US Programs Specialist Details

US Programs Specialist

Islamic Relief USA - Buena Park, CA

Employment Type : Full-Time

Job Title: US Programs Specialist

Status: Full-time (Temporary)

Location: Buena Park, CA

Division: Programs

The US ProgramsSpecialist directly manages the planning, design and implementation of IRUSA’sseasonal domestic programs, under the direction of the Associate Director forUS Programs. Seasonal programs engageIRUSA constituencies and partners in responding to the needs of poor, vulnerableand marginalized populations, while honoring important times in the Muslim andAmerican calendars. The position ensures the quality of IRUSA seasonalprogramming by establishing quality standards; monitoring, documenting andreporting on results; and recommending/implementing corrective action. He or she coordinates closely with IRUSA’sVolunteer Management department to expand volunteer engagement in seasonalactivities. The position is the primaryliaison for IRUSA seasonal programs with partners, and is responsible forensuring that partners see value in their participation in these programs andeffectively implement them. The positionis responsible for mobilizing resources for seasonal programs and for servingas the primary point of contact for information regarding seasonal programs. The candidate must show commitment to IRUSA’sfaith inspired values and principles as well as a commitment to IRUSA’s visionand mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Working closely with Associate Director for US Programs, and in consultation with stakeholders, develops a coherent vision for IRUSA’s seasonal programming.
• Establishes strategic goals for each seasonal project.
• Contributes to IRUSA annual operational planning and budgeting.
• Ensures the establishment of documented quality standards for each seasonal program.
• Develops and documents standard operating procedures for each program.
• Manages the ongoing improvement and maintenance of program policies and procedures.
• Oversees and monitors project implementation, and maintains program data and record keeping.
• Ensures that corrective action is taken by IRUSA or partners when warranted, and that the IRUSA program design is revised as needed to ensure high quality.
• Works closely with the volunteer department to adjust program design to expand volunteer engagement.
• Designs guidance and recognition materials for volunteers, in coordination with the volunteer and marketing departments.
• Coordinates specific seasonal program activities with the volunteer department.
• In collaboration with the regional coordinators, identifies and cultivates program partners with strong capacity to deliver goods and services to poor, vulnerable and marginalized populations.
• Coordinates the application and grant administration process for program participation, including:
• Reviews applications.
• Coordinates contract management related to seasonal programs with Legal department.
• Reviews invoices and financial reports, and manages disbursement of payments.
• Reviews and approves project completion reports.
• Provides orientation, training and guidance regarding seasonal programs to regional coordinators, other IRUSA staff and program partners.
• Provides troubleshooting support to regional coordinators and partners in various stages of project implementation.
• Coordinates with the procurement officer to ensure timely and appropriate procurement of goods for distribution.
• Identifies and cultivates institutional partners, especially those who would donate goods for our seasonal efforts.
• Contributes to the development of communications and marketing materials, as needed – especially those that build a stronger public profile for seasonal projects that contribute to community cohesiveness and bridge Muslim and non-Muslim communities.
• Develops program briefs and status updates for the IRUSA intranet, donor reports, and other informational instruments; responds to the requests for information regarding IRUSA’s programs to various IRUSA departments.
• Represents IRUSA in relevant external forums, seminars, conferences, panels, etc.
• Contributes input from the seasonal programming perspective to decision-making on US Grants
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work.
• At least five years of work experience, with at least three years in a relevant role, preferably with a non-profit organization.
• Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to anticipate resource needs and coordinate their deployment, handle complex logistics, and establish and manage quality control systems.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and effectively convey complicated program information.
• Strong writing skills, including fluency in English and the ability to produce both technical documents and compelling informational pieces.
• A strong customer service orientation, with the ability to effectively manage the distinct and complementary needs of beneficiaries, partners and volunteers.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment while providing leadership.
• Demonstrated capacity to deliver on deadline, manage multiple priorities, and achieve quality standards.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office and social media.
• Ability to work on weekends and evenings when required and to travel within the United States
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.