Organization: Washington Neurodiversity Project (Private Foundation)
Position: Program Manager, Early Work Experiences
Reports to: Laurie Ackles, Executive Director
Status: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Location: Seattle, WA
Salary: $90,000 - $130,000
Starting Date: March 31, 2025
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of teens and young adults? Do you thrive on innovation and have a knack for empowering youth? Do you enjoy developing and running programs that inspire? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!
About Us:
Founded in 2023 and based in Seattle, WA, the Washington Neurodiversity Project (WNP) is a private foundation with a simple yet powerful mission: to enhance career pathways and employment outcomes for neurodivergent teens and adults.
Neurodiversity acknowledges that differences in brain function are part of natural human variation and emphasizes the strengths of neurodistinct individuals to boost societal innovation and productivity. Improving employment opportunities for neurodivergent learners produces tremendous benefits for companies, public agencies and nonprofits, while providing purpose, self-efficacy and independence for extraordinary people.
At WNP, we aspire to make the Evergreen State a leading region for building inclusive and empowering opportunities for neurodistinct individuals, unlocking their full potential in the workforce.
As a Program Manager at the Washington Neurodiversity Project, you'll be at the forefront of a transformative mission, leading programming that paves the way for meaningful employment opportunities for neurodistinct youth. You'll work closely with the Foundation's Executive Director and Founders to design, refine, and execute initiatives that make a tangible impact.
What You'll Do:
Program Development: Lead the design, development and operations of our Summer Work Experience program, our Partner Work Experience program, and all new opportunities related to early work experiences.
Relationship Building: Partner with local employers and community organizations to advocate for neuroinclusive work experiences and career exploration opportunities for WA state youth.
Collaboration: Collaborate with local school districts and service providers to build a pipeline of neurodivergent youth to be matched with opportunities.
Advocacy: Serve as a passionate advocate for neuroinclusive employment, raising awareness and championing inclusion in the workforce.
Leadership: Support the Foundation's Executive Director in determining strategy, programming, and activities that align with our mission and vision for expanding employment opportunities for neurodistinct teens and young adults.
Support: Provide individualized guidance and coaching to prepare youth in navigating successful work experiences. This includes supervising a rotating group of coaches.
Education and Training: Act as a point of contact for a growing list of employer partners, offering guidance and assistance to managers and staff on neuroinclusive best practices. This includes partnering with neuroinclusion specialists working with WNP in a consulting capacity.
Join the Mission: Become part of a small but mighty team, contributing input and energy to all of our initiatives.
What You Bring:
Passion: A genuine passion for our mission and a commitment to driving meaningful change in the lives of neurodivergent teens and adults.
Innovation: A creative and innovative mindset, with a track record of developing and running successful programs or initiatives.
Leadership: Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and empower others to achieve shared goals. Comfort recruiting and collaborating with employers and partners.
Organization: This is an operational role requiring excellent planning and organizational skills.
Collaboration: Exceptional collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and stakeholders.
Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.
This is a full-time role based in the Seattle, WA area, offering the best of both worlds with the flexibility to work primarily from home. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to engage in exciting in-person duties and regular travel throughout the greater Seattle area, allowing you to build strong connections and directly impact our community.
The salary range is $90K to $130K depending on experience, plus benefits. Placement within the salary range will be determined by the number of years of hands-on program-building experience you bring to the team. Benefits include paid company holidays (11) and vacation days (21). We offer a comprehensive employee healthcare plan covering 100% of premiums for employees and their dependent children. Typical relocation expenses will be reimbursed.
We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. We welcome candidates who identify as neurodivergent, and we embrace inclusive hiring practices and equitable working environments.
Ready to Make a Difference? If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and be part of something truly transformative, we want to hear from you!
Application Process
Deadline to apply: January 3, 2025
In lieu of a standard cover letter, please answer the application prompt in 250 to 300 words: Describe your passion for WNP's mission and why you feel you are the right candidate for this position.
Start the application process: https://forms.gle/Uae7PivvDuVCKJrq9
In addition to completing the application prompt, please submit your resume to WNPrecruiting@gmail.com.
If you have any questions or have trouble navigating the application process, please email us at WNPrecruiting@gmail.com.
Equal Opportunity Employment Practices
Our mission is to improve career pathways and employment outcomes for neurodistinct teens and adults. We don't just accept differences; we celebrate and promote them internally and externally.
Our employment decisions are based on our Foundation's goals, business needs and individual qualifications, without regard to an individual's disability, neurominority, race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
We understand everyone gets things done differently, which means some of our applicants or employees may need reasonable accommodations to ensure everyone can perform at their best. If you need accommodations, from technology to changing processes, please get in touch with us at WNPrecruiting@gmail.com so you can bring your true self to our Foundation.