Program Coordinator, Green Jobs Youth Development

SOLAR YOUTH, INC. is a New Haven-based non-profit youth development and environmental education organization. Our mission is to provide opportunities for young people to develop a positive sense of self and connection and commitment to others through programs that incorporate environmental exploration, leadership and community service.

Our target audience is youth who reside in New Haven's low income communities. These youth are faced with incredible challenges such as poverty, crime and violence in their communities, and are in great need of positive supports and opportunities to succeed. Through our programs, youth explore their environment, learn the skills and joys of being agents of positive change, and teach what they have learned to others (Kids Explore! Kids Do! Kids Teach!)

Position Overview:

We are seeking a Program Coordinator for the Green Jobs Youth Development (GJYD) program, a positive youth development program that provides opportunities for urban teenagers in New Haven, Connecticut, to build the professional skills necessary for successful future employment and careers, using the environment and "green Jobs" as the context.

GJYD provides inner-city youth with positive supports and challenging opportunities to understand, appreciate, and ultimately affect change in their local environment, all while building the skills and motivations to become confident, capable individuals prepared for the future.

Qualifications:

• Experience in and enjoyment of working with teenaged youth.
• Commitment to Solar Youth's organizational values: interdependence, stewardship, kindness, excellence and fun!
• Experience with some of the following: environmental education, positive youth development, professional skills development, leadership development, team building leadership, community service learning
• Experience in or knowledge of an environmentally-related profession (e.g. energy efficiency, urban forestry, landscaping) preferred but not required.
• Comfort working individually and as part of a team
• Detail-oriented with the ability to think "big picture"
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Computer literacy including working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Minimum of B.A./B.S. degree in a related field

Compensation: Full-time position(s). Competitive salary and health benefits are based on experience. Start date: Late spring 2011. Some weekend work is required.

Closing Date: Applications must be received by March 4th to be considered.

To Apply:

In the body of an e-mail (not a separate letter!!), with the subject line of "Green Jobs," explain reason for applying and past experience with:

1. urban youth;
2. environmental/outdoor adventure education;
3. "Green Jobs"; and/or
4. program management and development.

Please attach a résumé and send via email.