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The Junior Statesmen Foundation
Arizona Program Director Job Description
Summary
The nation’s largest student-run organization seeks an Arizona Program Director who will
supervise and coordinate all of the Foundation’s work in the state, including mentoring and
planning events with dynamic high school student leaders and representing the organization
with political leaders and other decision makers in the state. During the summer, the Program
Director will run the Arizona Summer Institute as well as help run a Summer School program on
the campus of one of nation’s elite universities (Princeton, Stanford, Georgetown, or the
University of Virginia). The Institute, two weekend overnight school year conventions, and a
strong chapter base have already been developed, and the Program Director’s primary roles
will involve student mentoring, event implementation and aggressive expansion into new
schools.
Candidates with strong ties to Arizona who are able to work in the JSA Headquarters office in
San Mateo, CA, near San Francisco, as well as candidates who are able to work independently
in their Arizona home office will be considered. Regardless of location, the position requires
significant travel both within Arizona and between Arizona and California.
Organization Description
The Junior Statesmen Foundation is a nonpartisan, non-profit, political education organization
that prepares high school students for responsible leadership in a democratic society. Founded
in California in 1934, the organization is the largest student-run organization in the country,
with chapters in over 500 high schools throughout the nation, each serving as the center of
political awareness and activity on campus. During the school year, The Junior Statesmen
Foundation and the Junior State of America hold fifty major regional and state-wide
conventions on politics, current events, debate and leadership. During the summer, The Junior
Statesmen Foundation conducts the Junior Statesmen Summer School on university campuses
and sponsors Institutes on politics, government and current issues.
Position Description
The Program Director will support the chapters, student leaders, teacher/advisors and
programs of the Junior State of America in Arizona. During the school year, the Program
Director will work with the elected student leaders of the Junior State of America to conduct
educational conventions and conferences, and will work aggressively to expand the program by
helping to start Junior State of America chapters on high school campuses.
During the summer, the Program Director will implement the JSA Institute on Arizona
Leadership and Politics as well as serve as an administrator at a residential summer program of
JSA Headquarters
JSA Washington, D.C. Office
800 S. Claremont Street, Suite 202, San Mateo, CA 94402
Phone: (800) 334-5353 or (650) 347-1600 Fax: (650) 347-7200
Email: [email protected] Web: www.jsa.org
1411 K Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (800) 317-9338 Fax: (202) 296-7839
The Junior Statesmen Foundation, with responsibilities ranging from reviewing student
applications and making admissions decisions to developing and running a high-level speakers
program involving political leaders, journalists, lobbyists and other influential figures.
The position draws from a wide variety of skill sets, and the ideal candidate will be a self-starter
with an entrepreneurial mindset, a passion for national, state, and local politics, and a
commitment to the development of young people. The Program Director must successfully
maintain and cultivate relationships with dynamic student leaders, parents, teachers,
politicians, and institutions as well as manage program budgets, staff and logistical
arrangements. Regular travel and weekend work are the norm.
The Arizona Junior State was established eight years ago through the generosity of the Melody
S. Robidoux Foundation. The Robidoux Foundation grant continues, and the ideal candidate for
this position will be someone with the skills and drive to grow the Arizona program beyond its
initial stage as a grant-supported project.
Duties and Responsibilities
As an Organizational Leader, the Program Director will:
 Work with Junior State of America leaders to conduct student-run political awareness
and civic education programs of the highest educational quality.
 Set and achieve growth targets for chapters and convention attendance in assigned
areas, as well as for summer programs attendance.
 Serve as primary point of contact with student chapter presidents and teacher/advisors;
help to build strong, active chapters.
 Identify opportunities to diversify JSA by recruiting students and/or building chapters to
increase the participation of underrepresented groups.
 Serve as public relations contact for programs in Arizona through traditional and new
media channels.
 Support the Junior State's ongoing fund development efforts in Arizona, including
identifying and cultivating donors, supporting efforts to host donors at school-year
events, and reporting to donors on project progress.
As an Educational Mentor, the Program Director will:
 Provide mentorship and guidance to elected and appointed JSA student officials;
identify, recruit, motivate and inspire young leaders who show leadership potential.
 Serve as a resource for civic education and political involvement by staying abreast of
local, state, national and international politics; knowing the major political players,
policies and politics of Arizona; and understanding political institutions.
As an Events Manager, the Program Director will:
 Manage logistical arrangements for programs and activities in assigned areas; serve as
primary liaison with hotel, university, school and other venue staff as well as vendors.
 Assist or take lead on negotiating contracts with event venues and vendors.
 Assist or take lead on managing event budgets including expense management and
overseeing on-site registration.
As a Summer Programs Administrator, the Program Director will:
 Direct, train and manage staff and all aspects of residential life for students.
 Develop curriculum and conduct high level speakers program for the Arizona Institute.
 Assist or take lead on managing program budgets, registration processes, developing
relationship with host university departments, and other logistical requirements.
Qualifications
 Bachelor's Degree in a field relating to politics, education, civic engagement, speech and
debate, history, among other liberal arts fields. Two to four years of relevant work
experience, after college. Master's degree welcome.
 Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
 Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop relationships with a
diversity of stakeholders, from high school students to elected officials to donors.
 Good judgment with the ability to make timely, independent decisions.
 Entrepreneurial and innovative mindset, including creativity and flexibility, as well as
strong team-building skills.
 Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
 Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities
with enthusiasm.
 Proficient in Microsoft office. Knowledge of Salesforce a plus.
 A driver’s license.
Salary, Benefits and How to Apply
We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience. A comprehensive benefits
package is offered including vacation and other paid time off, medical, dental and vision
insurance. To apply, please send a cover letter addressed to Jeff Harris, CEO and resume to:
[email protected]
Your letter should indicate whether you prefer to work in the JSA Headquarters office in
California or in an Arizona home office, or if you are open to either option. Please no phone
calls.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, and we will review applications as they
are submitted.
www.jsa.org