Educational Equity Programs Director - Houston

At the Social Justice Learning Institute, we are dedicated to improving the education, health, and well-being of youth of color by empowering them to take hold of their educational future using research as a tool for community and social change. We train students to research problems in their community using a rigorous yearlong curriculum while providing basic academic support (i.e., tutoring, homework assistance, academic counseling, etc.) and college-preparatory education.  Our youth learn what it takes to achieve academically, attend college, and become civically engaged, solution-oriented, and critical participants in the democratic experience. We envision an educational system where youth become engaged citizens who discover their best talents and apply them to help improve the world they live within.

Job Summary

SJLI is seeking an Educational Equity Director to lead our efforts across the Greater Houston area and address the increasing demand for our Urban Scholars and Higher Pathways Programs. The Educational Equity Director will oversee program staff and ensure effective and accurate implementation of both programs. This role also involves monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness to ensure continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities include fostering partnerships with school district representatives, administrators, and teachers to support and enhance student success in post-secondary education, including career and work development. The ideal candidate will be committed to educational equity and possess the skills to build and sustain collaborative relationships that promote the academic, personal, and professional growth of our students.

Responsibilities

Strategic Program Implementation

• Plan and implement short and long-term goals for Urban Scholars and Higher Pathways programs.
• Manage day-to-day educational equity activities and oversee the team responsible.
• Oversee Urban Scholars' program staff, in-class instruction, and curriculum.
• Coordinate and supervise program activities, retreats, and field trips.
• Liaise with SJLI, Urban Scholars, partner schools, and districts.
• Provide oversight for the Higher Pathways program and its staff.
• Develop and maintain relationships with school staff, district administrators, and volunteers.
• Oversee direct service and program support.
• Coordinate tutoring and academic support services.
• Assist with program events such as Urban Scholars Culmination, retreats, and summer workshops.
• Plan and oversee community and parent activities like Parent Night.
• Communicate program needs with the Regional Director.
• Design agendas and conduct team meetings.
• Provide input for the Urban Scholars Instructors’ Manual.
• Facilitate collaborations and partnerships with community members, public agencies, and non-profit organizations.
• Enhance community participation and volunteerism.
• Increase the organization's visibility in the community.
• Identify and develop new community partnerships and expansion opportunities.
• Assist in developing strategic and operational plans for managing the program.

Program Monitoring, Evaluation, and Data Management

• Oversee the collection and maintenance of student data in SJLI’s database and other platforms.
• Collect data for grant reports, program summaries, updates, and yearly reports.
• Provide data to the external program evaluation team.
• Ensure team members complete monthly and other required reports.
• Review program information and statistics for reporting purposes.
• Draft program summaries, updates, and yearly reports.
• Support efforts to evaluate program curriculum and activities.
• Ensure accurate student data and proficient use of data monitoring platforms like Asana and Apricot.
• Collaborate on curriculum pacing and program implementation alignment.

Staff Training and Evaluation

• Provide input for team member onboarding and ongoing training.
• Conduct quarterly and yearly evaluations of program team members.
• Collaborate on team-building activities.
• Ensure adherence to safety policies and protocols.
• Assist with program staff leadership and development.

Coordination with Other SJLI Departments

• Support Development and Communications departments with grant proposals and reports.
• Coordinate with Communications on Urban Scholars program collateral needs.
• Support fundraising culture and campaigns within the organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expertise in developing, monitoring, and modifying annual program budgets.
• Strong leadership skills to effectively manage and motivate teams.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Proficient with technology platforms, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Social Solutions, and other relevant software.
• Skilled in preparing comprehensive reports and presentations.
• Demonstrated commitment to SJLI's goals, guidelines, and principles.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License and ability to obtain live scan clearance.
• Availability to work weeknights and weekends as needed.
• Ability to build relationships with a diverse range of constituents, including parents, students, staff, leadership, and other community stakeholders.
• Strong collaboration skills in a team environment.
• Capability to create and maintain a productive team atmosphere.
• Effective people management skills.
• Familiarity with the Greater Houston area's educational landscape and school operations.
• Experience working with youth from a social justice development perspective.

Qualifications Summary

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, ethnic studies, psychology, social welfare, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Experience: 3 – 5 years in a similar non-profit role with progressive experience supervising and managing midsize to large teams.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with educational systems, school districts, and college access and persistence environments.
• Skills: Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, use a computer, and lift up to 20 pounds.
• Core Competencies: Demonstrate alignment with SJLI's core competencies, including a growth mindset, mission-driven commitment, effective communication, ownership, cultural humility, and strong organizational skills.
• Leadership Competencies: Ability to develop and motivate others, emotional awareness, relationship building with stakeholders, commitment to continuous improvement, strategic thinking, and data-driven decision-making.

Keywords

Educational EquityProgram DirectorUrban ScholarsHigher PathwaysCommunity ChangeAcademic SupportLeadership SkillsData ManagementTeam BuildingGrant ProposalsCommunication SkillsYouth DevelopmentSocial Justice