Program Specialist - Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), Silver Spring, MD
Posted: Thursday, June 29, 2017
AUCD, a leading national disability organization, is currently seeking a highly-qualified individual to serve as a Program Specialist to provide support to State interagency efforts to improve youth transition outcomes. AUCD promotes and supports a national network of over 100 interdisciplinary training and research centers on disabilities. AUCD has a direct impact at the local, state and national levels to advance policy and practice through research, education, leadership, and services for and with individuals with disabilities and their families and communities, in support of independence, productivity, and a satisfying quality of life.
This position, located in Silver Spring MD, will support the federally-funded PROMISE TA Center, and will work in collaboration with other teams within AUCD, reporting directly to the Director of Policy Innovation. AUCD's PROMISE TA Center is funded by the US Dept. of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and supports multiple State interagency teams in implementing their projects and increasing their capacity to improve services and supports to youth SSI recipients and their families.
Primary responsibilities for this position include:
- Support and assist in carrying out a range of technical assistance and information exchange activities on PROMISE and assigned projects
- Coordinate logistics for trainings, webinars, site visits, workgroups, conference calls and other events on PROMISE and assigned projects
- Partner with PROMISE grantees, OSEP, relevant organizations, coalitions and groups concerned with youth transition
- Provide administrative support to the Associate Executive Director for Research and Policy and Director of Policy Innovation on all assigned projects
Principal Duties:
Provide logistical, administrative, and programmatic support for PROMISE and other assigned projects to include but not limited to:
• Administrative support
- Assist in carrying out and documenting work plan and project deliverables, ensuring high quality
and timeliness of activities and products - Coordinate the scheduling and development of technical assistance events such as trainings,
webinars, site visits, conference calls, and other events - Schedule and participate in meetings with staff, funders, and others
• Research, writing and data collection
- Conduct surveillance of research, policies, practices and other key information related to youth
transition and the needs and activities of PROMISE grantees - Support production of issue briefs, fact sheets, and guidance documents through topical
research, writing, and document formatting - Support and assist in data collection for annual reports
- Develop new ideas and concepts related to the PROMISE project and emerging issues
• Technical Assistance
- Provide information to grantees and the general public, as appropriate, on project efforts through
web postings, newsletters, and electronic publications - Respond to requests for information and assistance from grantees, AUCD network members,
federal agencies, policy makers, individuals with disabilities, family members, and others, and
provide referrals to network members and other resources as appropriate for assigned projects
• Online and print dissemination
- Assist in developing web content, social media content, educational materials, project and
analytic reports, and other publications - Manage PROMISE website, listservs, and online shared workspace
- Coordinate translation of key materials into Spanish, and other languages as needed
• Funder and relationship support
- Support productive and positive relationships with grantees, federal funder, national evaluator,
project evaluator, content experts, advisory group, and other partners
• Provide administrative support to the Associate Executive Director for Research and Policy and Director
of Policy Innovation
• Carry out other activities that further the mission and goals of AUCD
Required Qualifications:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree in a social science, special or regular education, administration, policy, or related field
- 2 years of professional experience with demonstrated success in systems supporting people with disabilities
- A professional and resourceful style; the ability to work independently and as a team player, to take initiative, and to manage multiple tasks and projects at a time
- Passion for and commitment to AUCD's mission are essential
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated verbal and writing skills
- Demonstrated group process and collaboration skills
- Demonstrated skills in planning and facilitating logistics for training events (webinars, conferences, etc.)
- Strong attention to detail
- Cultural competence in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds
- Proficiency in the use of information technology, including internet-based communication tools, word processing, and spreadsheet or database software
- Excellence in organizational, analytical, time management/productivity, and problem solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to support multiple complex and simultaneous activities
Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of issues, policy initiatives, and evidence-based strategies and practices relating to the provision and coordination of services and supports for youth SSI recipients and their families that enable them to achieve improved educational and employment outcomes
- Demonstrated skills in supporting evidence-based, culturally competent projects and initiatives related to transitioning youth
Benefits
AUCD provides a family-friendly work environment; a competitive salary based on education and experience; health, dental, disability, life insurance and retirement benefits; and three weeks' vacation plus sick and personal days and paid holidays. This position is an opportunity to exercise your expertise, creativity and initiative in a fast-paced yet relaxed office atmosphere, and to make a significant difference in policy and practice impacting the lives of youth living with a range of disabilities and their families.
Procedures
Via email only, submit a letter of interest, resume of relevant experiences, and names and contact information for three references to:
Denise Rozell, Director of Policy Innovation
Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
1100 Wayne Avenue Suite 1000
Silver Spring, MD 20910
[email protected]
This position is open immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The position is primarily supported by federal funds. For additional information on AUCD go to www.aucd.org
AUCD is an equal opportunity employer.
Persons from diverse cultures and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged
