SchoolHouse Connection (SHC), a fast-paced, results-oriented national nonprofit organization working to overcome homelessness through education, is seeking a Director of K12 Practical Assistance. This position is an opportunity to improve educational outcomes for children and youth experiencing homelessness through intensive work with state and local educational agencies.

This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits. The Director of K12 Practical Assistance will work remotely, as do all of SHC’s employees. Some travel will be required. 

SHC is committed to developing a diverse and dynamic team and strongly encourages applications from people of color, people with disabilities, people with lived expertise, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Job Responsibilities

Director of K12 Practical Assistance is responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Develop and implement SHC’s K12 practical assistance and professional development strategies to help state and local educational agencies identify, enroll, and support the success of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness.
• Serve as SHC’s main point of contact with agencies for ongoing K12 fee-for-service practical assistance and consulting;
• Manage a team of at least two senior program managers and at least two contractors who, together with the Director, will:
  • Develop and deliver high-quality, interactive, engaging in-person and virtual trainings and conference presentations for educators, administrators, and advocates from charter and traditional public schools on the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness;
  • Write high-quality, actionable materials for educators and administrators from charter and traditional public schools to support the identification, enrollment, participation, and re-engagement of children and unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness;
  • Lead convenings of schools, school districts, community agencies, and service providers on the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness, including virtual intensive trainings and action planning;
  • Help state and local educational agencies build and maintain strategic relationships with community-based organizations, researchers, and advocacy organizations; and
  • Collect data and reporting on activities, deliverables, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with SHC staff to inform national policy and practice strategies
• Collaborate with SHC’s Director of Revenue and Operations team on all administrative aspects of grants and contracts

Qualifications

The Director of K12 Practical Assistance will have experience managing multiple complex projects, including significant experience coordinating and managing the work of other people. 

Applicants must be well versed in student homelessness, the McKinney-Vento Act and its practical implementation in schools and school districts, as well as related education statutes and programs. Applicants also must be skilled in, and passionate about, providing engaging, high-quality professional development, and must understand and employ adult learning principles. 

The Director of K12 Practical Assistance will be organized to a fault and detail-oriented, with strong written and oral communication skills. As this is a work-from-home position, applicants must have the ability to work independently, diligently, and efficiently. Applicants should exemplify each of SHC’s core competencies: being a strong communicator, a team player, and self-directed.

Specific required qualifications include:

• Significant experience effectively managing the work of others;
• Working knowledge of the McKinney-Vento Act and its practical implementation;
• Experience working closely with state and local educational agencies;
• Familiarity with ARP-HCY funding, including federal guidance on allowable uses of funding;
• Exceptional project management skills, including the use of project management tools and software to organize and track the progress of multiple overlapping deliverables, timelines, and team capacity;
• Sharp strategic skills and sensibilities; able to spot patterns, draw connections, and use practical assistance and professional development to inform national strategy in policy and practice;
• A track record of developing clear, cogent, practical written materials related to education practice and policy that reflect constant awareness of the larger context;
• A track record of managing the delivery of engaging, interactive trainings to schools and school districts;
• Clear, concise public speaking abilities;
• Experience successfully organizing convenings of schools, school districts, community agencies, and service providers;
• Very strong interpersonal skills; the ability to build and maintain relationships with school and district staff, community agencies, homeless service providers, and other external partners;
• A demonstrated ability to handle a heavy workload and achieve results, even in the face of obstacles, while displaying high standards of excellence and integrity; and
• The ability to work independently and take initiative, while ensuring alignment and thriving as a collegial member of a small but mighty team.

Salary and Benefits

Minimum Compensation: $115,000 

Benefits: Work from home; generous holiday, personal, and vacation leave; health insurance reimbursement plan; 403(b) retirement plan; small, collegial team; many opportunities to use skills, learn, and grow professionally.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following materials to jobs@schoolhouseconnection.org with the subject line Director of K12 Practical Assistance. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is identified.

Please send:

1. A cover letter specific to the duties and qualifications of this position;
2. A resume;
3. A writing sample related to the provision of technical assistance to local educational agencies; and
4. At least two references.

About SchoolHouse Connection

SHC is the nation’s leading expert on the early care and education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. We provide strategic advocacy and practical assistance in partnership with early childhood programs, schools, institutions of higher education, service providers, families, and youth. Our Youth Leadership and Scholarship program provides financial support, long-term mentorship, and peer support to young people experiencing homelessness as they transition into post-secondary education, throughout their higher education experience, and into the workforce. Our scholars are leaders in all our programmatic work, as authors, public speakers, and advisers.