ACE Program Specialist

ACE Program Specialist

The ACE Program Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the successful implementation and operation of the Texas ACE afterschool program(s). This position will focus on a specific area HIT (Health and Information Technology), Family Engagement, Community Outreach, or Summer Program Planning to enhance the quality and impact of the program. The Program Specialist will assist in the planning, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of program activities and services within their designated focus, working collaboratively with site coordinators, school staff, community partners, and families to ensure high-quality programming that meets the needs of participating students and aligns with the goals of the Texas ACE grant and the local education agency.

The core responsibilities listed below will be supplemented by specific duties related to the chosen area of focus:

• Program Support and Coordination:
  • Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of program plans and activities that align with the Texas ACE grant requirements and local needs assessments.
  • Provide ongoing support and technical assistance to site coordinators and program staff at various school locations.
  • Help coordinate program-wide initiatives, events, and training sessions.
  • Assist in the development and dissemination of program materials, resources, and best practices.
  • Facilitate communication and collaboration between different program sites, school personnel, and community partners.
• Data Collection and Reporting:
  • Assist in the collection, tracking, and analysis of program data related to student attendance, participation, outcomes, and activities.
  • Contribute to the preparation of regular reports for program leadership, grantors, and stakeholders.
  • Ensure data integrity and compliance with reporting requirements.
• Training and Professional Development:
  • Assist in the planning and delivery of training and professional development opportunities for site coordinators, program staff, and volunteers, particularly related to the area of focus.
  • Research and identify relevant training resources and best practices within the specific focus area.
  • Support the onboarding and orientation of new program staff.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance:
  • Assist in monitoring program activities to ensure they meet quality standards and comply with all relevant policies, procedures, and grant regulations, with a specific lens on the area of focus.
  • Participate in program evaluations and assist in the development of continuous improvement plans.
  • Help ensure the safety and well-being of participating students.
• Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator or Project Director.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, Youth Development, Recreation, Health Sciences, Information Technology, Communications, or a related field relevant to the chosen area of focus is often preferred.

Minimum of 2-3 years of experience working with youth in an educational or afterschool setting.

Experience in program development, implementation, and coordination is highly desirable.

Experience specific to the chosen area of focus (HIT, family engagement, community outreach, or summer program planning) is essential.

Experience working with diverse student populations, particularly those from Title I schools, is a plus.

Experience with grant-funded programs and reporting requirements is beneficial.

Supervisory or mentoring experience is a plus.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

Knowledge of youth development principles and best practices in afterschool programming.

Familiarity with data collection and basic analysis.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other relevant software.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Specific skills and knowledge related to the chosen focus area (e.g., health education principles, community engagement strategies, curriculum development for specific age groups, etc.).

Other Requirements:

Must pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting.

Valid Texas driver's license and reliable transportation may be required for travel to school sites.

Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) may be preferred depending on the community served.

Major Responsibilities and Duties: Specific Responsibilities Based on Area of Focus:

ACE Program Specialist - HIT (High Impact Tutoring)

• Develop and implement high-impact tutoring programs aligned with best practices and the academic needs of participating students. This includes designing tutoring schedules, curriculum alignment with classroom instruction, and tutor training materials.
• Recruit, train, and support tutors , including both paid staff and volunteers, ensuring they are equipped with effective tutoring strategies and resources.
• Establish and maintain systems for tracking student participation and progress in tutoring programs. This includes collecting data on attendance, session frequency, skills addressed, and assessment results.
• Monitor student academic outcomes related to tutoring participation, analyzing data to identify areas of growth and areas needing further support.
• Collaborate with school staff, including teachers and administrators, to align tutoring goals with classroom instruction and identify students who would benefit most from targeted tutoring.
• Develop and implement strategies for differentiating tutoring instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of individual students.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of tutoring programs through data analysis, feedback from students, tutors, and teachers, and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant program guidelines and data privacy regulations related to student information.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians about their child's participation and progress in tutoring.
• Identify and leverage technology and other resources to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of tutoring programs.

ACE Program Specialist - Family Engagement

• Develop and implement strategies to increase meaningful family involvement in the ACE program and their children's education.
• Plan and coordinate family engagement events, workshops, and activities that address identified needs and interests.
• Develop and disseminate resources and information to families about the ACE program and relevant community services.
• Work with site coordinators to build strong relationships with parents and guardians.
• Explore and implement strategies to enhance communication between the program, families, and schools.

ACE Program Specialist - Community Outreach

• Develop and implement strategies to increase awareness of the ACE program within the Austin community.
• Identify and build relationships with community organizations, businesses, and agencies to secure partnerships and resources.
• Represent the ACE program at community events, meetings, and fairs.
• Develop outreach materials and utilize various communication channels to reach potential participants and partners.
• Collaborate with school staff to identify and recruit eligible students and families.

ACE Program Specialist - Summer Program Planning

• Lead the planning, development, and coordination of high-quality summer learning programs in alignment with the Texas ACE grant and best practices for summer enrichment.
• Develop engaging and thematic summer curricula that address academic reinforcement, enrichment, and fun.
• Coordinate staffing, logistics, and resources for summer program sites.
• Collaborate with school staff and community partners to offer diverse summer activities and field trips.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the summer program and make recommendations for future improvements.
• Proactive and solution-oriented approach.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing needs.
• Strong work ethic and professional demeanor.
• Enthusiasm and creativity related to the specific area of focus

This is a 5 year grant funded position. There is no guarantee for future employment beyond the completion of the