Introduction

The Children’s Policy and Law Initiative of Indiana (CPLI) is a non-profit organization that advocates for the fair, equitable, humane, and just treatment of all children, and seeks to reform laws, policies and practices that increase their risk of becoming involved in our justice system. CPLI engages in collaborative public policy work through the Indiana Coalition for Youth Justice and other stakeholder coalitions, offers multiple advocacy programs annually, conducts the Youth Justice Leadership Program to lift youth voices in reform efforts, and trains educators and schools through the Positive School Discipline Institute (PSDI) to help reduce out-of-school suspensions and school-based arrests. CPLI’s work promotes understanding and embraces culturally-responsive, trauma-informed practices. The Program Associate is a full-time position that will support the mission and future growth of CPLI and its programs.

Responsibilities

The Program Associate primarily administers and supports the development and operations of the Positive School Discipline Institute (PSDI) and assists with the planning and coordination of other CPLI programs. The PSDI program is an innovative training initiative for educators that helps to reduce out-of-school suspensions and school-based arrests through improving student engagement and implementing strategies that help create positive learning environments. The program imparts knowledge and skills that help school communities embrace culturally-responsive, trauma-informed practices. It provides research-based trainings for educators and teachers to pursue reforms so that school disciplinary policies, practices and programs are aligned with best practices and lead to improved outcomes for children.

Responsibilities include helping set the direction of and developing program and curriculum options; coordinating trainings in person and online; cultivating and managing a large volunteer and partnership network; building a broad network of presenters and trainers; assisting with the development of funding streams, including fee-based revenue sources, grant writing, sponsorship opportunities, donor fundraising and marketing of PSDI and program activities; and conducting outreach to recruit educators, school teams, and community youth service providers to become participants in the PSDI Initiative. Qualified individuals should have an understanding of equity and culturally-responsive practices, a commitment to social justice and the goals and values of the organization, and a passion to end practices that perpetuate the school-to-prison pipeline.

Preferred Work Experience and Skills

Some trainer experience, with a background in culturally-responsive and trauma-informed practices, teaching and/or school-based social work, is important. Working experience with non-profit organizations, grant writing, fundraising and collaborative teamwork is required. A love of teaching and coaching others is essential. The individual should be self-motivated, well-organized, able to work independently and well with a team, and inspire volunteers to be and stay involved. Strong writing, communication and technology skills is a must. Experience in managing social media for marketing and non-profit use is important. Much of the work will be done remotely with regular virtual and in person meetings and activities. The position reports directly to the Executive Director.

The Program Associate should have working knowledge of: Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint); Web-Based Data and Curriculum Platforms (SurveyMonkey; Google Drive (Documents and Forms); Teachable)); Marketing Tools (Social Media, Constant Contact, Photoshop, Canva); and Website Management. Experience with and willingness/ability to learn online training resources and virtual technology for training purposes is essential.

Education and Training

Eligible individuals should have at least an undergraduate degree, preferably in education or social work.

Compensation and Process to Apply

The Program Associate is a full-time exempt position. Annual Salary with Benefits: $50,000-55,000. Interested individuals should send their resume, letter of interest, and 3 references to JauNae Hanger, jhanger@wapleshanger.com. Deadline for submission: April 15, 2024.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

• Are you able to attend in person meetings and activities as needed?

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: Remote