Youth Civic Engagement Facilitator

Greater Philadelphia YMCA Employment Opportunity!

POSITION PURPOSE

Part-Time Youth Civic Engagement Facilitator will join the Greater Philadelphia YMCA’s (GPY) Youth Civic Engagement Department as the facilitator for Youth and Government (YAG) and Model UN (MUN) programming and conference planning. The facilitator will report to the Director of Youth Civic Engagement as they launch new YAG and MUN delegations, plan annual conferences, and provide support to school and branch-based advisors.  This role involves facilitating programming at multiple sites, engaging students in civic education, and promoting leadership skills, ethics, responsible citizenship, and self-confidence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Program Facilitation

• Facilitate Youth Civic Engagement programming throughout the Greater Philadelphia YMCA, in schools, and teaching virtual programming as needed.
• Lead sessions on advocacy, civil rights, state legislation, and government systems using interactive and multimedia elements.
• Coordinate and supervise service-learning projects addressing community needs. 
• Support planning of YMCA Civic Engagement conferences, officer retreats, and other events as assigned.
• Assist with recruitment of participants and building relationships with local schools or organizations that will increase student participation.      
• Oversee the safety and location of all the teens in programming both at the Branch or offsite. 

Recruitment and Outreach

Student Recruitment

• Implement effective strategies to attract students from diverse backgrounds to participate in YAG and MUN programs.
• Engage with students through school visits, community events, and social media outreach.
• Provide information and guidance to students and parents about program benefits and participation requirements.

Partnership Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local schools, community organizations, and government officials to support and expand program outreach.
• Collaborate with these partners to identify potential participants and promote civic engagement opportunities.

Information Sessions and Outreach Events

• Conduct information sessions at schools, community centers, and online to raise awareness about YAG and MUN programs.
• Participate in outreach events to connect with potential participants and their families, providing detailed information and answering questions.

Student Engagement  

• Foster a supportive and inclusive environment for students to develop leadership and civic skills.
• Mentor and guide students through mock debates, legislative sessions, and advocacy training.
• Encourage participation and ensure accessibility for all students.   
• Attend staff meetings and training as required while also providing support or leadership to Operations staff on teen related topics and issues.  
• Maintain sensitivity and patience with teens while also always maintaining confidentiality.    
• Motivating students with effective communication and evaluative feedback

Curriculum Implementation

• Implement a comprehensive curriculum focused on debate techniques, advocacy strategies, and legislative fundamentals.
• Emphasize cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and accessibility in all programming.
• Teaching the principles of argumentation and research techniques
• Collaborate with YCE Director and Executive Directors to organize guest speaker events with community leaders and elected officials.
• Reinforce the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility through example and recognition of participant displays of character.

Administrative Duties

• Collect and analyze feedback from students, parents and teachers to continuously improve program quality.
• Participate in regular program evaluations to assess effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.
• Ensure completion of all necessary administrative tasks and logistical arrangements for programs, events, and meetings.
• Maintain accurate records of student participation and program outcome
• Support events with registration information, attendance, and other functions.
• Assist in the planning of program, conference, and delegation activities.
• Performing other projects, initiatives, and other duties as needed and assigned. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

ROLE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• 2+ years of experience in youth programming, civic engagement, or a related area.
• Strong organizational, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic backgrounds.
• Comfortable with presentation technology and overall computer skills, including Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.  
• Ability to recruit, motivate, engage, and retain teens.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail required. Must be comfortable with overall computer skills including Google, Microsoft Office.
• Superior time management skills
• Being reliable and able to attend all YCE conferences, programs, and events which include evenings and weekends.
• Experience with YAG or MUN programs preferred. 
• Experience with event management, volunteer management, and youth development strongly preferred.
• Interest in government, policy, law, civic engagement, and youth development
• Ability to work from multiple YMCA branches and the Association Office in Conshohocken, PA. 

OUR CULTURE

At the YMCA we value CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY in personal character and behavior and believe that they are essential to attaining our mission.

OUR MISSION

To improve lives by connecting people to health, well-being, and to each other.

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. The Y considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or other protected classification and in accordance with applicable laws.