Youth Making Change Coordinator

Position: Youth Making Change Coordinator

Department: Grant Making

Application Deadline: April 30, 2023

About The FUND: The Fund for Santa Barbara (est. 1980) is a non-traditional community foundation that supports organizations and groups working for progressive social change in Santa Barbara County. The FUND is dedicated to helping find solutions to current and emerging social problems and issues that challenge our society as a whole. We understand that social conditions improve most dramatically when those who have been denied power and justice lead on their own behalf to confront, challenge, and change the conditions that have denied them access to justice and equity. 

Mission: Advancing progressive change by strengthening movements for Economic, Environmental, Political, Racial, and Social Justice.

About YMC: Youth Making Change (YMC) is a teen-led grant-making program that provides young people the opportunity to engage directly in organized philanthropy (grant giving).​ There are two YMC Boards — one meets in Santa Maria and the other in Santa Barbara — and both are led by teens, ages 13-19. Each board gives out $15,000 in grants per year to youth-led projects that impact young people in Santa Barbara County. They create and conduct an entire grant cycle and then share with their communities what they learned as grant-makers and philanthropists. Each YMC board is led by two Youth Facilitators, each a previous YMC board member. Facilitators assist the board in meeting their objectives by providing an experienced perspective on the grant-making process. Since 2008, YMC has awarded more than $350,000 to over 165 youth-led groups throughout Santa Barbara County.

POSITION SUMMARY

The FUND is seeking an experienced youth programming coordinator in Santa Barbara County to coordinate, oversee and administer the Youth Making Change (YMC) grant program. The coordinator will work with youth and train them to engage in youth-led organized philanthropy through grant giving to advance progressive social change that improves social conditions for youth in our community. Specifically, the coordinator is responsible for overseeing the successful implementation and execution of the YMC program and creating an enriching youth leadership experience. The coordinator will administer the YMC grant and program logistics as well as conduct community outreach to engage and recruit YMC board members and potential grant applicants. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Youth Making Change Program (80%)

• Plan, prepare, and execute annual programming activities and work tasks for both North and South County boards, including but not limited to 30 youth meetings, 15 facilitator prep meetings, and 6 day-long events including quarterly facilitator trainings
• Provide leadership and overall coordination of the Youth Making Change (YMC) program to maximize the benefits of the program to all participants
• Develop, manage, and adhere to YMC program timeline, agendas, budget, and record-keeping
• Develop and execute a general promotion and outreach strategy and implementation plan
• Remain abreast of current youth-related news and happenings in Santa Barbara County
• Recruit, organize, and support youth and mentor volunteer participation in the YMC program, including organizing and co-facilitating (as appropriate). 
• Build strong working relationships with all YMC Board members
• Ensure youth’s safety, both physically and emotionally, throughout participation in YMC
• Maintain office and programming areas, resources, and supplies stocked and in order
• Coordinate annual YMC grant award events and assist with other events as requested
• With Executive Director assists in grant writing for grant reporting for YMC program
• Act as primary liaison between The FUND, YMC volunteers, participants, and grantees
• Represent the YMC program and The FUND in community in a positive and professional manner
• Assist Executive Director and Associate Director in representing YMC with donors and funders, including helping draft funding proposals and reports

Administrative Functions (20%)

• Maintain working knowledge of the YMC Grant Cycle including funding guidelines, priorities, and eligibility criteria
• Communicate with grantees and monitor grants for financial, and program compliance including but not limited to ensuring that grant requirements are correctly documented in grant files and grant reports
• Monitor and document the grantmaking workflow processes, forms, templates, reports, and data to assure full compliance with internal controls and legal requirements
• Implement and maintain protocols for record keeping and reconciling data accuracy, and making timely and accurate database changes ensuring integrity 
• Keep up-to-date and complete grant files and records and assist in the preparation of reports 
• Assists in the preparation of reports including updating grants summaries 
• Work with Grant Programs Manager to respond to grant modification requests and inquiries  and ensure accurate and adequate paper and electronic document retention
• Actively improve the grant process and use of grantmaking database information to enhance programmatic and operational YMC procedures
• Work in a cooperative, “team” style with Fund for Santa Barbara staff and volunteers
• Participate in staff trainings, meetings, retreats, and events

*Perform other related projects and duties as required

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• 1-2 years of experience working in youth programming
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of experience with transferable youth programming skills
• Demonstrated commitment and passion for working with youth and in social justice 
• Strategic and analytical thinking skills and the ability to come up with insightful, pragmatic, equitable, and sustainable approaches to challenges and produce positive change
• Ability to break down a concept from idea to implementation
• Ability to plan ahead/anticipate and creatively develop solutions
• Ability to create a system to self-motivate, prioritize, manage time, and meet deadlines without sacrificing quality
• Be receptive to feedback, flexible, and adept 
• Keen attention to detail and takes initiative to leave things better than when they were found 
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills
• Bilingual English/Spanish with strong written communication skills in both languages is preferred
• Valid driver’s license, mobile phone, and reliable transportation
• Ability to pass criminal background check
• Vaccinations as required by State Law for licensed child care facilities (TB, Pertussis, and Measles immunization. Flu vaccine recommended, but optional)
• We require COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for all employees. Exemptions may be requested for medical reasons or religious beliefs.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A strong commitment to the mission, vision, and philosophy of The Fund for Santa Barbara 
• Be a mentor and leader setting a positive example and role model for youth
• Previous professional experience in the nonprofit sector desired
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others in a self-motivated and innovative way
• Ability to take ownership and hold self to high standards 
• Cultural awareness competency (first generation, BIPOC, immigrant, etc.)
• Ability to develop and carry out effective strategies to achieve set goals
• Knowledge of local social justice issues and ability to weave information into program curriculum
• Established relationships with local educators and knowledge of local school systems
• Proficiency in the following:
  • Submittable or other grants database
  • Google Office Suite (Google drive, docs, sheets, etc.)
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel spreadsheet creation and recordkeeping)
  • Canva, Adobe Photoshop
  • Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
  • Zoom (breakout rooms and multi-site coordination)
  • Word press

SCHEDULE
The Coordinator’s work hours will vary according to the programming schedule. Because YMC is a youth-led program most programming occurs after school/work hours. Working some nights and weekends, and bi-weekly travel between North and South County are required.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

The Fund for Santa Barbara offers an excellent benefits package and salary that is commensurate with education and related work experience. 

Reports to: Grant Programs Manager

Compensation/Job Status: Non-exempt, hourly, full-time, benefits-eligible position

Rate: $22-25  per hour commensurate with experience

Location: Hybrid (remote/in-person) within Santa Barbara County – can be based out of our South County (Santa Barbara) or North County (Santa Maria) offices

• Preference will be given to North County applicants

Benefits: Three weeks paid time off, 13 paid holidays, full health, dental and vision insurance, optional retirement with 3% match, ongoing professional training

Start Date: ASAP. Open until filled. 

APPLY
To apply, please email a resume and cover letter explaining your interest and how your skills and work experience fit the position to:

Tania Reyes, Grant Programs Manager 

tania@fundforsantabarbara.org

Subject: YMC Coordinator Position

The Fund for Santa Barbara is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.