Stepping Stones is looking for a qualified and committed candidate to fill the role of English Program Manager (Offline).
The successful applicant will manage both of Stepping Stones’ offline English programs, i.e. the Shanghai Program – English Teaching and the Rural Individual Volunteering Program – English Teaching.
Since 2006, Stepping Stones has been organising volunteering programs, including English teaching, in schools and community centres for migrant, left-behind and other under-served communities in China. The Shanghai Program – English Teaching is Stepping Stones’ earliest program, with about 100 volunteers teaching more than 800 students each term at a dozen sites in Shanghai. The Rural Individual Volunteering Program is a smaller program but with high impact, sending about a dozen volunteers each year to teach students in rural locations 3-4 weeks at a time.
The English Program Manager (Offline Programs) manages both these programs, supported by the Program Coordinator. This is a full-time position with 5 working days (40 hours) per week, including some weekend work. Flexitime is employed, and overtime can be compensated with time off.
English Program Manager （Offline）Job Description
The English Program Manager will report to the Program Director and be supported by the Program Coordinator as well a close-knit program team. We offer a friendly and flexible work environment, and opportunities to learn about different aspects of the non-profit / volunteering / educational sector, as well as potential to get involved in English teacher training (for volunteers).
The specific role of the English Program Manager (Offline Programs) is as follows:
- Overall responsible for the management of both programs.
- Overall responsible for relationship building and communications with the Shanghai teaching sites, supported by the program coordinator, with specific responsibility for the English program only, liaising with the Digital Literacy (DL) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Program Managers with regard to the other programs.
- Deliver parts of the volunteer training.
- Work with the Program Coordinator to allocate the volunteers and communicate regularly with the volunteers throughout their assignment to support, encourage and update them.
- Conduct interviews and briefing sessions with RIV volunteers.
- Visit the volunteers regularly at the program sites, including occasionally accompanying RIV volunteers when needed, in particular at new sites, or arranging other staff members to visit them.
- Assist the curriculum director with the roll-out of new teaching materials or curricula.
- In consultation with the Curriculum Director, arrange class observation schedules and on-site demo classes for the SET Program. Observe as necessary, gather and respond to feedback.
- Work closely with other team members to plan and implement the program’s strategic direction and operations as well as monitoring and evaluation work.
- Create, review and revise relevant policies, processes and volunteer management tools.
- Assist with the preparation of proposals, presentations and reports for internal and external stakeholders as needed.
- Provide the necessary program statistics and relevant information to other departments as needed (in particular for purposes of Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and communications (semester and annual reports). This includes at least one story per program per term from a student, a teacher and a volunteer.
- Explore (and propose to the Program Director) collaboration opportunities with new program partners.
- Ensure necessary agreements are signed with schools and community centres, especially for new partners.
- Issue volunteer certification and recommendation letters to volunteers (assisted by the program coordinator as appropriate).
Minimum Qualifications
- Tertiary-level education.
- Work experience in project coordination, in the non-profit sector, in volunteerism and/or in English teaching will all be useful, but being a quick learner is more important.
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English; Ideally fluent in Chinese.
- Strong organisational skills, detail oriented and ability to multi-task.
- Ability to work independently as well as within a team, and to adapt in an ever-changing sector/environment.
- Interest in the NGO sector / development / social issues / English teaching.
- Excellent work ethic with a positive and flexible attitude.
- I.T. competent.
Other Requirements
- This is a full-time position (five days – 40 hours – per week), including some weekend and evening work. Overtime is compensated with time off in lieu.
- To maximise the sustainability of the program, a long-term commitment is preferred. We require a commitment of at least one year, with the potential to extend the term of employment upon mutual agreement.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation will be at local market levels in the non-profit sector and take into consideration the skills and experience of the successful applicant. Stepping Stones will provide all statutory benefits, plus 10 days annual leave in the first year of employment.
Candidates already based in China are preferred, noting that Stepping Stones is unable to cover relocation costs or assist with accommodation.
Work Location
The English Program Manager (Offline Programs) will work from Stepping Stones’ office at 4F, Blgd6, Lane 1279, West Zhongshan Road, Changning District at least three days per week, and will travel regularly to the schools and community centers. Some working from home is permitted.
Start Date
The candidate should be available to start working for Stepping Stones as soon as possible, ideally in December 2024.
Contact
To apply for this position, please send your resume to hr@steppingstoneschina.net with a cover letter to explain your suitability for this job position, and why you are interested in it. English language applications are preferred.