Mentor and Strategic Coordinator (Returning Members ONLY)

New Job description:

Job Overview

The Mentor & Strategic Development Coordinator is a hybrid AmeriCorps service position with The DREAM Program that combines direct youth mentoring support with organizational systems development work. Members in this role support the Village Mentoring program by recruiting, training, and supporting volunteer mentors while also contributing to internal systems improvements that strengthen DREAM’s overall capacity to serve youth effectively.

This role bridges hands-on youth development work with behind-the-scenes operational strategy to help expand access, improve program quality, and support equitable, culturally responsive mentoring experiences.

Responsibilities: 

• Identify opportunities for streamlining existing workflows and processes.
• Research, recommend, and implement new software solutions to optimize operational and programmatic efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of new systems.
• Monitor and evaluate existing program processes to identify areas for improvement.
• Assess and research the development and implementation of best practices for internal systems to support the best utilization of resources. 
• Develop tools, templates, and guidelines to facilitate transparent and effective operations discussions.Recruit, train, and support volunteer mentors from college campuses.
• Ensure mentors understand and are prepared to implement the Village Mentoring model.
• Collaborate with Youth Services Managers to assess mentee needs and support individualized mentoring approaches.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with mentors, mentees, and program staff.
• Support program operations including mentor retention, onboarding, transitions, and maintaining strong mentor-to-mentee ratios.
• Assist with compliance processes such as background checks, documentation, and required program paperwork.
• Attend and actively participate in weekly Village Mentoring sessions and related programming.

Required Qualifications: 

• Experience working with youth. 
• Commitment to serve as a role model for youth.
• A passion for supporting the ongoing work around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
• Experience working or living in a diverse and inclusive environment with elevated, demonstrated awareness of issues of social equity and social and racial justice.
• Demonstrated practice or education serving diverse communities or populations of people of color in an equitable manner and a manner that is respectful and aware of the community's experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and set priorities while giving consideration to those serving, your fellow team members, the organization, and the self.
• Access to resources necessary to support your telework/service experience (electrical power outlet to keep devices charged, reliable wifi connection that can connect with our cloud-based softwares).
• Ability to regularly meet in person with your team or your service assignment in their assigned location (including responsibility for transportation to and from).
• Access to a reliable phone.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience and knowledge related to trauma informed behavior management and restorative practice. 
• Previous experience in leadership positions with peers.

DREAM AmeriCorps Benefits: 

• Living Stipend provided to you in biweekly payments. 
• AmeriCorps members may be eligible for:
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (food stamps)
  • Child care assistance
  • Medicaid
  • Student loan deferment (forbearance)
  • Other publicly-funded benefits, such as heating and utility assistance.
• Upon the completion of the service term, AmeriCorps members are eligible to receive the Segal Education Award, which can be used to pay education expenses or repay qualified student loans. 
• As an AmeriCorps member at DREAM, you will have the additional support of a DREAM AmeriCorps Director to help you navigate your service term and apply for publicly funded programs.
• DREAM is invested in your professional and personal development and supports a variety of professional development opportunities throughout the service term.

DREAM AmeriCorps Requirements: 

• Commitment to the full service term as identified in your offer. 
• Commitment to the mission of AmeriCorps and DREAM.
• Desire to enhance existing skills and develop new skills necessary for service.
• Must be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S.A. due to AmeriCorps requirements.
• Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service OR be an out-of-school youth 16 years of age at the commencement of service participating in a program 
• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent OR not have dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant (and must agree to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award) OR obtain a waiver from the Corporation OR be enrolled in an institution of higher education on an ability to benefit basis 
• Members must agree to the following Criminal History Checks to be performed in order to serve as an AmeriCorps Member: NSOPW (Public Sex Offender) Check, Statewide Criminal Repository Checks (for State of Service and State of Residence), and FBI fingerprint-based  Criminal History Check. The member is aware that their identity must be verified with a government-issued photo ID. The results of these checks will be kept confidential, but could affect eligibility to serve in AmeriCorps.

Work environment:  This position operates in multiple spaces. The spaces included may have characteristics similar to a professional office environment, an indoor/outdoor environment with active children and students, at our rustic Camp DREAM, and within the program sites we serve. This role routinely uses computers and various softwares regularly, as well as standard office/school equipment (such as phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and printers) as well as equipment characteristic of an outdoor and indoor youth camp (pop-up shade canopies/tents, hand tools, activity supplies, food preparation equipment, storage spaces and sports equipment/toys).

Physical demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee/member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: 

• This position requires comfort working in outdoor environments, regardless of the weather.  This position can be very active and frequently requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing.  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to communicate with individuals who talk and hear.  
• The employee/member may occasionally lift and/or move items over 50 pounds.  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to observe and comprehend using vision abilities that include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Travel:  Travel may include regular local travel and less-common interregional travel (visiting other DREAM geographies and for retreats and special events) during the work hours described. Out-of-the-area and overnight travel will be occasionally expected.

AAP/EEO Statement:  The DREAM Program is an equal opportunity employer and an incorporated 501(c)3 charitable organization. The DREAM Program prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

At will employment:  The DREAM Program is an at will employer. Employment with The DREAM Program is voluntary and is subject to termination by you or The DREAM Program at will, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time. The policy of employment-at-will may not be modified by any officer or employee.