After studying the impact of childhood trauma (known as Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs) on learning and student behavior, the Public School Forum of NC launched the NC Center for Resilience & Learning (formerly the NC Resilience & Learning Project) in 2017 to implement whole-school and district-wide strategies to improve the academic performance and social-emotional well-being of students impacted by trauma. The core model of the Center’s work includes school-wide educator training and ongoing coaching and technical assistance. The Center is seeking a new part-time contractor to serve as a Center Resilience Coach in Beaufort County Schools for 15 to 20 hours per week. The ideal candidate will live in Beaufort County or a surrounding county or town such as Greenville, NC, to allow for easy travel to partner schools.
This contractor position provides an incredible opportunity to become immersed in the interplay of trauma and learning and to actively contribute to the expansion of a growing and significant program. The ideal candidate will have experience as an educator, classroom teacher, school student services personnel, or have other previous work experience in schools; a passion for this topic and for serving children and families; strong interpersonal skills; an understanding of schools and school culture; leadership skills to work independently; and experience in public speaking and leading meetings with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Candidates should have an interest in working on systems change to promote the expansion of trauma-informed, safe and supportive learning environments that can improve educational and life outcomes for all students. The ideal candidate will have experience serving rural eastern NC communities.
Primary Job Responsibilities:
This Program Manager will work intensively with four selected high schools within the Beaufort County School System. Candidates must be located in Beaufort County or closeby (such as Greenville, NC) in order to be easily driveable to partner schools and will provide program implementation with the Center’s core training and coaching model in the four identified high schools. Commuting to and from all four partner schools, visiting each twice a month, is a requirement for the position (personal vehicle required; mileage and out-of-pocket travel expenses are reimbursable). Work outside of the schools will be done remotely. The part-time contractor will be joining a team of other Resilience and Learning staff located across North Carolina who also work remotely (Direct Supervisor is located in Greenville, NC). Primary responsibilities will include:
- Build relationships and establish collaborative partnerships with school staff in selected Center implementation schools.
- Lead professional development activities and deliver trainings to school staff, district leaders, and other community partners on the topic of trauma and creating trauma-informed schools in Beaufort county.
- Serve as lead coach in Center partner schools: facilitate bi-weekly meetings with diverse school steering committees; provide intensive and ongoing coaching around creating trauma-informed environments; and support school leaders in their readiness and action-planning process.
- Provide management, coordination, and oversight of program implementation and growth efforts in designated schools.
- Attend virtual weekly team meetings and bi-annual in-person team retreats.
- Assist Duke University evaluator with data collection and ongoing evaluation efforts including surveys, assessments, focus groups, and classroom observations for the four selected schools.
Qualifications:
- Experience as an educator or working previously in schools in some capacity (at least 3-5 years).
- Experience with and commitment to the educational needs of traditionally underserved or under-resourced student populations, especially in rural settings.
- Passion for the topics of trauma and learning. The ideal candidate will possess some knowledge of the topics, including key research in the field of ACEs and trauma-informed schools.
- Previous experience with the culture of public schools in North Carolina, specifically rural eastern NC schools, with an understanding of the relationship and roles among all school staff.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills; ability to work well with diverse groups including teachers, parents, and students; school and district staff; and partner organizations.
- Excellent organizational skills; self-starter; exceptional attention to detail.
- Thrives in a team-driven, collaborative work environment.
- Comfortable working remotely. Committed and willing to travel within the region 2 or more days a week.
- Effective writing skills; ability to write well and produce written products that are accessible and beneficial to a variety of audiences.
- Effective presentation and facilitation skills; ability to create engaging presentations.
- Ability to collaborate and work closely with external partners.
- Computer, web, and social media proficiency.
- Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred.
Compensation and Benefits:
This is a part-time contractor position for at least 18 months with 15-20 hours per week. The hourly rate for this position is $33-$35 per hour, dependent upon experience. Contractor will enter into an independent contractor agreement with the Forum. We are hoping to have a start date for this position by August 1, 2025.
Position is located in or near Beaufort County, NC. When not working in schools, employee will work remotely. Regular travel required within this eastern region of NC; occasional travel to the Forum’s office in Raleigh. Background check required prior to contract period starting.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to jobs@ncforum.org with the subject line “Contractor – Beaufort County.”
About the Public School Forum of NC:
For nearly 40 years, the Public School Forum of North Carolina has worked to shape world-class public schools through research, policy work, programs, advocacy, and continuing education for educators and policymakers. We are a nonprofit partnership of leaders from business, education, and government that makes significant contributions to K-12 public education in North Carolina.
In addition to research and analysis in the public policy arena, the Forum has created and run numerous programs, including the original NC Teaching Fellows Program, the NC Center for Afterschool Programs (NC CAP), the North Carolina Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP), the NC Institute for Educational Policymakers, and the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity. In the Fall of 2016, the Forum launched its weekly television program, Education Matters, which airs on WRAL-TV, FOX 50 and UNC-TV’s NC Channel.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
It is the policy of the Public School Forum to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.