Thriving Youth Program Director
Job Summary
The Community Fund of Darien (TCF) seeks a passionate, energetic and engaged individual to lead the Thriving Youth Darien prevention coalition and manage the Drug Free Communities (DFC) Grant Program which funds the position. The mission of Thriving Youth Darien is to promote and empower positive youth development and mental health, with the goal of reducing substance use. The Coalition achieves this by collaborating with the community to raise awareness, modify social norms, educate youth and adults, initiate policy change and promote healthy activities. The Director will facilitate the planning and implementation of community prevention strategies in support of Thriving Youth Darien’s mission. This includes developing strong community support and collaborative partnerships.
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This position is a grant funded position for 3 years, with the possibility of renewal. It is a 40 hour a week position.
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As part of the team at TCF, the Thriving Youth Program Director will have the ability to affect many young lives and bring positive change and innovation to our community. TCF is a 73 year old organization that cares about and supports its employees.
Responsibilities
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With the Executive Director and Thriving Youth Darien Coalition, formulate goals, objectives, and programs of the coalition.
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Lead, coordinate and plan all Coalition activities according to the five steps of the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF).
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With the Thriving Youth Darien Executive Committee, lead and coordinate all coalition activities, and meet with youth advocates.
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Implement evidence-based community level programs and strategies.
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Provide leadership in planning and coordinating community and school-based education and awareness events, media campaigns and community/parent outreach.
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Develop training and educational materials, and provide presentations to the Coalition, schools, and community.
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Maintain a social media and public relations strategy for the coalition.
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Collaborate with town and school leaders, youth groups, community organizations and volunteers.
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Meet reporting requirements of the DFC grant program, including progress reports, budgets, training sessions, and meetings.
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Represent the Coalition in the community and at local and state prevention meetings.
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Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.
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Exceptional communication, relationship-building and organizational skills.
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Ability to provide leadership, network and build relationships and teams, recruit and motivate volunteers, all while maintaining a passion for prevention and positive youth development.
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Experience organizing, coordinating, and collaborating with community coalitions.
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Ability and proven experience in maintaining positive, effective collaborations and partnerships with a wide variety of individuals including youth agencies, business and faith communities, board, local businesses, school administration, town administration, and staff members.
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Knowledge of information in subject matter areas including addiction and recovery - including impact on brain for alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, Strategic Prevention Framework, risk and protective factors, youth resilience factors, child and adolescent development, evidence-based prevention and health promotion strategies and best practices.
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Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary.
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Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and ability to self-direct.
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Experience with fiscal and project management, grant writing and administration, program evaluation and research including data collection and analysis are preferred but not required.
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Self-starter, goal-oriented, works well collaboratively and also independently.
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Required Skills
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
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Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
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Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
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Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
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Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
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Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
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Proficient with Google Suite, Microsoft 365 or related software.
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Employment Requirements
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Appear in person for scheduled work with regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
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Attend weekly staff meetings, Thriving Youth Darien meetings and executive board meetings.
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Attend weekly meetings with the TCF Executive Director and bi-weekly meetings with Thriving Youth Darien co-chairs.
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Successful completion of background check.
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Physical Requirements
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Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
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Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
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Applications and Salary
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This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position for three years; Grant funding ends August 30, 2026 with a possibility of renewal. Salary is commensurate with experience and estimated at $60,000 - $70,000.
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403(B) participation optional.
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Health insurance not offered.
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To apply, email cover letter and resume to info@communityfunddarien.org.
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Employment Information
Location: Darien, CT