national attention for its cutting-edge work in the after-school field. Now there is an opportunity for an experienced management level professional to join the efforts to capitalize on ASM's solid programs, and help ASM fulfill the next phase of its growth plan

Basic Function:

The basic function of the Program Specialist position, which is part of each ASM regional team, is to facilitate and monitor ASM programs, within assigned clusters / communities, implemented in collaboration with schools, community-based agencies.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as a day-to-day contact person with instructors and school staff for programs. Develop and maintain relationships with program partners and instructors.
• Conduct site visits ad secure the appropriate tools and supplies for the program.
• Refine program budgets and generate contracts.
• Plan, schedule and organize all cluster level meetings and events
• Assist in hiring for program staff
• Address quality and logistical issues directly with partners
• Identify and resolve operational problems
• Maintain program database
• Write programmatic reports and make recommendations based on results of assessments
• Identify teen needs and interest

Qualifications:

• BA degree with 2 to 3 years youth programming experience
• Demonstrated expertise in project management and organization
• Excellent organizational skills and problem solving abilities
• Strong orientation to customer service
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
• Ability to work in a fast paced, high energy environment
• Proficiency in Spanish preferred
• Valid IL drivers license and insured transportation required
• Chicago residency required.

Comprehensive knowledge of core applications and After School Matters technology

• Proficient in Windows Operating System and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Cooperative Skills

• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with potential and existing partners and team player.

Please send resume and cover letter via email, fax or mail to:

Human Resources
Fax: 312-744-9249
Email: hr@afterschoolmatters.org
No phone calls please.

Program Quality Officer

Department: Program Quality
Reports to: Executive Director

After School Matters (ASM) is a non-profit organization that operates as a partnership between the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Public Library and the Department of Children and Family Services, along with a growing number of private funders, ASM is already attracting national attention for its cutting-edge work in the after-school field. Now there is an opportunity for an experienced management level professional to join the efforts to capitalize on ASM's solid programs, and help ASM fulfill the next phase of its growth plan

Purpose or Summary Statement of Primary Duties and Responsibilities of Position:

The Program Quality Officer is responsible for the overall development and implementation of the programming division objectives in relation to the organization’s strategic direction and vision. The Program Quality Officer is responsible for ensuring program quality by integrating research and evaluation data along with best practices, innovation and standardization into the program delivery system of the organization. This position works closely with the Leadership Team of ASM, the Board of Directors and the ASM partners to deliver quality ASM programs and further grow and develop the ASM program model and focuses on 5 key areas through which the vision is articulated and interpreted. These areas are: driving strategies, administering programs, facilitating partnerships, integrating departmental outcomes and outputs.

Driving Strategies:

• Develop division objectives corresponding to the organization’s strategic vision and direction for ASM programs.
• Establish objectives operational benchmarks, timelines and resources needed to maintain and build quality programming.
• Establish an environment and corresponding structure of continuous learning and improvement for division staff, instructors and partners.
• Measure and report progress toward service level goals and key performance measures.
• Proactively research and follow through on improvements to policy and processing efficiencies.
• Provide support and leadership for organizations evaluation strategies and policies goals.

Administering Programs:

• Provide leadership and direction to support an environment guided by data driven decisions.
• Utilize a reporting structure that builds upon organizational memory systems and effective, professional documentation.
• Provide leadership for development of the division budget and manage systems to maintain the budget.
• Ensure division’s adherence to established policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor sites and subsequent processes to recommend and execute targeted reviews.

Facilitating Partnerships:

• Develop and implement operational plan to build, strengthen and maintain partnerships.
• Manage relationships with ASM Managing partners.
• Create effective use of resources and identify new resources and innovative means to leverage limited resources.
• Adequately train and support staff to be effective partners.

Integrating Departmental Outcomes and Outputs:

• Work closely with Executive Office to implement communication strategy with key partners.
• Adequately train and support staff to be effective partners.
• Initiate and integrate research and evaluation data along with best practices, innovation and standardization into the program development and delivery systems.
• Supervise the three departments of this division: Program Delivery, Research and Evaluation, and Quality Innovation. Ensure creation of development plans for staff. In the division, provide leadership on course corrections and disciplinary measures when necessary.
• Monitor and report on program delivery and the alignment of the mission and vision within and across the three departments within the division.
• Effectively communicate and integrate quality review results into the administration of programs.
• Proactively support knowledge sharing within Quality Team.
• Establish clear expectations for teaming across divisions and serve as a role model for effective collaboration.

