Lead Program Associate, Midwest Region

The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) activates the entrepreneurial mindset and builds start-up skills in youth from under-resourced communities to ensure their success and create a more vibrant and inclusive society. We are searching for a dedicated Lead Program Associate based in the Midwest Region. In this integral role, you will directly support our in-school, after-school, and summer entrepreneurship programs utilizing NFTE’s student-focused, project-based curriculum to drive academic and non-cognitive skill gains.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Midwest Region, the Lead Program Associate is responsible for driving quality implementation and nurturing new partnerships through programmatic, engagement, and operations responsibilities.

Are you passionate about engaging students and driving educational equity? Are you a dedicated professional with experience working with students and eager to support teachers? If so, join us and help the NFTE team build the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs!

Role and Responsibilities:

• Support overall program implementation and augment teacher mastery of the NFTE program pedagogy through a routine schedule of virtual check-ins and in-person school visits bolstered by on-site coordination of NFTE volunteer events and strategic support of select school-initiated activities.
• Develop a strong understanding of partners’ schools to effectively represent NFTE and engage students and school staff in NFTE programming and additional school-initiated activities such as open houses, academic competitions, online offerings, etc.
• Identify and support the needs of teachers, from organizing and supporting the facilitation of training sessions and Professional Learning Communities to providing operational support for programmatic activities.
• Provide thought-partnership to school leaders by deploying an understanding of each partner school’s culture and needs both to collaborate effectively on impactful program experiences and to make informed recommendations about NFTE’s programmatic offerings.
• Support relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders in the region, including school and district leaders, NFTE alumni, and community leaders, by helping coordinate relevant events, onboarding conversations, and activities.
• Deploy and track utilization of program resources throughout the region and build personalized tools/resources to deepen impact on students.
• Capture program outcomes and assess results with NFTE team members to identify trends, evaluate program fidelity, provide quarterly programmatic data updates, and broaden support measures.
• Bolster and maintain records of NFTE’s communication and storytelling efforts to raise brand awareness and share NFTE’s mission, vision, and impact with stakeholders throughout the region.
• Build collaborative relationships with NFTE colleagues across the country to share best practices and establish programmatic efficiencies.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; specific coursework, professional development in business, nonprofit management, entrepreneurship, and education is valued.
• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience with at least two years in a school environment as a teacher and previous experience working with teachers is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience working in or with schools in the region and a strong understanding of the school districts in the area.
• Experience leading or managing educators and designing/implementing professional development for educators.
• Knowledge of some or all the following: current and emerging classroom technology, differentiated instruction, project-based instruction, business concepts, and entrepreneurship education.
• Capacity to build effective relationships and be accountable for partner satisfaction.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively, display strong leadership, and manage multiple projects.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Business technology skills including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and the ability to learn other software/ technology. Familiarity with Salesforce and/or other CRM databases is a plus.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license required.

Working Environment

• This is a full-time position based in the MidWest Region, with a preference for those based in Chicago, IL.
• NFTE positions are currently 100% remote - utilizing employee home office locations. This position will have a consistent presence in the field, working to support programs and collaborate within the K-12 space; 50%-70% travel during busy months is not uncommon. Mileage/Transit reimbursement is provided for approved travel.
• This position may require a presence in the field working to support programs and collaborate within the K-14 space (as permitted per applicable COVID-19 protocols and post-COVID19)
• Vaccination for COVID-19 is required for this role because of the need to be present in K-12 schools and other client locations.
• Relocation assistance is not available for this role.

Compensation: $60,000-$68,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Generous benefits, including:

• NFTE-sponsored Comprehensive Health Insurance
• Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance (fully paid by NFTE)
• 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan with generous company match
• Generous PTO (extensive vacation/holidays/personal time; paid sick time)
• Summer Fridays, Flex-Time, Paid Family Leave, Short and Long-term Disability, and “NFTE Time” (additional paid holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s Day)
• Flexible Savings Account (FSA): Pre-tax savings for expenses not covered by the plan
• Dependent Care Account (DCA): Pre-tax savings for childcare services
• Transportation Savings Account (TSA): Pre-tax savings (transit/parking services)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Professional development support through learning opportunities (internal workshops, external conferences, and organizational projects)
• Cell Phone Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program

Go to NFTE’s Careers page. Please attach your resume along with a brief cover letter. In your cover letter, you must respond to the following:

• Are you authorized to work lawfully in the United States? __ Yes __ No
• Will you now or in the future require NFTE to sponsor an immigration case to employ you for (e.g., H-1B or other employment-based immigration case)? __ Yes __ No

• Are you subject to any restrictions (i.e., non-competes or any other prior employment commitments) that would inhibit your ability to carry out the responsibilities of this position at NFTE? __ Yes __ No
• Your experience as it directly relates to the requirements listed in the job description.
• Why you want to work for NFTE.
• Your salary requirements/expectations.

A cover letter and your response to the questions above are required.

Due to the high number of anticipated applications, NFTE cannot guarantee that all applicants will receive a reply and thank candidates in advance for their understanding.