Programs and Engagement Specialist / USA: Evanston, IL

Job Title: Programs and Engagement Specialist

Area: Programs for Young Leaders and Alumni Relations

Reports to: Programs for Young Leaders Supervisor

Classification: Exempt

Location: Evanston, IL

(Currently working remote but will return to office – must be willing to relocate or currently live in the Chicagoland area)

Organization Overview

Rotary is a membership organization that unites people from all continents and cultures who take action to deliver real, long-term solutions to pressing issues facing our communities and the world. Each year, Rotary members expand their networks, build lasting relationships, and invest more than $200 million and 16 million volunteer hours to improve lives and create positive change in the world. In exchange for hard work and dedication in support of Rotary’s clubs, members and other participants, and their humanitarian service projects, our employees receive competitive salaries, flexible schedules, comprehensive benefits, and job enrichment. To learn more, visit http://www.rotary.org.

Rotary’s Commitment to Diversity

As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

General Overview

This position supports the Programs for Young Leaders team, responsible primarily for developing training materials, writing and distributing email communications to Rotary district and club leaders, and offering resources and related items for Rotary’s Programs for Young Leaders (Interact, Rotaract, RYLA, Youth Exchange, and New Generations Service Exchange). You will have the opportunity to create new ways for youth to grow as service leaders and provide guidance to our members on how to best champion youth development. Your contribution will support Rotary International’s mission and strategic objectives by providing direction and support to Rotary clubs in their efforts to create lasting positive change for young leaders.

You Will Have

• Bachelors degree (or equivalent), with international experience preferred.
• Minimum of two years work experience in an office environment.
• Previous work with youth programming, communications, training, online learning, curriculum design, or service learning preferred.
• Previous work experience with an international non-government organization (NGO), training, or membership associations helpful.
• Multicultural experience preferred, proficiency in a second language helpful but not required.

You Are Good At

• Communicating verbally, interpersonally, and in writing.
• Managing projects- must be able to develop processes, manage multiple priorities, and work under time constraints with autonomy within project parameters.
• Designing engaging and interactive training materials, especially adult, youth, and/or e-learning formats.
• Monitoring and evaluation, ability to analyze data and incorporate findings into program strategy.
• Self-motivation and organization; able to take direction and work independently.
• Prioritizing workload and easily shifting between multiple projects throughout the calendar year.
• Showing attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Collaborating with others, finding solutions, and making decisions.
• Providing excellent customer service to internal/external contacts.
• Working in a volunteer-led organization.
• Adapting to a changing environment.
• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

You Will Be Responsible For

Curriculum and Training

• Creating educational print and online training resources to engage, equip, and inspire Rotary leaders to develop comprehensive and collaborative youth service activities in their clubs and districts including FAQs, how-to guides, e-learning modules, and other resources. Resources will also be designed directly for youth participants. You will identify needs to develop additional resources.
• Researching, developing, and facilitating virtual and in-person trainings aligned with organizational strategic plan and resources. You will hold the webinar license, and support RI Programs webinars.
• Developing visually-engaging department publications (including handbooks, guides, certificates, and brochures) that align with RI’s visual identity and support content as needed.

Communications

• Establishing engaging communications for district leaders, club leaders, multi-district leaders, program participants, alumni, and other audiences that that align with Rotary’s voice and visual identity and drive action.
• Drafting and distributing targeted messages, including policy updates and other announcements, for these and other niche-audiences through broadcast email and other communications media.
• Developing and monitoring department editorial calendar that strategically aligns with organization-wide communication and engagement plan.

Analysis and Strategy

• Identifying innovative strategies based on market trends and best practices to develop content and deliver messages and support department growth strategy.
• Conducting research and incorporating program trends, participation data, and quantitative and qualitative evaluation through surveys, data collection and analysis, onsite interviews, focus groups, and observational studies to design compelling, tailored communications and educational resources.
• Incorporating feedback from research to recommend strategies, activities, and programming that enhance our department’s support of these audiences.
• Assisting in implementation of overall alumni relations strategy for youth program participants, promotion of alumni activities, and communications with our members to establish ties with lost alumni.

Internal Collaborations

• Serving as member of program support staff team for Interact, RYLA, Rotary Youth Exchange, and New Generations Service Exchange.
• Coordinating with interdepartmental colleagues to draft key messages, targeted broadcast emails, and marketing strategies to respond to trends (regional, topical, etc.).
• Serving as Programs for Young Leaders’ primary liaison to Corporate Communications, Global Communications, Learning and Development, Membership, and Regional Leader Support.
• Facilitating internal communication of updated resources, initiatives, and training materials.

Policy

• Serving as an internal subject matter expert for all section topics and relevant areas of Rotary policy. You will be responsible for developing a rapport with key member experts (SMEs) and identify opportunities to put their expertise to use to educate others and make connections, exploring new opportunities for program initiatives.

Other Duties As Assigned

• Other duties may include, but are not limited to, providing high-touch customer service over the phone, via email, and in person as needed for all section programs and activities, and special projects.

Leadership Attributes

• Collaboration: Team up with others to meet business goals.
• Communication: Write and speak clearly and compellingly.
• Innovation: Think creatively and propose new ways to do things.
• Productivity: Strive to produce consistently excellent results.
• Adaptability: Actively learn and apply new approaches to work.
• Strategy: Contribute to strategic discussions.

Why work for Rotary?

• Generous medical, dental, and vision benefits package
• Progressive 401k matching contributions
• Above market and generous paid time off package
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• On-site cafeteria and coffee bar with special pricing for Rotary employees
• Flextime-several different work schedules to choose from
• Close to CTA, Metra, a variety of stores, and many food options