Qualifications:

• Seasoned professional who has successfully demonstrated the ability to accept advancing responsibilities quickly
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in youth programming or a related field
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in management or leadership role
• Knowledge of various types of program delivery methods
• Knowledge of how a non-profit organization functions
• Ability to manage a budget
• Ability to lead and motivate others
• Ability to manage challenging/confrontational situations professionally and tactfully
• Organized and extremely detail-oriented
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high energy environment
• Energetic team player who works well in collaborative situations
• Ability to respect all position levels and all people within the organization, as well as outside partners
• City of Chicago Residency Required
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and insured transportation required

Skills:

• Project management skills
• Written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Networking skills
• Analytical skills
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office
• Problem solving skills
• Interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Collaborative/team-building skills

Type of Education Required:

Bachelor’s degree required, Masters degree preferred.

Please send resume and cover letter via email, fax or mail to:

Attn: Marcella Simmons, Executive Office
After School Matters Email: Marcella.simmons@cityofchicago.org
Fax: 312-742-1088
No phone calls please.

HeadStart Coordinator

Department: Program
Reports to: Steve Weaver

After School Matters (ASM) is a non-profit organization that operates as a partnership between the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Public Library and the Department of Children and Family Services, along with a growing number of private funders, ASM is already attracting national attention for its cutting-edge work in the after-school field. Now there is an opportunity for an experienced management level professional to join the efforts to capitalize on ASM’s solid programs, and help ASM fulfill the next phase of its growth plan

Basic Function:

The basic function of the Head Start position is to facilitate and monitor ASM Head Start programs, within community-based agencies. This position is a full-time temporary position.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Monitor implementation of programs to ensure quality; conduct regular site visits to programs using appropriate reporting tool
2. Identify and resolve any operational problems regarding programs as needed; provide technical assistance as needed in an efficient and timely manner
3. Act as day-to-day contact person with instructors and staff for programs; develop and maintain productive relationships with program partners and instructors
4. Write programmatic reports and make recommendations based on results of assessments
5. General oversight of payroll for participants

Qualifications:

• City of Chicago Residency Required
• Valid IL drivers license and insured transportation required
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational skills and problem solving abilities
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
• Strong orientation to customer service

Technical Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of core applications and After School Matters technology
• Proficient in Windows Operating System and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Cooperative Skills

• Able to develop and maintain relationships with potential and existing partners
• Energetic team player who works well in collaborative situations
• Respect for all levels of the organization and outside partners

Please send resume and cover letter via email, fax or mail to:

Human Resources
Fax: 312-744-9249
Email: hr@afterschoolmatters.org
No phone calls please.

Inclusion Coordinator

Job Length: Full-time seasonal, no benefits
Start Date: June through August 2008

After School Matters (ASM) is a non-profit organization that operates as a partnership between the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Public Library and the Department of Children and Family Services, along with a growing number of private funders, ASM is already attracting national attention for its cutting-edge work in the after-school field. Now there is an opportunity for an experienced management level professional to join the efforts to capitalize on ASM’s solid programs, and help ASM fulfill the next phase of its growth plan.

Program Description:

After School Matters / Gallery 37 / Downtown Region employs approximately 800 Chicago youth, ages 14 - 21, in jobs training programs in the visual, performing, literary, media and culinary arts at the Centre for the Arts and Millennium Park sites in Chicago’s Loop. The eight-week program is funded by a combination of public and private resources. After School Matters / Gallery 37 / Downtown Region staff negotiates a uniquely intricate fusion of arts, government, social services, and business-related issues.

Qualifications:

Applicant must have at least an undergraduate degree, with additional experience in art, art education, art therapy or social work and be a resident of the City of Chicago. Candidate must have excellent organizational and communication skills. Experience with special needs teenagers is necessary. Should have a minimum of 2 years experience in youth work, education or counseling position.

Job Responsibilities:

Inclusion Coordinator will work directly with the Downtown Program Regional Team, providing support in all aspects of recruitment, modifications and adaptations to the curriculum and overseeing aides provided for the support of special needs teen apprentices within the program. The Inclusion Coordinator will have some areas of responsibility and must be a poised team player.

