Program Manager, Digital Literacy - The Arc, Washington, DC
Posted: Monday, January 27, 2014
Company: The Arc of the United States 1825 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006 www.thearc.org
The Arc of the United States is seeking an energetic, entrepreneurial and self-motivated person to lead the start-up of Technology Navigator - a new nationwide initiative on digital literacy in the disability community. Technology Navigator will assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to gain access to and make effective and safe use of computers, information technology and the internet, including social media.
The Program Manager will lead and facilitate a team that will be responsible to create an online resource center, including marshaling existing, and developing new, resources focused on training and supporting people with I/DD to venture into the online world. The resource center will also provide information on best practices for making online information accessible to people with I/DD and resources for service providers on the use of technology to accommodate their disabilities. Online resources relating to the use of other devices (e.g. phones, tablets) and relevant apps will also be provided. Drawing on expertise in the field, s/he will create and administer a sub-grant program, and provide training and technical assistance, to support ten (10) local chapters of The Arc to develop and operate basic digital literacy learning labs to teach people with IDD to use computers and access the internet.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and launch Technology Navigator program, including conducting necessary background research, program design and implementation.
- Conduct outreach and gather information from chapters of The Arc, people with I/DD and their family members, information technology experts and providers, and other sources to inform development of the online resource center and digital learning labs.
- Develop online information resources and platforms with which to share digital literacy content with identified audiences.
- Identify and select existing content and create new content.
- Provide online and in-person training curricula, train-the-trainer programs, workbooks, guides and other resources for chapters to use in promoting digital literacy among people with I/DD.
- Procure services of third-party information technology vendors and manage vendor relationships and performance.
- Develop prototype for The Arc & Comcast Digital Learning Labs.
- Design and implement a proposal process for selection of sub-grantees to operate Digital Learning Labs, and provide training, technical assistance, oversight and support for sub-grantees.
- Provide oversight of project budgets and work plans to ensure adherence to project goal, including preparing periodic reports to funder.
- Participate in resource development supporting program expansion and ongoing sustainability.
- Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
- Develop a system for monitoring The Arc's progress in advancing digital literacy among people with I/DD.
- Other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Disability Studies, or other relevant field. Advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years' relevant experience; experience working with content management systems and online educational programming highly desired.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
- Entrepreneurial instinct and spirit; high level of self-motivation and ability to work independently.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and with external stakeholders, including persons of diverse backgrounds.
- Experienced in program management and in leading and/or facilitating teams, committees, work groups or other group processes.
- Comfortable with communications and social media.
- Positive attitude and excellent problem solving skills.
- Ability to deal effectively with diverse clientele by telephone.
- Knowledge or experience with the issues and concerns of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families highly desired.
- Experience working in cross-sector (e.g. nonprofit/for-profit)partnerships desired.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs.
Competitive salary based on education and experience. Excellent benefits including Health, Dental, Life, AD&D, and LTD insurances; Retirement plan; 4 weeks of vacation.
HOW TO APPLY
By email only, please submit a letter of interest, resume of relevant experience, two (2) writing samples, and names and contact information for three (3) professional references to [email protected].
The Arc is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace
including people with disabilities.