Comic Relief US’s (CRUS) Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is composed of trail-blazing young leaders from communities most impacted by poverty, from across the US and globally. The YAC is engaged in our annual grantmaking process and the holistic program consists of workshops, public speaking opportunities at virtual events, a mentorship program, and the launch of a new fund. The inaugural YAC Juntanza “grantmaking” Fund launched in 2021 and ignites intergenerational social change by centering the voice and vision of marginalized youth globally. The Juntanza Fund supports youth-led programs focused on the critical challenges that emerged for young people during the COVID-19 pandemic including hunger, access to quality education and mental health services. This participatory grantmaking strategy further enhances CRUS’s commitment to new, innovative approaches to achieve the organization’s mission of a just world free from poverty. 


The YAC Program Manager is the YAC program lead and will oversee the development and implementation of YAC 2.0 with support from the YAC Consultant and CRUS Grants team. This role is essential to ensuring the YAC’s successful transition from a pilot program into a sustainable, permanent program within CRUS. The YAC Program Manager will lead on the recruitment of new YAC 2.0 council members, the development and implementation of the annual program including the Juntanza Fund grants portfolio, and facilitate up to 2 monthly meetings and workshops with the YAC. This role will support CRUS’ thought leadership goals and will work in partnership with YAC members and CRUS teams to develop new creative content and communications opportunities.  This position will report to the VP, Grant Programs.


PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

 

YAC Program Management (65%)

  • Develop, execute, and facilitate the 4 pillars of the YAC program (Workshops and Curriculum, Mentorship program, Juntanza Fund, Thought leadership and Communications) with the VP, Grant Programs and Consultant:

    • Design program model for Cohort 2: program timeline, refined curriculum, candidate guidelines, application process and tools

    • Review the draft evaluation plan and survey for Cohort 2 (baseline, interim, final)

    • Lead the selection process for Cohort 2 

  • Curate and lead workshops with co-facilitators or guest speakers 

  • Ensure that the YAC is anchored in trusting relationships and has ample opportunities for YAC members to grow and exercise their leadership

  • Recruit a new cohort each year and continue to engage YAC alumni

  • Manage the YAC annual program budget


Juntanza Fund Grants Management & Grantee Relationships (20%)

  • Oversee the participatory grantmaking of the Juntanza Fund to ensure a timely and seamless process with the leadership of the council members. In partnership with the Grants team and Consultant:

    • Refine and define the Juntanza Fund goals and expectations for year 2  

    • Refine the proposed application and selection process; coordinate with key CRUS staff on the legal/financial process 

    • Review and recommend reporting process for final grantees

    • Identify/invite youth-led organizations to apply for grants 

    • Conduct an initial review of grant applications

    • Support Cohort 2 in their review/approval of final Juntanza Fund grantees

    • Provide input on executive summaries for top 8-10 grant candidates to be recommended to the Grants Committee/Board

    • Support Cohort 2 in the design and delivery of their presentation and recommendations to the Grants Committee/Board

    • Manage the YAC email account and respond to inquiries from Juntanza Fund grantees

    • Review, with voluntary support from YAC members, interim and final Juntanza Fund year 2 grant reports

  • Support internal learning opportunities about participatory grantmaking, impact and relevant issues

  • Collect and maintain data in Foundant; run reports on impact data as required

  • Conduct research and assess concept notes/proposals for potential Juntanza Fund Grantee Partners, as needed


Thought Leadership, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement (10%)

  • Collaborate across CRUS teams to connect YAC members to external speaking & professional development opportunities

  • Collaborate across CRUS teams to integrate the YAC program and members into the rest of the organization

  • Serve as a consultative partner to other departments looking to leverage YAC work, youth-led / participatory frameworks, including providing feedback on CRUS content

  • Research and write issue briefs/talking points for senior leaders that pertain to the work of the YAC

  • Play key roles in coordination, content and design of YAC thought / field leadership gatherings in the participatory grantmaking field and with other youth councils / leaders 

 

Grants Team (5%)

  • Maintain the Grants team and CRUS apprised of key YAC updates and activities

  • Supervise and project manage any interns or junior consultants who may be hired to support the YAC

 

These responsibilities, as outlined, are not meant to imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the Program Manager. S/he is expected to perform other duties as requested by his or her supervisor.


EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

  • A minimum of 5 years of proven experience with participatory grantmaking and/or developing and managing successful programs in the nonprofit or philanthropic sector that advance equity and justice initiatives for children and young people

  • Demonstrated commitment to supporting Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian Pacific Island, queer, disabled, and undocumented youth leaders in advancing equity and justice initiatives for children and young people

  • Demonstrated commitment through lived and/or work experience, educational background, and volunteer experience to poverty alleviation and social justice

  • Experience working virtually with youth ages 15-25 of diverse backgrounds; strong personal commitment to equity and inclusion 

  • Strong participatory leadership, management and organizational development skills

  • Strong analytical, written, and oral communication/presentation skills with great attention to detail

  • Digital platform management proficiency

  • Collaborative working style with commitment to the highest standards of ethics and confidentiality

  • Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding and digital security best practices, particularly as it relates to children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

  • Undergraduate degree in a related field is required

  • Fluency in a  second language is ideal


PERSONAL QUALITIES AND ABILITIES

  • Passionate about and committed to CRUS’ mission, vision and values

  • Passionate about working with young people and participatory processes

  • Brings a strong intersectional analysis to the work

  • Brings an understanding of Trust-based philanthropy practices to the work

  • Ability to cultivate trust and positive relationships 

  • Creative and curious; brings a sense of ingenuity and humor

  • High degree of empathy, kindness, integrity, humility, and self-awareness

  • Ability to connect with diverse groups of people; high degree of cultural sensitivity and flexibility

  • Ability to work across global time zones

  • Strength working in a fast-paced environment, under pressure and meeting deadlines

  • Ability to travel (~5%) balancing time in the field for Communications site visits and other opportunities as needed

 

To Apply

Please submit a short cover letter, resume, and salary requirements no later than Friday, September 9, 2022. Ideally, this position will start on October 31, 2022.


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This position has been filled.