The JAG New Jersey Program Manager (PM) will monitor the implementation of the Jobs for America’s Graduates New Jersey (JAG NJ) program around the state, with an emphasis on ensuring that JAG Specialists are equipped to create a safe, trauma-informed environment for students. The PM will collaborate closely with the JAG NJ Executive Director to support the program observation process of the JAG Model and assessment of related grant-funded initiatives.
This is a grant-funded consultant position, requiring regular travel to high schools across Passaic, Newark, New Brunswick, Rahway, Plainfield, Camden, Vineland, Willingboro, and Woodbury. Mileage reimbursement is provided at the state rate of $.47 per mile and tolls are reimbursed at 100% with appropriate documentation.
The grant period runs from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, spanning two academic years, with reduced activity between June and September. The position includes a minimum of two site visits to each of the 17 JAG NJ program locations, with written reports required to meet grant reporting standards. Estimated time commitment: 34 total site visits with corresponding reports, 8 team meetings (4 in-person full-day, 4 virtual 2-hours each), 1 full-day Leadership Development Conference, and monthly grant reporting narratives.
The federal threshold for consultants is capped at an hourly rate of $81.25 per hour or $650 per 8-hour day.
Key Responsibilities
- Program Oversight and Support:
Ensure JAG NJ program standards are consistently met through regular site visits, classroom observations, and engagement with the JAG NJ Specialist and school administrators. Provide post-observation technical assistance to JAG Specialists to maintain alignment with the JAG NJ mission with emphasis placed on the following model requirements.- Trauma-Informed Approach:
Ensure that JAG Specialists have the tools and training necessary to recognize signs of trauma in students and appropriately address their needs, including referrals for special services. Create a framework to foster resilience and support students’ mental health and well-being. - Safe and Supportive Learning Environment:
Ensure JAG Specialists are trained to create a safe and inclusive learning environment where students feel supported in completing their Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and achieving educational goals. - Ensure JAG Specialists are prepared and trained to recruit postsecondary and employer partners to secure job and career opportunities for JAG NJ participants.
- Ensure JAG Specialists are implementing project-based learning modules consistently in the classroom as required by the program model.
- Trauma-Informed Approach:
- Program Quality and Monitoring:
Monitor program quality through feedback, outcome tracking, and reporting. This includes data review of the JAGForce system, and overseeing the implementation of program elements to maintain high standards.- Training and Technical Assistance:
Coordinate with the JAG NJ Executive Director to provide targeted and technical assistance to JAG Specialists and provide support to the JAG NJ team through workshops focused on instruction, trauma support, behavioral intervention strategies, and career pathway development. - Documentation and Compliance:
Ensure that all required documentation and reporting is completed in a timely manner according to grant guidelines and as agreed upon with the NJCCF/JAG NJ program. - Evaluation and Assessment:
Collaborate with the JAG NJ Executive Director to develop a comprehensive evaluation rubric for use during site visitations, ensuring consistent and objective assessment of program implementation across all sites.
- Training and Technical Assistance:
Qualifications
- Educational Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in business, education, social work, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. - Experience:
- Minimum five years of experience in implementing and/or managing youth-focused programs, with an emphasis on trauma-informed practices, and student support.
- Demonstrated success in managing the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program or similar education and workforce development programs.
- Experience as a school administrator in a New Jersey-based district is highly preferred, providing valuable insights into the state’s educational landscape and school management.
- Communication and Relationship Skills:
- Proven ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, including school administrators, employers, and community leaders.
- Skilled at conflict resolution, relationship-building, and advocacy for program objectives.
- Training and Leadership:
- Experience in training and mentoring program staff, with a focus on trauma-informed practices and resilience-building strategies.
- Ability to organize and lead regional meetings and training sessions.
- Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and JAG-specific software (JAG Genius, Tallo, Skills to Succeed).
- Travel Requirements:
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel throughout New Jersey as needed to support JAG NJ sites.
- Organizational Skills:
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Demonstrated ability to respond promptly to requests and directions and to submit reports and other grant-related requirements accurately and on time.
Job Type: This position is a grant-funded consultant contract and is contingent upon the approval and receipt of grant funding. Please note that the final award amount and terms of the grant may impact the scope and funding of this contract. The grant period is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2025, and the NJCCF aims to have a candidate selected and ready to begin promptly if the grant is awarded.
All NJCCF contracted partners who have direct contact with students are required to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of their contract.
Proposals: Interested consultants are invited to submit a proposal outlining their approach and anticipated costs to Donna Custard via email at donna.custard@njchamber.com by December 13, 2024 at 5:00 pm EST. A technical assistance webinar will be held on December 4, 2024 at 11:00 am EST to review the position requirements and answer any questions. To register for the technical assistance webinar, email donna.custard@njchamber.com with “PM Technical Assistance webinar” in the subject line.
Interviews will be conducted by invitation only from December 16 to December 19.
Proposal Requirements:
- Program Implementation Plan
- Provide a detailed plan that explains how you will ensure the program’s successful implementation. This should include:
- Description of key strategies and services you will employ to meet program objectives.
- Potential challenges and how you plan to mitigate them.
- Specific actions or milestones that demonstrate progress toward the program’s goals.
- Provide a detailed plan that explains how you will ensure the program’s successful implementation. This should include:
- Budget Proposal-Use Template Provided
- Submit a detailed line-item budget that includes:
- Your hourly or daily consulting rate.
- Estimated time commitment for the project.
- Travel expenses
- Any other associated costs.
- Submit a detailed line-item budget that includes:
- Timeline and Availability
- Indicate your availability and proposed timeline for completing key milestones.
We look forward to reviewing your approach and assessing how it aligns with the needs of the program.