Job and Internship Opportunities

About SMYAL

SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington, DC metropolitan region. Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. Committed to social change, SMYAL builds, sustains and advocates for programs, policies and services that LGBTQ youth need as they grow into adulthood.

SMYAL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibility, physical or mental handicap, or political affiliation.

Current Openings

Community Engagement & Youth Leadership Manager

Position Summary: 

SMYAL is seeking a highly motivated individual passionate about promoting leadership in queer and trans youth and promoting competency in the adults working with them. A full-time exempt position, the Community Engagement & Youth Leadership Manager designs and implements all aspects of SMYAL’s youth leadership development programs, engaging and empowering young people to feel confident and prepared to create positive change in their communities. Additionally, the Community Engagement & Youth Leadership Manager works to engage adults working with queer and trans youth through developing partnerships with schools and youth-serving organizations, as well as creating and facilitating trainings for parents, caregivers, and youth-serving professionals. This position currently temporarily operates remotely due to the  pandemic. 

Position Responsibilities: 

Community Engagement 

  • Identify opportunities to work in schools to facilitate Queer and Trans cultural competency 
  • Develop and maintain partnerships with schools and community organizations to foster positive and affirming engagement and policies for queer and trans youth 
  • Manage outreach for youth engagement, including online and print advertising campaigns, 
  • Attend community events to recruit prospective volunteers and outreach to prospective youth. (COVID-19 dependent) 
  • Design trainings for, and facilitate youth and adult trainings for schools and interested community organizations
  • With Programs Director, support the expansion of SMYAL’s adult-oriented training program, including: designing new trainings, and facilitating all offerings for parents/ caregivers and youth-serving professionals 

Youth Leadership 

  • Maintain, recruit participants for, and implement SMYAL’s youth leadership development curriculum which aims to develop, and support youth organizing and advocacy efforts including making any necessary updates to ensure that material is up to date 
  • Oversee the expansion, hiring, management and tracking progress for SMYAL’s Youth Fellows and interns 
  • In partnership with the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, work with area schools to develop, support, and engage GSA groups 
  • Plan and manage the execution and outreach for SMYAL’s annual 4-day youth conference: Rise Up! A National Conference for Queer & Trans Youth Organizers 
  • Manage and facilitate long-term planning of the monthly Little SMYAL’s programming, including building community partnerships, expanding parent/ caregiver supports, and supporting the implementation of a Little SMYAL’s volunteer program 
  • Manage the outreach and selection process for the yearly Youth Leadership Award program that provides up to $5,000 per year in financial support to up to 10 youth 
  • Submit required internal SMYAL and external agency reports in a timely manner. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Position Qualifications: 

  • Demonstrated experience in youth work, or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in social work, psychology, public health, or any related field strongly desired 
  • 2-4 years of experience in working with adolescents required; experience in working with queer and trans youth and youth of color, and knowledge of youth development framework highly desired. 
  • Experience in facilitating interactive trainings for youth and adults desired
  •  Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, and work well in a fast-paced environment 
  • 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
  • Must be sensitive to issues of diversity, including race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity 
  • Queer and trans individuals, women, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. 

HOW TO APPLY 

To Apply: Applicants must send a resume and a cover letter by September 30, 2020 to jobs@smyal.org to be considered. Resumes will be reviewed as they are received. No phone calls, please. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS 

The Community Engagement and Youth Leadership Manager will be paid a salary ranging from $40,000 – $45,000, contingent upon experience. SMYAL offers a competitive benefits package, including a retirement plan and a group health plan for full-time employees.