About the Jackie Robinson Foundation

Established in 1973 by Rachel Robinson to perpetuate her husband’s legacy, the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) is a public, nonprofit organization that administers one of the nation’s premier scholarship and leadership development programs for talented college students. Aside from generous financial assistance, JRF Scholars benefit from a comprehensive, four-year program that includes career guidance, internship and permanent job placement, travel abroad, and leadership and practical life skills training.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, JRF remains steadfast in its commitment to social change through educational advancement and leadership development of the nation’s youth. With the establishment of the Jackie Robinson Museum and its programming, JRF will encourage greater and widespread humanitarianism among visitors of all ages, while continuing to help develop the next generation of dynamic leaders.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Core Programs, the Director of Core Programs is responsible for the management and coordination of key programs, services, and activities for JRF Scholars, which include the annual New Scholar Orientation and Mentoring and Leadership Conference. Utilizing JRF’s 42 Strategies for Success Curriculum, the Director will also assist in the conceptualization of workshops and programs that focus on a range of personal, professional, and career development topics year-round. The successful candidate for this role has demonstrated experience working with underrepresented college students, is exceptional at implementing student-focused programs and services, is apprised of the current higher education landscape to support Scholars, is comfortable with data tracking and reporting, and is adept at cultivating and maintaining relationships.

Key Responsibilities

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Assist with sustaining, enhancing, and implementing JRF annual programs such as the New Scholar Orientation, the Mentoring and Leadership Conference, the Rachel Robinson International Fellowship program, the Extra Innings Fellowship program, and regional Scholar gatherings both in person and virtually.
• Conceptualize and develop in partnership with the Vice President of Core Programs, workshops and programs that focus on a range of personal, professional, and career development topics year-round utilizing JRF’s 42 Strategies for Success
• Develop templates, write content, and send regular communications to Scholars, Scholar Advisory Committee (SAC) members and other stakeholder groups as assigned.
• Manage the Scholar Leadership Council (SLC), hosting regular meetings and providing leadership opportunities for SLC through year-round programming.

SPONSOR ENGAGEMENT SUPPORT

• Facilitate Scholar participation in sponsor-led programs and special events.
• Coordinate JRF programmatic opportunities (both in-person and virtual) for sponsors to directly engage with Scholars.
• Promote sponsor career and professional development opportunities to Scholars, which includes posting internship and full-time opportunities, creating targeted email communications, and creating flyers and other materials.

ADVISING AND SCHOLAR SUPPORT

• Advise JRF Scholars 1:1 on a range of student related issues (e.g., connection to resources, career advice, academic success/challenges).
• Facilitate yearly touchpoints with Scholars to obtain feedback about JRF and college experience.
• Support Scholars with applications to JRF sponsor opportunities which includes resume review, interview preparation and identification of supplemental resources for further professional development.

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

• Co-develop surveys for programming and tracking and collecting annual end of year Scholar progress and outcomes.
• Notating all Scholar, alumni, and Scholar Advisory Committee interactions in Slate.
• Tracking Scholar requirements such as community service hours, maintenance of full-time credit hours each term, time to degree, etc.
• Collaborate with the Development team on program data tracking and reporting to sponsors, funders, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in regular meetings with department and inter-departmental staff.
• Respond to internal and external inquiries in a timely fashion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required, master’s degree a plus, such as higher education administration, non-profit administration, or Business, etc.
• Must have at least five (5) years prior experience in a nonprofit or higher education setting and possess knowledge of the college landscape as it relates to supporting underrepresented college students
• Strong technical, data tracking, analytical skills, and experience designing and administering survey instruments and tracking outcomes data (e.g., familiarity with MS Excel, CRMs, such as Slate, and professional and social networking tools/platforms)
• Demonstrated experience working with and engaging college students (and other key stakeholders), and an ability to cultivate and build strong interpersonal relationships.
• Excellent communication skills, including writing and public speaking, and ability to effectively represent JRF to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a mission-driven environment composed of professionals committed to supporting and developing well-prepared, highly motivated, young leaders who graduate from college with a plan to self-actualize and add value to their communities and the workforce.
• Possesses an entrepreneurial spirit; can successfully work independently and as a member of a team.
• Superior organizational, administrative, and problem-solving skills, and ability to multitask and manage deadlines.
• Willing to work on site at New York City-based office a minimum of three (3) days per week.

Compensation and Benefits

The Director of Core Programs position offers a competitive salary range of $110,000 to $140,000 along with a generous benefits package.

Commitment to Equity and Equal Opportunity Employment

The Jackie Robinson Foundation is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and workplace conditions for all persons regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.