Little SMYALs Manager

Position Summary:

SMYAL is seeking an experienced youth worker passionate about supporting and empowering queer and trans youth. The role of Little SMYALs Manager is a full time exempt position that works directly with queer and trans youth ages 6-12, and the adults that support them. This position is in charge of managing Little SMYAL’s school-year based programs for elementary and middle school-aged youth: twice-monthly virtual programming, twice-monthly in-person Saturday programming, and SMYALing Schools, our in-school gender and sexuality alliance (GSA’s) program, and supporting all other Little SMYALs initiatives. All Little SMYALs programs are designed to blend education with community building, and a safe space for youth to be themselves. This person is an integral support as youth develop the confidence to create positive change in themselves and in their communities.  

This is a hybrid role, requiring at least two days a week in person, in addition to being present to prepare for and lead all in-person programming. The Little SMYALs Manager reports directly to the Director of Youth Development and Community Engagement, and is one of two full time manager positions under the Little SMYALs program. The role is positioned within the Youth Development and Community Engagement (YDCE) team. 

Position Responsibilities: 

• Manage and implement the Little SMYALs school-year programs (virtual and in-person sessions, in-school gender and sexuality alliance (GSA) support), which aim to develop and support youth between the ages of 6 and 12 years of age as they explore their own identities and learn of others. 


• Cultivate new, and retain current school-based GSA partnerships, providing quality, creative, and age-appropriate programming on anti-bullying, inclusion, and allyship to students from Kindergarten through eighth grade. 


• Ensure that plans for all programming includes the following: clear and timely communications amongst partners and other team members (as relevant), programmatic overviews, and detailed lesson plans and activity creations.


• Develop and execute strategic outreach plans to ensure Little SMYALs programs are reaching communities most in need of these services, notably Black and brown youth and families across the DC metro region.


• With the Director of Youth Development and Community Engagement, conduct regular assessments across all programs to ensure their efficacy and relevance, including recommending and implementing any necessary updates to ensure the success of the program.


• Manage hiring and oversight of annual Little SMYALs Youth Intern.  


• Play a collaborative role in planning and facilitating Camp Free2Be, SMYAL’s annual summer camp for queer and trans 6-12 year olds. 


• Support planning and facilitation of all other youth programming across the YDCE team as needed, including in person and virtual, as well as any special events and/or field trips.


• Maintain a programmatic budget with the Director of Youth Engagement and Community Development, including planning, implementation, and management.


• Collect and manage quantitative and qualitative data, including attendance, surveys and impact on youth and families/care providers.


• Coordinate volunteers across Little SMYALs’ school year programming, including creations of volunteer parameters and instructions, ongoing support to volunteers during programs, and relationship management for all youth-facing volunteers 


• Stay up to date on best practices for working with school age youth and adolescents, queer and trans youth, and youth of color. 


• Represent SMYAL at community and donor events, as needed, to recruit prospective participants, volunteers, and future stakeholders.


• All other relevant duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

• Proven experience in the field of youth work required. 


• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in education, social work, psychology, child development, or any related field strongly desired.


• At least 4 years of experience in working with school age youth and adolescents required; experience in working with queer and trans youth and youth of color, and knowledge of youth development framework highly desired.


• Experience teaching school aged youth about racial, gender, and D/disability justice. 


• Excellent oral and written communication skills.


• Experience in facilitating interactive trainings for youth and adults. 


• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently.


• Must be able to work regular evenings and weekends.


• Must be a strong team player with experience in working collaboratively with other staff, volunteers, youth leaders, and external stakeholders.


• Queer and trans individuals, women, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. SMYAL believes in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as bringing your authentic self to the workplace. So if you are excited about this position but your past experiences do not align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may be just the right person for this or other positions.

About SMYAL:
SMYAL supports and empowers LGBTQ+ youth. We actively work to create a world where queer and trans youth thrive through affirming programs and services designed to develop critical life skills, build community, and foster a sense of belonging.