AAF seeks a Program Manager to assist in the planning and implementation of programs for its Design for Learning (DfL) initiative. The Design for Learning Program Manager plans and implements logistical arrangements for leadership education workshops, charrettes, institutes, forums, and other elements of the program nationally. The position is based at AAF’s offices in Washington, D.C., and will report to the President/CEO, who serves as the principal-in-charge of the program.
Responsibilities
General responsibilities include:
- Develop and manage a comprehensive schedule of DfL activities to assure continuity of program and proper involvement of key program constituents
- Plan, manage and implement 4 to 6 national workshops each year, including
- Visiting the city of each participating school district to assist in the identification and development of the case study presentation
- Managing all administrative, budgetary and programmatic activities for each workshop, forum and design charrette, including logistics, transportation, housing, meals, and printed materials
- Identifying, recruiting, and managing the participation of resource team members and education leaders in various DfL programs
- Attending all workshops and events
- Produce newsletters, web content, press releases and other methods of communicating the activities of DfL for a variety of audiences
- Provide stewardship for key partnerships, and participate in identifying, seeking and obtaining operating funds from various funding partners to expand programmatic offerings and impact
- Identify and apply for AAF and the Design for Learning team to present at select national architectural, educational or related events, conventions or forums
- Coordinate with partnering organizations on external communications, including media relations, creation of periodic newsletter, social media, and web content
- Manage the production of periodic reports for funders and other partners
- Implement and coordinate contracts, budget management, and financial reporting in conjunction with AAF's finance office
Education
- Bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred), preferably in architecture
Experience Required
- 7-10 years of experience in an increasingly responsible position
- Experience administering and managing a $1 million budget
- Experience in organizing meetings, conferences and events, especially those designed to inform and engage local leaders
- Experience in fundraising and partnership development/management
- Experience and passion for employing design as a tool for implementing change in large bureaucracies, or experience working in a public school environment in a facility design or senior leadership role
- Knowledge of a broad range of design issues related to public education (contemporary national education issues, educational facility design, school governance, and political systems, current and emerging trends in school improvement, school design and the design process) and design (design challenges encountered by civic and educational leaders)
- Knowledge of planning and design challenges facing American public schools
Position Requirements
- Excellent writing, organizational, collaborative, and project management skills
- Ability to communicate effectively on issues related to public education, design, design thinking, and architecture with a wide range of persons including executive and elected officials
- Ability to travel up to 30% of the time
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail with attention to detail, scheduling, follow-through, and diplomacy
- Politically savvy – able to effectively engage with senior educational leaders and sophisticated funders
- Entrepreneurial, energetic, results-oriented, and outcome-driven
- Background or interest in the arts, architecture, design, community development
- Ability to multi-task in a small staff environment
Philosophy
While it is important for the incumbent to have knowledge about the broad issues identified above, it is essential that the Program Manager understand that Design for Learning provides practical support to innovative educators, elected officials and Foundation leaders who seek dramatic and meaningful educational transformation.
Design for Learning is not an academic think tank, research center, nor policy development institution. Rather, DfL provides a new set of tools and processes in support of those who seek to create new environments for 21st century learning and in assisting educators make better more informed decisions about the design of their learning environments. The Program Manager should express a strong service attitude toward local education leaders and commitment to this philosophy.
Salary and Benefits
AAF offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package.
Application Process
Please submit a résumé, cover letter, and a list of three professional references no later than Friday, April 3, to info@archfoundation.org. The subject header shall be “Design for Learning Manager.”
Do not submit supplementary materials at this time. Candidates selected for interviews will be asked for writing and/or design samples. No phone calls please.
The American Architectural Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
