WWK & Training Associate Director

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a national nonprofit public charity dedicated to finding permanent homes for the more than 140,000 children waiting in North America’s foster care systems. Created by Wendy’s® founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted, the Foundation implements evidence-based, results-driven national service programs, foster care adoption awareness campaigns and innovative grantmaking. 

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

With close collaboration and under the guidance of the VP, programs the WWK & training associate director serves to provide the Foundation’s child-focused recruitment (CFR) training and provide technical assistance and support of the CFR model; to assure fidelity to the child-focused recruitment model with assigned contracted agencies while working with states, provinces and/or territories to embed the child-focused recruitment model as best practice for field staff facilitating foster care adoptions; to train stakeholders to reduce barriers to permanency in jurisdictions implementing the child-focused recruitment model; to assess adherence to the program model and budget and to aggressively work toward the goal of dramatically increasing adoptions from foster care through widespread replication of the child-focused recruitment model. 

ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Facilitate and deliver the child-focused recruitment training to Wendy’s Wonderful Kids (WWK) recruiters and supervisors
2. Schedule in-person CFR training, virtual CFR pre-training and execute contracts for logistics related to training while adhering to allocated budget
3. Conduct pre- and post- assessments of learners to demonstrate deeper understanding of the model
4. Translate Foundation materials and aid in the review of Spanish documents
5. Provides onsite Spanish/English interpretation support for meetings as needed
6. Assist with collecting information on child welfare policy and practice that could impact and influence training curriculum development 
7. Contribute to the design, implementation, troubleshooting and updating of content in learning management system
8. Assist in the development of additional training resources, including webinars, instructor-led courses and practice tools for enhancement of CFR and other child welfare related education to the learning management system end user
9. Perform adoption program manager duties as outlined in the adoption program manager handbook
10. Evaluate grant proposals for adherence to programmatic and fiscal guidelines
11. Monitor WWK grantee/partner agency performance, including monthly online data submissions, bi-annual narrative and fiscal reports, and compliance with agency goals
12. Routinely review data submissions for accuracy and evaluation of fidelity to the child-focused recruitment model
13. Become proficient in and use implementation science best practices, as outlined in the WWK toolkit, to promote effective implementation of WWK
14. Perform site visits as necessary and engage in regular contact with assigned WWK recruiters
15. Monitor child welfare environments, news and barriers in grantee jurisdictions; share knowledge to inform Foundation’s work
16. Provide timely, accurate and effective reporting to the VP, programs
17. Perform other duties as necessary or assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

The following qualifications are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to serve in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• In-person and virtual training experience, preferably in a child welfare environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with multimedia training platforms and methods; ability to master new applications quickly
• Child welfare systems expertise, with an emphasis on foster care adoption 
• Ability to translate oral and written information from English to Spanish (and Spanish to English), deliver effective curriculum and training in English and Spanish
• Capacity to operate and develop within a learning management system preferred
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with others; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and in different situations
• Exemplifies the desired culture and values of the Foundation, demonstrating personal qualities of integrity, credibility and a strong commitment to the mission 
• Flexible and able to multi-task; develops and manages various projects; ability to work within a fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and goal and evidence- based activities

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Undergraduate degree in social work-related field required, degree in social work (BSW, MSW, DSW/PhD) preferred
• Experience with evidence-based programs and data-driven approaches to solving child welfare issues preferred
• Bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish required
• 6+ years of experience in child welfare, preferably foster care adoption
• Experience with grant-making, oversight of budgets and/or experience supervising others

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Frequent travel required

The candidate selected for this position may be eligible for the following employment benefits: employer sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b), life insurance, paid vacation, paid sick and paid personal time. In addition, we offer voluntary supplemental benefits, short term and long term disability and career advancement opportunities. 

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption offers a flexible hybrid work environment, with employees living in the Columbus Metro area eligible to work remotely up to two days per week. Remote employment may be considered for highly qualified candidates residing outside the area with the ability to travel onsite as required. Due to the complexities of state-specific employment laws, tax regulations and other compliance requirements, the Foundation may be unable to support remote work arrangements in all states. 

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is including a reasonable, good faith estimate of the compensation range for this role. A specific salary offer considers multiple factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skillset, experience and training, internal equity, budget and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000 per year.

Interested candidates may apply for this position through https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs. Applications will be accepted through May 18, 2025. Late submissions may not be considered. We appreciate your understanding and timely response.

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, religious beliefs, political affiliation, creed, HIV/AIDS status, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, familial status, veteran/military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, prior arrest or any other category protected by applicable law. Any employee who engages in such conduct is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.