Special Notes:

Some evening and weekend hours may be necessary.

Please send resume and cover letter via email or fax to:

Attn: Mark Pristop, Special Needs Coordinator
After School Matters Email: mpristop@cityofchicago.org
Fax: 312-742-1088
Application deadline is May 16, 2008
No phone calls please.
ASM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Site Manager

Department: Programs
Job Length: Part-time seasonal
Start Date: June through August 2008
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

After School Matters (ASM) is a non-profit organization that operates as a partnership between the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Public Library and the Department of Children and Family Services, along with a growing number of private funders, ASM is already attracting national attention for its cutting-edge work in the after-school field. Now there is an opportunity for an experienced management level professional to join the efforts to capitalize on ASM’s solid programs, and help ASM fulfill the next phase of its growth plan.

Program Description:

After School Matters / Gallery 37 / Downtown Region employs approximately 800 Chicago youth, ages 14 - 21, in jobs training programs in the visual, performing, literary, media and culinary arts at the Centre for the Arts and Millennium Park sites in Chicago’s Loop. The eight-week program is funded by a combination of public and private resources. After School Matters / Gallery 37 / Downtown Region staff negotiates a uniquely intricate fusion of arts, government, social services, and business-related issues.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree, preferably in an arts related field, have some construction experience, and be a resident of the City of Chicago. Candidate must have excellent organizational skills; ability to work proactively in hectic situations and handle multiple tasks effectively. Should have minimum 2 years experience in a supervisory or special events position.

Job Responsibilities:

Oversees all aspects of maintenance of Millennium Park site from construction phase through breakdown phase of site; including monitoring of the set up and construction of site, load-in of equipment and supplies, coordination of day to day maintenance of site, addressing of any safety and/or security concerns in a timely manner, supervision of assistant site manager and monitoring of the breakdown of site through final phase. Acts as a liaison between After School Matters, Department of Cultural Affairs, Millennium Park and other City of Chicago Departments to insure the success and safety of the program. Must be hands on and detail oriented.

Special Notes:

Some evening and weekend hours may be necessary.

Please send resume and cover letter via email, fax or mail to:

After School Matters
66 E. Randolph Street
Chicago Illinois 60601
Attn: Mark Pristop – Special Needs Coordinator
Fax: 312-742-6631
Email: mpristop@cityofchicago.org
Application deadline is May 23, 2008
No calls please.
ASM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Director of Development

Department: Development
Division: External Affairs
Reports to: External Affairs Officer

After School Matters (ASM) is seeking a high-performing professional with broad experience to serve as Director of Development. This is a unique opportunity to build the foundation for the Development Department, develop current employees, and lead the department toward the level of performance critical to the support of this leading-edge organization. This position will lead the organization’s fundraising efforts and overseeing functions related to grants submissions; grants deliverables tracking and reporting; partnership development; and board governance. The Director of Development will be primarily responsible for strengthening the cultivation of development opportunities, including the identification, solicitation and stewardship of governmental, foundation, corporate and individual funding sources. The Director of Development will work in tandem with senior leadership and other External Affairs departments – Communications and Events -- to identify new donors, strategize new partnerships, strengthen funder stewardship and raise the profile of the organization. With this newly created position, the Development Department will consist of a team of six dedicated staff members. Operating as a partnership between the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, and the Chicago Public Library, along with a growing number of private funders, ASM is attracting national attention for its leading-edge work in the after-school field. Now there is an opportunity for an experienced professional to lead efforts to capitalize on ASM’s solid reputation, join with other members of the leadership team, and help ASM fulfill the next phase of its growth plan.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Fundraising

