Sr. Associate, Training, L&P

Description

WHO WE ARE

In 2020, 11.6 million children in the U.S.—16% of all children nationwide—lived in poverty, and those children were disproportionately children of color. Students living in poverty often have physical and mental health, social-emotional, cognitive, and identity development needs that schools are not equipped to support. Rooted in community for more than 45 years, Communities In Schools (CIS) strives to bring community resources inside public schools, where they are accessible, coordinated, and accountable. CIS Co-Founder Bill Milliken said, “It’s relationships, not programs, that transform children. A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children.” 

Bill Milliken’s vision is alive through a strong network of trained CIS staff embedded in schools nationwide building support and relationships inside schools. Today, CIS serves approximately 3,500 schools, the overwhelming majority are Title I-eligible schools across two channels: (1) independent affiliates and (2) licensed partnerships. Grounded in the power of transformative relationships to unlock a young person’s potential, CIS has a national, research-based history of delivering local results that support improved student relationships with adults, better-quality relationships with peers, and increased engagement and sense of belonging. These outcomes lead to improved attendance, improved academic success, and improved on-time high school graduation rates. This nationwide network is supported by the CIS National Office.  

MISSION AND VALUES

Communities In Schools (CIS) is “all-in” for kids. It is our passion—it is our mission. At the National Office, CIS collaborates with local affiliate organizations to provide resources and create communities of caring adults who work hand-in-hand with educators to make sure young people have the tools they need to stay in school and achieve in life. We are the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization, and we achieve our mission by hiring bright, creative, and innovative team members who demonstrate a passion for what they do. 

‘Within the national office, we foster a culture inspired by our mission, our values of integrity, accountability, equity, collaboration, and excellence, and a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our culture is centered on three core tenants:  

• We acknowledge contributions and perspectives. 
• We collaborate across roles and departments. 
• We honor a whole-person approach and encourage balance. 

We aim to create a psychologically safe environment where relationships matter, and mutual respect is paramount.  

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Sr. Associate, Training, Learning & Practice is responsible for supporting the Leadership Development portfolio of work within the Learning & Practice Office, including the activation of leadership development programs, core curriculum training, targeted supports, and CIS network coaching opportunities to advance the leadership development of program managers.   

The Sr. Associate, Training, will work closely with the Learning & Practice team to build their understanding of the individual and organizational learning needs as well as CIS core content areas, including the CIS model of integrated student supports, Developmental Relationships, and the Program Manager Leadership Development Program. The Sr. Associate, Training, will develop, deliver, and facilitate virtual and in-person training to CIS organizations.  

YOU SHOULD KNOW: This position is a three-year, term-limited appointment with funding secured through September 30, 2028. Continued employment is contingent upon the incumbent’s ability to consistently meet or exceed established performance expectations throughout the duration of the grant. Subject to the availability of additional funding, the individual may be considered for continued employment beyond the conclusion of the initial grant period.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work collaboratively and cross-functionally with the Learning & Practice, Organizational Health and Strategic Investment teams to identify organizations in need of additional support. 
• Conduct outreach to identified CIS organizations, facilitate coaching calls, and prepare professional organization and team communication documents including emails and agreements. 
• Provide CIS organizations with supports aligned with their identified needs and goals such as technical assistance with action plan development, office hours, CIS Connect engagement opportunities and referrals to resources.
• Develop, design, and deliver engaging in-person and virtual learning programs covering core and enhancement CIS topics th