Sun Program Manager - 1.0 Fte - Racial Equity & Social Justice (Resj)

Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is considered a minimum qualification requirement for PPS job applicants and this proof will be requested during the hiring process.

This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS Educator Essentials. With the District’s focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice. To learn more about Portland Public Schools, please visit the District website.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under general supervision, manage staff and services in the design, develop, implementation and support of a variety of programs designed to enhance and improve the academic, social and/or emotional conditions of identified Pre K – 12 students; collaborate with district leadership, parents, caregivers, community agencies, school and district staff and stakeholders to oversee, identify, track and monitor program effectiveness; develop, plan, facilitate and lead staff in implementation of student success centered programs, develop, prepare and present a variety of program related presentations, documents and reports.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• May administer program budgets, as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the Portland Public Schools Racial Equity and Social Justice Commitment by developing a thorough knowledge and application of the district Racial Educational Equity Policy, the PPS RESJ Framework and Plan, and the PPS RESJ Partnerships Investment Strategy and other board policies; participate in staff development, in-services and trainings related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in K – 12 education; model appropriate behaviors; develop, recommend and implement improvements to educational practices with awareness and understanding of their impact in a racially and culturally diverse community.
• Lead programs’ staff and collaborate with district staff, RESJ Partners, social services and other public agencies on student issues; develop programs and strategies and facilitate and coordinate internal and external agency opportunities to improve the academic, social and/or emotional needs of assigned students and programs as appropriate.
• Create, maintain and distribute a variety of analyses, spreadsheets, records, reports, lists and files of general information and confidential materials.
• Develop, gather and review a wide variety of records, reports, presentations and related materials to train and assist staff in determining appropriateness and eligibility for designated programs; gather information and supervise staff in the preparation, monitoring and follow-up on process dialogues, agreements and outcomes.
• Lead and participate in trainings, in-services, workshops and meetings related to assigned activities; serve on a variety of district and community committees as assigned
• Establish rapport; manage, mentor, guide and monitor assigned partners, staff, students, teams and program designees to facilitate effective programs and processes.
• Manage, lead, train and monitor staff to dialogue with students, parents, caregivers, school administration, student support team-members and other stakeholders; develop and implement strategies and supports to motivate program participants to develop skills and attitudes that achieve student success; develop and implement plans that meet identified needs and objectives.
• Supervise the performance of assigned personnel; interview and select employees and recommend transfers, reassignment, termination and disciplinary actions.
• Lead and manage the development, implementation and monitoring of programs, standards, objectives and goals for assigned students and multiple programs; manage assigned staff and collaborate with school staff to monitor progress and effectiveness of assigned programs’ activities; develop and implement improvement strategies as appropriate; communicate status, progress and concerns with district leaders, school administrators and staff, RESJ Partners, social service providers, families and students..

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:

The SUN Program Manager leads the strategic direction, development and deployment of multiple programs designed to provide a variety of academic, social and/or emotional support services and guidance to district students and families. Employees in this classification manage assigned staff in multiple student success and support programs who work to achieve programs goals. In addition, employees may work directly with the students, parents, district staff and community stakeholders served by their assigned program and sit on panels and committees which are aimed at shaping processes and procedures to ensure that the PPS discipline process is supportive, equitable, effective, and restorative.

Program Management:

• Consistently and effectively leads project management and creative program development across a variety of mediums.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and ambiguity.
• Strong program and project management skills, and ability to operationalize and scale programs.
• Attention to detail and a highly organized, process-focused aptitude are required to manage the variety of responsibilities and deliverables.

Data and Situational Analysis:

• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate metrics, research, and trends into strategy and improvement opportunities.

Cross Group Coordination:

• Ability to motivate, influence and optimize senior leadership, stakeholders and peer groups.
• Influences others without direct authority to achieve solutions to meet the district objectives, and is proactive in providing solutions, resolving issues and overcoming hurdles to results.
• Effectively collaborates with partners to resolve concerns or conflicts.
• Experience and credibility as a leader in an environment where the ability to influence, work across a complex matrix, and build relationships is critical.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

• Research design methods and assessment techniques.
• Computer and software technologies.
• School district discipline, substance use, search, and special education policies.
• Title IX law as it pertains to school discipline and to discipline hearings.
• Multi-cultural and multi-ethnic communities within and surrounding the PPS boundaries.
• Special education law as it pertains to discipline.
• Best practices in school discipline.
• Threat screening protocols.
• Report writing and record keeping methods.
• Oral and written communication techniques.
• State and federal laws that pertain to school discipline.
• Child and Adolescent psychology and behaviors.
• Racial equity policies and best practices.
• Elements of effective supervision.
• Restorative Justice practices.
• Synergy discipline module.

Ability to:

• Assure efficient and timely completion of office and program projects and activities.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Participate in department, school, district and community meetings.
• Read, interpret, communicate and implement a variety of complex laws, guidelines, initiatives and policies.
• Interpret policy and make decisions within a defined set of guidelines.
• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with K-12 students from diverse backgrounds. Build rapport, mentor and guide children and adolescents.
• Meet the academic, social and emotional needs of historically underserved youth.
• Operate a variety of office machines, technologies and software.
• Supervise the work of assigned staff, providing work direction, guidance and training.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Deliver a high-level of customer service to district students and stakeholders.
• Coordinate and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to affect positive outcomes.
• Monitor and report on individual and group student plans and progress.
• Advocate, model, learn and implement Portland Public Schools Racial Equity Initiatives.
• Stay current on practices and trends in K-12 public education.
• Work collaboratively with a multitude of stakeholders, including parents, caregivers, students, district staff and community partners.
• Work with situations and people in crisis and de-escalate conflict.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate discretion, initiative and good judgment.
• Research, compile and verify data and prepare reports.
• Communicate clear objectives for assigned programs and activities.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Social Work or related field is required.
• Training or familiarity with (a) Conflict resolution techniques (b) One-on-one and group facilitation techniques (c) Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and (d) Crisis management and intervention theories and techniques.

Experience:

Three (3) years working with children and/or adolescents to effect positive academic, social and/or emotional life-skills behaviors or one (1) year as a Program Supervisor or two (2) years as a Student Advocate is required.

A Master’s degree in one of the identified fields will substitute for one year of experience in a lead or supervisory role.

Any other combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the candidate is likely to possess the skill, knowledge, ability and trait characteristics essential for this classification may be considered.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Understanding how Racial equity policies impact student achievement, discipline and graduation.
• Experience with Title IX law as it pertains to school discipline and to discipline hearings.
• Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.
• Experience serving the needs of a richly diverse student and community population.
• Experience in a lead, supervisory or management role is preferred.

CLASSIFICATION AND SALARY: This position is classified as Student Success Program Manager, Pay Grade 32, on the Non-Represented, Confidential, Professional and Management Employees salary schedule FLSA Exempt.

The Non-Represented Confidential Professional Management and Employees Salary Schedule for 260 day employees can be found here. The full classificatoin specification can be found here.

This position is a 260 day work year.

Salary Range: $87,858 - $104,907

Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees. Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.

Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.

For more information about additional benefits or compensation options by employee group, please visit our website at: https://www.pps.net/Page/1635