Field Director
Youth For Understanding USA is an international high school student exchange organization seeking a dynamic individual to lead the New England Field and work closely with the volunteers to meet field and student placement goals. This fast-paced and goal-driven position is based in the Cambridge, MA District Office and is available immediately. Candidates must possess strong abilities in community relations; networking; recruitment and volunteer management.
ROLE
This position manages the overall field success in a set geographical territory, for international high school student placement, host family recruitment, school relations and field development. This includes volunteer management, planning and administrative oversight to several volunteers in an assigned geographic field. Ensure YFU program activities are carried out in accordance with YFU policies and procedures.
GOAL
Manage, execute and perform field operations for student placement; host family recruitment; school relations and field development within assigned field boundaries to meet set benchmarks and goals. Develop and maintain an agreed number of volunteer areas. Identify and train volunteer area coordinators according to standard criteria. Work with area coordinators to recruit, train and maintain volunteers to deliver a quality program and achieve field goals as agreed upon with the District Director and detailed in the annual Field Plan. Work with volunteers in recruiting potential families to host international students for school year. Deliver YFU program to include monthly contact support and 5 orientation programs
CORE SKILLS REQUIRED:
People skills: ability to successfully lead; motivate; delegate and empower people. A community organizer and strong networker; sales-oriented; an interactive, confident communicator who displays a positive attitude and approach. A creative nature and an entrepreneurial approach with excellent persuasion skills.
Office equipment and computer knowledge: intermediate level abilities and hands-on skills with Excel/PowerPoint/Outlook/MS Office Suite
Administrative ability: familiarity with setting agendas; event planning; meetings; create structures and spreadsheets
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferably in volunteer management, international relations, education, sales, and/or organizational development.
- Excellent leadership and supervisory skills; volunteer management highly desired.
- Previous intercultural and/or student exchange experience preferred.
- Exceptional interpersonal, listening, problem solving, and diplomatic skills and ability to handle sensitive matters discreetly. Strong aptitude to make sound decision.
- Demonstrated ability to work productively under pressure; able to consistently meet goals.
- Computer literacy; flexibility, reliability and dependability required.
- Ability to work in an extremely fast-paced environment; must possess exceptional organizational ability; highly-efficient multi-tasker
- Ability to work beyond normal business hours including weekends and late evenings during peak season. Occasional overnight travel within District boundaries and for national conference.
- Follow-through ability; successful coordination of multiple tasks required.
- Ability to pass successfully a criminal background check.