Operations / Administration Detroit Charters Project Specialist
Job Description
THE ROLE
Working closely with the TRAILS Michigan team and leadership, the Project Specialist will oversee TRAILS implementation in Detroit charter school networks. With a goal to increase utilization of evidence-based mental health practices among school and community professionals, and making effective mental health services accessible in all schools, the Project Specialist will be the main point of contact with school partners and other project stakeholders. The Project Specialist will execute project work plans and ensure the delivery of TRAILS programming in alignment with established project goals, objectives, and outcomes.
THE ORGANIZATION
TRAILS (Transforming Research into Action to Improve the Lives of Students) is a growing team of innovative thinkers committed to youth mental health. We partner with schools throughout Michigan and in a number of other settings nationwide, providing school staff with the training, materials, and implementation support they need to deliver effective mental health programming to their students. Our program was designed and developed by expert child mental health clinicians in collaboration with health and education researchers, educators, and school leaders. Our model was built specifically for the school setting, and is grounded in evidence-based cognitive behavioral and mindfulness practices. As we work to make effective mental health services available to all students, priority is given to schools that are under-resourced or that serve historically excluded populations. Our staff are dedicated to a vision of health and health care equity for all, and as TRAILS expands, we are seeking individuals who practice cultural humility, and who thrive in and contribute to an inclusive working environment.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
Program and Project Management (50%)
- Collaborate with charter school networks to plan, implement, and evaluate TRAILS program offerings including setting project goals, identifying benchmarks, and tracking program progress. May include some in-person support in schools.
- Collaborate across TRAILS teams (clinical, technology / web, communications) to ensure integrated project planning, implementation, evaluation, and delivery of the TRAILS training model.
- Ensure high standards of program quality and fidelity, while balancing the need for flexibility and school adaptations.
- Support the development of programmatic manuals and materials and assist the school district in tailoring protocols appropriate for their district.
Build External Partnerships (25%):
- Build relationships with charter networks and explore unique partnership opportunities.
- Monitor and address program feedback from school partners and communicate this feedback within TRAILS teams to collaboratively drive continuous improvement efforts.
- Represent TRAILS programs and offerings and articulate the mission of TRAILS with district leadership, administration, external program partners and community organizations.
- Build and maintain relationships with funders and key stakeholders and facilitate meetings and participate in dialogue to promote recognition of TRAILS with potential partners at the community level.
Data Collection & Analysis (15%)
- Coordinate with program evaluation teams (internal and external) to ensure adequate data collection, interpretation, and reporting of findings, measuring the effectiveness of TRAILS and the implementation strategies utilized.
Team responsibilities (10%)
- Attend all staff meetings and retreats, workgroups and other relevant TRAILS meetings as necessary
- Support TRAILS team with all hands on deck events as needed and other team initiatives
THE PERSON
Our experience suggests that the following types of professional experiences lend themselves to this work:
- At least 2-5 years of experience in program implementation, project management, mental health, education, or similar field
- Knowledge and understanding of the Detroit community
- Experience working with charter schools
- Familiarity with school mental health programming and implementation
- Experience organizing activities with community partners (e.g., trainings, events, focus groups, partnerships)
- Experience with report writing
Our experience suggests that the following types of skills lend themselves well to this work:
- Demonstrated strength in developing and maintaining relationships both with internal team members and external community stakeholders such as school, government, and/or donor partners
- Experience leveraging and communicating about data
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Highly self-motivated with the ability to work independently and with limited direction
- Expertise with survey software (e.g. Qualtrics) as well as Microsoft Office, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
EDUCATION
Our experience suggests the following certifications and degree(s) lend themselves well to this work:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred or applicable experience and competencies may be considered in lieu of formal education
COMPENSATION
The range for the salary for this role is $70,000-$80,000.
TRAILS offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision as well as a 403B with a safe harbor match and short and long term disability. We offer a generous holiday and paid time off package.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION
Addressing inequities in access to evidence-based mental health care is intrinsic to the TRAILS mission. The intentionality behind this approach is woven into everything we do at TRAILS, resulting in a staff-wide commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion for all facets of our program. If this commitment is something to which you could positively contribute, we encourage you to apply, particularly if your voice represents a historically excluded perspective.
TRAILS, a project of Tides Center, is an “at-will” and equal opportunity employer. Applicants and employees shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender (including pregnancy and gender expression) identity, color, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance.
How to Apply
- Email your resume and a letter that answers the questions below to sahearn@med.umich.edu. (This letter is in lieu of a traditional cover letter.) Please keep responses brief:
- Please describe your experience working in schools, specifically Detroit charter schools where applicable.
- Describe what successful program implementation means to you. What track record do you have of accomplishing success in previous roles?
- Tell us about your experience forging strong partnerships, including navigating through conflict.
- Complete brief anonymous applicant survey
- We are only considering applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Our job descriptions reflect TRAILS’ assignment of essential functions and qualifications of the role. Nothing herein restricts management's right to assign, reassign or eliminate duties and responsibilities to this role at any time.
