Job Description

Leadership & Special Projects Coordinator

About Turnaround for Children

Too many students are behind in school and too many schools don’t know what to do about it. Science is key to understanding the problem and key to the solution.

By studying the impact of adversity on the developing brain, Turnaround for Children is on to something big. It is connecting the dots between poverty, stress and academic performance.  Turnaround translates the science that explains the impact of stress on learning and behavior into tools and strategies that teachers and administrators can use to cultivate a safe environment, reduce stress, increase engagement in learning and accelerate healthy student development and academic achievement.

Turnaround acts as a catalyst for change by raising awareness about and addressing the challenges that affect any school facing adversity, particularly those in high-poverty communities. Over the past 15 years, the non-profit has grown from an idea into an organization with a $15.2 million annual operating budget and over 60 employees. Currently, Turnaround partners with 13 schools in New York City, Newark, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. serving more than 5,000 students and 600 teachers. Turnaround is also expanding its reach via partnerships with KIPP D.C. and District of Columbia Public Schools by providing hands-on professional support, coaching and training sessions to leadership teams and educators. Turnaround’s central office is located in midtown Manhattan.

Location

This position is based in New York City.

FLSA

This is a non-exempt level position that is eligible for overtime.

About the Position

Turnaround seeks a highly motivated, collaborative and detail-oriented individual who will thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. The Coordinator will balance strategic thinking, project management and careful execution. The Coordinator plays a critical role in ensuring the efficiency and success of the Executive Office and Leadership Team through strong management of logistics and projects. The Coordinator reports to the Chief of Staff and is a member of the four-person Executive Office involving himself/herself, the CEO, the Chief of Staff and the Special Assistant to the CEO. The Coordinator will provide administrative support to the Leadership Team and contribute to strategic projects and important internal and external deliverables.

This position represents an excellent opportunity for learning and professional growth in the context of addressing a major societal issue. Working with Dr. Pamela Cantor, Turnaround for Children’s Founder and CEO and a visionary in the field of education, the Coordinator will gain first-hand insight into what it means to lead a high-performing, high-impact non-profit organization. S/he will gain both a high-level and on-the-ground perspective of the education reform landscape, as well as its relationship to government, philanthropic and business sectors. S/he will provide support to a diverse, accomplished and passionate team of co-workers who are committed to Turnaround’s success in driving student development and academic achievement in underperforming schools. This role has high potential to evolve based on the particular strengths that s/he brings to the team.

Key Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Leadership Team Support: Logistics, Communications and Coordination
  • Manage complex calendars and scheduling for the CEO, Chief Operating Officer and Chief External Affairs Officer
  • Schedule and coordinate large-group internal meetings involving Turnaround’s Leadership Team
  • Anticipate and prepare for internal and external meetings by drafting correspondences, writing research briefings, coordinating with internal teams, organizing materials, managing technological support and more
  • Specific for CEO:
    • Assemble and manage the CEO’s physical materials and contact database
    • Write letters, emails and invitations on behalf of the CEO
    • Maintain an up-to-date understanding of the CEO’s internal and external priorities; track to-do items for the CEO
    • Manage complex travel arrangements, vendor relationships and expense reports on behalf of the CEO
    • Collaborate with the Chief of Staff and Special Assistant to build sustainable systems and move projects forward

 

• Special Projects
  • Support the Chief of Staff in managing the Board of Directors, including but not limited to:
    • Manage preparation process for quarterly board meetings and committee meetings, including material creation, editing documents prepared by Turnaround’s Leadership Team and preparing materials for distribution
    • Track and facilitate philanthropic giving from Turnaround’s board members
    • Support relationship management of board members through proactive communication
    • Manage all administrative tasks connected to quarterly board and committee meetings
  • Contribute to other high-priority special projects led by a member of Turnaround’s Leadership Team or Executive Office, applying skills including:
    • Write and edit documents for internal and external communication
    • Project management
    • Research and synthesis of relevant literature

 

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Detail orientation – exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Project management skills – an ability to create and execute systems to manage complex projects
• Excellent communication skills – superior interpersonal skills, with an ability to listen carefully, speak and write clearly and establish and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of colleagues, including senior leaders
• Flexibility and adaptability – experience working in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments, with a proven ability to anticipate challenges, solve problems and maintain a calm demeanor in high-stress situations
• Planning/systems orientation – demonstrated ability to efficiently and systematically manage competing priorities, including a high volume of short-term and long-term tasks. A successful candidate will seek to create order, plan ahead and establish elegant systems and processes in all that s/he does
• Responsiveness – desire and commitment to meet the Leadership Team’s needs (some evening and weekend work required)
• Passion for learning and self-improvement – proactive attitude toward seeking out feedback and investing in one’s own personal development
• Strong technological skills – fluency in full Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Salesforce and Asana is a plus
• Mission alignment – passion for social change and educational equity; commitment to Turnaround’s mission

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience req

How to Apply

Apply Now Turnaround for Children is committed to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic team and strongly encourages applications from females, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veteran candidates. All applicants should visit our careers page to apply and must submit a resume together with an in-depth cover letter outlining the ways in which their skills and experience align with our specific needs. Compensation is competitive based on background and experience and includes excellent benefits. Turnaround for Children is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Bureaus: New York. Job Categories: Full-Time. Job Types: Marketing and Communications.