ABOUT WONDERFOLK
Students from Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities often have less access to leadership development opportunities due to continuing inequity in resource distribution across systems - including school districts and neighborhoods. Wonderfolk seeks to dismantle this pattern through mentoring, international travel experiences, leadership opportunities, career development opportunities and post-high school prep. Our students are brilliant, motivated changemakers and we recognize that where we come from is a part of our strength. Investing in our fellows’ future allows us to enhance the power of our communities. Our civic engagement projects focus on creating impact in these essential changemaking spaces. We work with local community partners to create robust programming in our home communities.
Wonderfolk Program Outline
Our Naturehood: A relationship with the natural world and access to clean air, clean water and green spaces is essential for all communities. These community projects range from habitat restoration, to park clean ups and community gardening.
Unity Through Arts: Art is a way of expressing the times, needs of community, and voices of individuals. Through public art projects with community members, our fellows share power and perspectives through what they create. Projects in this sector can include developing murals, podcast creation, digital magazine publication, community art exhibits and documentary film.
Global Leadership: A global perspective is essential. Our students participate in a two-week cultural immersion program to Costa Rica, focused on cultural connection and community-based service to put their social advocacy model into action. By moving out of our comfort zone and working with dynamic community partners our students realize independence, confidence and self assurance that carries them through the rest of their lives.
Reports to: Executive Director
Location: Portland, Oregon
Employment Type: 1 FTE
Position Open Until Filled
PROGRAM MANAGER POSITION SUMMARY:
Wonderfolk is looking for a full time creative and entrepreneurial individual to join a small but mighty team. This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the most unique, impactful youth development programs in Portland as we grow our offerings and expand our impacts. Our students are brilliant, motivated high school students from lower-income and BIPOC communities. Through Wonderfolk’s programming they harness their power and leadership skills to impact the community we love so much. We’re looking for the right person to help expand and lead our innovative programming. This position is critical in growing and sustaining our programming. This is an opportunity for creativity, flexibility and influence of Wonderfolk’s future and direction in joining our small but mighty team. We’re growing! Come make it happen with us.
As a thought partner to the Executive Director, the Program Manager embodies Wonderfolk’s mission of providing access to accelerated leadership opportunities for under-resourced youth through mentorship, civic engagement and travel. The Program Manager will have a deep understanding of the organization’s three impact areas and how our youth can benefit from exposure to the individual programs of Unity Through Arts, Our Naturehood, and Global Leadership. They will also have experience managing and maintaining a budget for organizational success and sustainability.
The Program Manager will be expected to:
- Lead and facilitate all direct service programming with our cohort of 20 students in 2025, including expanded future programming and direct service.
- Student and parent coordination and communication related to direct programming needs.
- Take a lead role in developing and managing program growth as detailed in our 5 year strategic plan, including expanding our students served from 20-40 and building our second year mentorship program to include deeper advocacy and career exploration opportunities. See Strategic Plan “Flight Path” attached.
- Take a lead role in our two week international trip during the summer in partnership with Global Works Travel - fulfilling all duties required as a trip leader.
- Lead curriculum development, iteration and implementation.
- Manage all community partner workshops and relationships.
- Manage Wonderfolk’s Alumni Board
- Wear other hats as needed! This is the fun of working with a small team.
Because of the youth served, the Program Manager must work utilizing an equity lens and be rooted in equity, diversity, and inclusion. Experience and training in trauma-informed work and facilitation is preferred. Additionally, a deep understanding of the inequities facing youth of color and from low-income or under-resourced communities is a must.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 5 years experience working with diverse populations of individuals and high school students.
- 3-5 years of experience developing and implementing curriculum, programming and community partnerships.
- 3-5 years of experience managing staff and community partners toward a common vision and goal.
- Experience building, managing and maintaining a program budget.
- Displays a strong entrepreneurial spirit and strongly developed innovation muscle.
- Demonstrated ability as an adept and persuasive writer and communicator.
- Ability to authentically engage with board members and Executive Director to take ownership of all program related activities and execution.
- Contribute to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, collegiality, collaboration, and openness to many perspectives
- Creates community partnerships with organizations that fit the mission and needs of Wonderfolk and the youth served
- Work collaboratively in an equitable and inclusive framework with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds
- Capable of self-directed work; able to set and meet multiple and/or competing deadlines in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Demonstrated discretion in managing confidential information
ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Has a valid driver's license, access to a vehicle and insurance for student transport and regular/unforeseen errands.
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
- Ability to travel internationally
- Reasonable availability during high season of summer programming (June-August)
- Preference for bilingual ability in English and Spanish (other languages welcome too)
- Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to delegate tasks, motivate colleagues, and manage priorities
- Event and/or volunteer management experience
- Successfully adapt to and embrace new technologies
Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as directed to meet the ongoing needs of Wonderfolk
APPLICATION PROCESS
A search committee consisting of representatives from Wonderfolk’s staff, board, and student leadership will conduct interviews and oversee the process. Finalists will meet with all members of the Wonderfolk staff/team during the interview process. We are seeking applicants who are inspired by Wonderfolk’s mission to harness the power of our changemakers to create the world they believe in and commitment to equip confident young leaders with the life-changing experiences they need to believe in themselves and in the impact that they can have in their communities.
Submissions should be emailed to [email protected] with PROGRAM MANAGER SEARCH in the subject line. Please submit a resume and cover letter describing why this position aligns with your professional goals and how your personal and professional experience could be applied to the youth of Wonderfolk, and a list of two references with contact information.
No phone calls, please. A background check may be required due to the nature of this position.
Wonderfolk is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. The position will remain open until a diverse list of qualified candidates has been assembled.
Wonderfolk does not discriminate in its hiring and employment practices against any applicant because of race, color, creed, age, national origin, religion, political affiliation, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.