Christian Activities Council (CAC) seeks to hire an experienced, high energy individual who brings leadership Freedom_School_high_res_02capability to serve as Project Director for the Adventures in the City Freedom School summer 2017 program. This seasonal position offers a unique opportunity to attend and participate in a national training (all expenses paid). For over 30 years, CAC’s Adventures in the City program has provided free, high- quality summer programming to Hartford youth residents and this will be our second summer operating a Freedom School®. This program will serve approximately 80 students in grades k-3 from Hartford’s North End neighborhoods and will take place at Thirman Milner School in Hartford.

About the Adventures in the City Freedom School

 Adventures in the City Freedom School summer program will employ a multicultural, 6- week curriculum that supports children and families through five essential components: high quality academic enrichment; meaningful parent and family involvement; civic engagement and social action; intergenerational servant leadership development; and nutrition and health. Over the course of 6 weeks, the Adventures in the City Freedom School scholars will engage in dynamic, culturally relevant and community- supported activities that cultivate a deeper connection to literacy, build academic confidence and foster opportunities for life-skills development.

National research shows that students in under-resourced communities are at risk to lose two to three months of reading ability during the summer. With a 10:1 student teacher ratio, Adventures in the City Freedom School is rooted in a strong commitment to support the academic, social and emotional growth of low-income Hartford youth. All staff will be trained to effectively implement the program’s literacy-based curriculum in which all reading materials, activities and field trips reinforce learning goals. The k-3 scholars begin their morning sessions with highly engaging academic activities and participate in a variety of fun, high-quality enrichment opportunities in the afternoon. The Adventures in the City Freedom School program provides secular, non-religious programming and welcomes job applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Learn more about program at: www.childrendefense.org/programs/freedomschools

Program Dates (subject to change): June 26 – August 4

Program Days/Times: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:00PM Location: Thirman Milner School 104 Vine Street Hartford, CT

Responsibilities

  • Attend national training at the historic Haley Farm in Clinton, TN March 22-26. All expenses paid.
  • Maintain regular communication with Children’s Defense Fund’s national
  • Recruit, hire and manage local program
  • Coordinate all logistics for summer program operation in partnership with sponsor executive
  • Supervise site coordinator(s) and servant leader interns day-to-day.
  • Coordinate arrangements for national and local staff
  • Meet weekly with the site coordinator(s) and hold weekly meetings with all staff – site coordinator(s) and servant leader
  • Staff the volunteer program planning committee.
  • Enter all student data and provide summary reports for end of program grant reporting
  • Plan afternoon enrichment component and hire teaching artists
  • Work within program budget

Qualifications

  • Experience coordinating logistics for a literacy-intensive, high-energy summer program for children
  • Experience managing large groups of children, college-aged young adults, and parents
  • Solid commitment to children’s advocacy and enthusiasm for the CDF Freedom Schools program
  • Ability to motivate others and attention to detail
  • Interest in and ability to work as part of an intergenerational team
  • Strong appreciation and understanding of individual cultural history and the willingness to be open and respectful of all cultures
  • Willingness to strive for excellence in all areas and ability to think critically and analytically
  • Exhibit behavior and positive attitude; model a mature and professional demeanor; excellent written and verbal skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to the ethics of character, humility and servant leadership
  • Current voter registration
  • Authorization for background check for criminal and child protective findings

Compensation: The position is seasonal and begins April 3 after National Training. The position is $15/hour and averages 20 hours April – May; 40 hours June –August 4; 20 hours August 7 – August 31.

How to apply: Please email your resume and a cover letter describing your youth experience and interest in the position to: cacemployment@cljct.org . Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled.

The Christian Activities Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.