1. Strategize and plan fundraising for the organization’s portfolio of programs, funded primarily by government, foundations and corporations. Guide/Direct research of corporations, foundations, and individuals. Prepare annual development plan to corresponding budget, monitor progress against goals and produce monthly reports. Create proposal and report submission deadline calendars, outlining needs, instructions and tools for use by Grants, Finance and Programs Departments.
2. Lead efforts to expand the organization’s individual donor base and enhance the annual solicitation campaign. Lead research, evaluation and development of a planned giving gift acceptance policy.
3. Identify/seek new funding for fundraising events and other organizational sponsorship opportunities.
4. Create in-kind gift policies and procedures; seek in-kind donations to offset organizational expense.
5. Prepare appropriate high level, clear, targeted written communications and proposals, as well as preparation materials for use by senior level staff and board volunteers identified to assist with ASM proposal support efforts.
6. Oversee the population and maintenance of the Raiser’s Edge donor management database.
7. Oversee the creation of, and an annual refresh plan for, a letter library to act as a resource for all forms of development communications.
8. Manage donor and potential donor site visits; assist in identifying site visit attendees.
9. Lead research efforts related to identifying trends, issues and the identification of potential revenue streams.
10. Represent the External Affairs Division in the creation of a joint business plan for the gallery37 Retail Store.

Partnerships

1. Seek a pipeline of development opportunities (both funded and unfunded) through strategic alliances and partnerships. Create criteria, processes and guidelines associated with the development of the partnerships functions of the department in order to align partnerships efforts with the organization’s strategic plan and fundraising goals.
2. Oversee the creation of appropriate, clear, targeted written proposals and memorandums of understanding.
3. Lead the assessment, implementation, tracking and reporting of external requests within 11 established ASM categories ranging from teen performance requests to collaborations with not-for-profit organizations.
4. Lead the creation of policies and procedures related to all partnerships functions.
5. Lead the development of a comprehensive tracking and organizational memory system for all partnerships functions.

Funder Stewardship

1. Lead/create the formulation and implementation of policies and procedures related to funder stewardship.
2. Oversee the development of a gift tracking plan, tools, policies and procedures related to ensuring that fiscal responsibility of donor funding is met and lead the monitoring of deadlines, grant agreements/expectations deliverables, and the production of quality final reports.
3. Oversee the donor acknowledgement and gift processing process, as well as the composing of tailored, specific correspondence for senior staff.
4. Develop a donor communications plan.

Board Governance

1. Function as staff lead for appropriate existing and newly created board of directors committees, both permanent and ad hoc.
2. Implement board member recruitment strategies, as well as strategies created to engage board volunteer and senior staff in grant proposal and corporate giving support efforts.
3. Create, standardize and train senior staff and board volunteers to use engagement tools and collateral.

Organizational Leadership

1. Act as primary contact with the organization’s public partners and ensure alignment of organizational/partnership messaging and vision/missions.
2. In tandem with other organizational departments, create a strong and dynamic organizational climate, encouraging teamwork and open communication between departments.
3. Lead the department in the alignment of activities with organizational vision and strategic goals.
4. Lead the department in all organizational planning, project management and reporting processes, both cyclical and ad hoc
5. Direct departmental management accountability, including performance management evaluation, benchmarking, measurement tools and coaching opportunities.
6. Develop and manage Development Department budget.

Qualifications

• B.A. or equivalent combination of training and experience relevant to the job duties of this position.
• 5-7 years of management and fundraising experience. Demonstrated experience in the development of strategies for cultivation and solicitation of funders is essential, as is a strong demonstrated history of effective management skills.
• Superior written skills are a must with specific knowledge of grant/proposal/reporting and donor communications writing.
• Ability to conceptualize, plan, compose and implement a programmatic approach to building relationships and securing support from individuals, foundations, corporations and government including goal setting, developing strategies, prioritizing activities, orchestrating the involvement of departments and organization leadership, and evaluating and reporting progress.
• Strong knowledge of principles, ethics and best practices of successful fundraising and donor stewardship.
• Ability to lead multiple long-and short-term projects simultaneously, meeting all related deadlines; ability to plan, prioritize, coordinate and manage all departmental work and to work with minimal supervision necessitating the need for effective and creative decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral communications, interpersonal and relationship-building skills to present, inform and encourage support of the organization’s mission and values.
• Thorough, organized, accurate and detail-oriented work style is essential.
• Ability and experience in working with private-public partnerships preferred.
• Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge experience is a plus.
• Program design/development experience is a plus.
• This position often requires extended work hours.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications and basic database knowledge required.
• Chicago residency required.

Please send resume and cover letter via email, fax or mail to:

After School Matters
66 E. Randolph Street
Chicago Illinois 60601
Fax: 312-744-9249
Email: hr@afterschoolmatters.org
SUBMIT WRITING SAMPLE WITH RESUME.
No phone calls please.
ASM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER