Master Education Specialist
OUR MISSION: Our mission is to inspire and empower all young people to take control of their future.
OUR VISION: We envision a world where everyone has access to an equitable path to success.
PROGRAM DESIGN: RTS facilitates a variety of youth programs including after-school, summer camps, retreats, conferences, and summer employment opportunities reaching thousands of young people throughout NYC each year. RTS emphasizes the youth development practice of the Circle of Courage in all our programs; creating an environment of Belonging, where young people can build their Independence, find, and develop their Mastery skill, and practice Generosity in their communities. At the core of our programs are staff training strategies that enable our young professionals to develop extraordinarily meaningful relationships with the young people in their care who we call Our Future Leaders because that is what they all are.
PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Master Education Specialist occupies a central leadership position in our organization, steering our educational direction and ensuring alignment with Common Core Standards. They are vital in molding our curriculum, bolstering professional development, and ensuring unparalleled quality in our K-12 afterschool, community school, and college and career exploration programs. Beyond standard educational systems, this individual also champions our Roads to Success (RTS) initiatives, making sure they resonate with our organizational ethos and aspirations. Through this role, the Master Education Specialist fosters a culture of educational excellence, mentors our Education Specialists, program directors, and instructional staff, and is a beacon of quality assurance and innovation in our educational endeavors.
ORGANIZATIONAL ROLE:
· Supervisor: Deputy Director - Education & Career Pathways
· Hours: Full time, Monday – Friday
· Compensation: $65,000
RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Develop, curate, and regularly review curriculum for K-12 afterschool, community school, and college/career readiness programs.
· Mentor Education Specialists, ensuring alignment of curriculum, lesson planning, and activities with program goals.
· Direct and facilitate comprehensive training and professional development sessions, both at the organizational level and on-site, encompassing curriculum development, academic support, lesson planning, facilitation techniques, and evaluation of activities.
· Evaluate and refine program activities and staff performance, with a focus on continuous improvement.
· Spearhead the RTS college access and career development curriculum, training internal and external facilitators.
· Cultivate relationships with schools and community organizations implementing the RTS curriculum.
· Define clear, measurable outcomes for all educational programs and ensure they align with the organization's core mission.
· Routinely assess curriculum and instruction effectiveness through regular visits to all RTS programs.
· Head planning committees and coordinate flagship events including the RTS Talent Show, STEM Fair, 3 vs. 3 Basketball Tournament, and Annual Leadership Summit.
· Undertake additional tasks as directed by the Deputy Director.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Educational & Professional Credentials:
· Bachelor's Degree in Education or related field; Master’s preferred.
· Proven track record in curriculum development and training..
Knowledge & Skills:
· Comprehensive understanding of the Common Core Standards.
· Working knowledge and application of public educational and afterschool systems.
· Familiarity with DOE, DYCD COMPASS/SONYC programs, and NYS SACC regulations.
· Proven experience in designing arts, STEM, sports, leadership, and college readiness curriculum.
· Strong comprehension of youth development principles and culturally responsive practices.
· Competence in data analysis and metrics-guided decision-making.
· Excellent skills in communication (oral and written), interpersonal, cultural competency, judgment, and decision-making.
· Excellent organizational, project management, time management, and communication skills.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and program management software familiarity.
Personal Qualities & Abilities:
· Excellent communication, interpersonal, cultural competency, and decision-making skills.
· Strong organizational, project, and time management skills.
· Previous non-profit setting experience.
· Understanding of project-based and social-emotional learning methodologies.
· Exceptional leadership skills with an ability to motivate diverse teams.
· Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
· Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
· Ability to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of the community.
Physical Requirements:
· Ability to travel between various program sites.
· Flexibility to work outside regular office hours for special programs and events.
· Comfortable working in dynamic and fast-paced environments.
Applicants should be prepared to provide professional references and undergo a comprehensive background check before employment.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel welcome and valued. We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to our success in serving youth.
DISCLAIMER
This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and its essential functions. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be assigned to the staff member. The specific duties and responsibilities of the position may change from time to time, as determined by the needs of the organization.
The staff member must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.