Program Manager, Western NC, NC Center for Resilience and Learning

After studying the impact of childhood trauma (known as Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs) on learning and student behavior, the Public School Forum of NC https://www.ncforum.org/ launched the NC Center for Resilience & Learning https://resilienceandlearning.org/ (formerly the NC Resilience & Learning Project) in 2017 to implement whole-school and district-wide strategies to improve the academic performance and social-emotional well-being of students impacted by trauma. The core model of the Center’s work includes school-wide educator training and ongoing coaching and technical assistance. The Center is seeking a new full-time Program Manager to be based in western NC, specifically in or around the greater Asheville area, to work directly with partner school districts in this area as they join a growing movement of educators creating trauma-informed schools.
This full-time position provides an incredible opportunity to become immersed in the interplay of trauma and learning and to actively contribute to the expansion of a growing and significant program. The ideal candidate will have experience as an educator, classroom teacher, school student services personnel, or have other previous work experience in schools; a passion for this topic and for serving children and families; strong interpersonal skills; an understanding of schools and school culture; leadership skills to work independently; and experience in public speaking and leading meetings with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Candidates should have an interest in working on systems change to promote the expansion of trauma-informed, safe and supportive learning environments that can improve educational and life outcomes for all students.

Primary Job Responsibilities:
This Program Manager will work intensively with selected schools across three to four school districts in western North Carolina. Candidates should be located in or near the greater Asheville area (or close surrounding counties within one hour west of Asheville) and will provide program implementation with the Center’s core training and coaching model in three to four districts in western NC. Commuting between all partner districts on a weekly basis is a requirement for the position (personal vehicle required; mileage is reimbursed). Work outside of the schools will be done remotely. The Program Manager will be joining a team of other Resilience and Learning staff located across North Carolina who also work remotely (including one other full-time program manager located in Asheville, NC).

Primary responsibilities will include:
- Build relationships and establish collaborative partnerships with school staff in selected Center implementation schools, as well as district leaders, funders, and other key community organizations.
- Lead professional development activities and deliver trainings to school staff, district leaders, and other community partners on the topic of trauma and creating trauma-informed schools.
- Serve as lead coach in Center partner schools: facilitate bi-weekly meetings with diverse school steering committees; provide intensive and ongoing coaching around creating trauma-informed environments; and support school leaders in their readiness and action-planning process.
- Provide management, coordination, and oversight of program implementation and growth efforts in western North Carolina districts as a whole.
- Assist with ongoing research around trauma-informed schools, working with Center team to stay up to date on other national models and the latest research in the field.
- Assist Center staff with creating and updating training resources and materials for schools.
- Assist Duke University evaluator with data collection and ongoing evaluation efforts including surveys, assessments, focus groups, and classroom observations.
- Generate reports and draft articles, narratives, and opinion pieces on the impact of the Center’s work for media outlets and philanthropic partners.
- Attend other community events and meetings related to adverse childhood experiences and impacts on children; forming partnerships with other local community agencies in partner districts.
- Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
- Experience as an educator or working previously in schools in some capacity (at least 3-5 years).
- Experience with and commitment to the educational needs of traditionally underserved or under-resourced student populations.
- Passion for the topic of trauma and learning. The ideal candidate will possess some knowledge of the topic, including key research in the field of ACEs and trauma-informed schools.
- Previous experience with the culture of public schools in North Carolina with an understanding of the relationship and roles among all school staff.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills; ability to work well with diverse groups including teachers, parents, and students; school and district staff; partner organizations; media; and government officials, including legislators, agency staff, and local school board members.
- Excellent organizational skills; self-starter; exceptional attention to detail.
- Thrives in a team-driven, collaborative work environment.
- Comfortable working remotely.
- Effective writing skills; ability to write well and produce written products that are accessible and beneficial to a variety of audiences.
- Effective presentation and facilitation skills; ability to create engaging presentations.
- Ability to collaborate and work closely with external partners.
- Computer, web, and social media proficiency.
- Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred.