USA For You Short-Term Program Coordinator- Ann Arbor, MI
Jennifer McKendree
Status: Independent Contractor
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Reports to: Coordinator of Program Development
Mission:
YFU advances intercultural understanding, life-long learning, global competencies, mutual respect, and social responsibility through transformational educational exchanges for generations of youth, families, and communities, supported by dedicated volunteers and professional staff. Through the exchange experience, YFU students gain intercultural understanding, learn mutual respect, and develop a sense of social responsibility. Their experience abroad gives them leadership competencies necessary to meet the challenges and benefit from the opportunities of a fast-changing global community.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Youth For Understanding USA (YFU), in conjunction with YFU Germany, is running a short-term inbound program for high school students from Germany. This fully funded scholarship program provides youth from Germany who might otherwise be unable to participate in exchange the opportunity to come to the US for a two-week program focused on community service. During their stay in the US, the students engage in community service, English Language classes, as well as cultural events. They are placed with volunteer host families, who invite the students to be a part of their family for these two weeks. The students make ever-lasting bonds with other students, their host families, the volunteers, and the employees and contractors that work with them.
The programs runs from April 13-26, 2019.
RESPONSIBILITIES and ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The role of Program Coordinator has three major parts: Program Logistics, Student Placement, and Program Execution.
Program Logistics: The rough agenda for these programs has been set. The Program Coordinator (PC) will:
Collaborate with the National Office (NO) to complete the logistics of the programs.
Arrange logistics for community service and social/cultural activities.
The National Office (NO) will directly purchase anything necessary for the activities as determined by the PC (admissions tickets, food for orientation, etc.), and provide space and materials for orientation and a farewell event. Pre-approved out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.
Make known to the NO when they will need volunteer assistance or any additional materials not standardly available.
Student Placement: The PC will be responsible for finding host families for each of the students. The PC will
Be provided with a handbook to assist with this activity, as well as access to YFU’s lead system.
Be expected to utilize their network to find families new to YFU.
Be expected to assist potential host families with completing their application and all supplementary documentation and requirements.
Be responsible for ensuring that all families meet all US Department of State regulations for hosting.
Program Execution: While the students are on program, the PC will:
Be the chaperone for the students during the duration of their program. The chaperoned activities are mostly from 9-5 Monday-Friday (the PC can set the final schedule).
Operate a 15-passanger van.
Be the students’ and host families’ first point of contact should there be an emergency situation on program. You will be provided staff contacts where situations can be escalated.
Be responsible for transporting the students between activities, once the host families have dropped them off at designated metro stations.
Potentially be called on to pick up or drop off the students at the airport. Coordination with Host Families is essential.
Facilitate an arrival orientation. Materials and curriculum will be provided.
Have volunteers ready to assist whenever requested. The NO will arrange the volunteers, based on the schedule finalized by the PC.
Submit a narrative report upon completion of the program, with pictures, documenting the program outcomes and providing suggestions to improve the program.
Submit a financial report of any expenses with related receipts at the program conclusion. YFU USA expense policies will be provided, and must be followed in order to receive reimbursement.
NOTE: This position may be split between the three major tasks, depending on the candidate pool.
QUALIFICATIONS AND KNOWLEDGE
Undergraduate degree or equivalent
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure on multiple tasks with deadlines
Ability to adhere to Department of State rules and regulations
Computer literacy
Demonstrated customer service and problem-solving experience
Experience leading groups of teenagers
Willingness and ability to drive a 15-passenger van
Strong networking and community-building skills
SCHEDULE FOR PERFORMANCE
Placement and logistical efforts for the spring short-term program will take place at the contractors’ discretion during the weeks between 11/26/2018- 3/29/2019.
Students will be on program from 4/13/2019-4/26/2019. Throughout the duration of the program, the project coordinator will be directly involved “on site” according to the scheduled plan.
Within two weeks after the end of the program, the program coordinator will submit a narrative project report and financial report including an invoice.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Payment of $3,000 will be provided in a lump sum after the conclusion of the program and submission of the narrative project report and financial report. No payment will be made until reports have been received.