Position Title: Project Director – CPS Back to Our Future Program

Department: Multidisciplinary: Youth Development, Violence Prevention Workforce

Reports to: Associate VP of Workforce Development

Position Objective and Summary:

The basic function of this role is to serve as lead planner and coordinator of the overall program. This position will have a strategic role ensuring the alignment of program goals and that objectives are critically met. While adhering to program standards and regulations, this position will supervise staff who administer components of the project; act as liaison with CPS; provide support to direct line staff. Monitor and develop training and education modules for outcomes and manage participant flow for the project. This position is responsible for the framework of the program and all aspects of program implementation.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Project Management

• Participate in Monthly Meetings
• Effectively communicate project expectations to team members in a timely and clear manner
• Ensure that all program deliverables/benchmarks are met
• Proactively manage changes in project scope, identify potential crisis and work with supervisor to devise contingency plans
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities to appropriate personnel
• Develop and deliver progress reports, requirements documentation and presentations
• Plan and schedule project timelines and milestones using appropriate tools
• Determine and assess the need for additional staff and/or resources and make the appropriate sourcing if necessary, during the project cycle
• Direct and manage project development from beginning to end
• Identify and resolve issues and conflict within the project team
• Complete all necessary reports
• Track project (and participant) milestones and deliverables
• Coordinate outreach to qualified youth participants

Communication

• Facilitates team, client and interdisciplinary meetings effectively
• Keeps project team well informed of changes within the project and general news
• Effectively communicates relevant project information to supervisor/Vice President and other key participants via conference calls and in person meetings
• Holds regular status meetings with project team
• Coordinate with collaborative partners to identify discrepancies, barriers and problem areas in order resolve and troubleshoot problems
• Understands how to communicate difficult/sensitive information tactfully

Teamwork/Leadership

· Possess strong leadership skills in order to inspire team members to attain goals and pursue excellence

• Build business partnerships with both employers and education systems for the purpose of placement and referrals to youth participants.

· Identifies opportunities for improvement and make constructive suggestions for change.

· Manages the process of innovative change effectively

· Remains in touch with emerging tools and programming that may help to add success to the project

· Build collaborative relationships with associates and service providers to facilitate program improvements

• Model solution focused problem-solving skills and work to empower and lead associates to do the same

Developing and Leading Employees

· Orients and trains new employees according to program and department guidelines to ensure all new employees are ready and able to perform as necessary.

• Sets and evaluates clear and collaborative individual performance goals for employees.
• Makes work assignments and provides appropriate level of direction.

· Provides regular individual supervision and performance feedback to employees.

• Coaches and mentors employee development around professional interests and career goals.

· Recognizes and rewards employee performance, initiative and decision-making.

• Completes meaningful Performance Reviews for all employees and submits as required.

Professionalism and Work Conduct

• Behaves with integrity, demonstrates high ethical standards, and displays a positive image of UCAN.
• Reports to work, meetings, training, and job-related activities prepared and as scheduled
• Performs other related tasks as required or assigned
• Understands and supports UCAN’s standard of cultural proficiency and strives to meet it
• Responds to clients and their families, UCAN staff, DCFS, service providers and other stakeholders in a timely manner and ensures follow up to adequately address their need.
• Acts in a professional manner at all times and maintains appropriate boundaries with clients and staff.

Education/Job Experience/Certification:

• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Three years of Supervisory experience in Human Services required.
• Basic computer software experience (word, excel, etc.)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Business or related field; or combination of experience and education.

Special Knowledge and Qualifications:

• Understands and utilizes internet, intranet and power point presentations
• Demonstrated teamwork skills
• Car and valid Illinois driver’s license and insurance required.
• Experience and ability to use computers for data entry, communication and report writing
• Automobile and valid Illinois driver’s license
• Experience working in impoverished communities and/or housing developments
• Possesses general understanding in the areas of application programming
• Is open and respectful of cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and is willing and competent to work with a diverse client population.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong sense of responsibility and orientation to detail necessary
• Ability to work both independently and a part of a high functioning team.
• Experience working in youth and/or employment projects
• Strong communication and writing skills (presentation) required and able to multi-task

Work Environment: This position requires use of car for local travel to multiple UCAN sites and to provide services to clients in their homes and in their community. This position may require the transportation of clients and/or their children.

Work Conditions: This position may require work on weekends and evenings.