Connecting Today...Transforming Tomorrow
FCAA seeking consulting Writer/Project Manager for
Handbook for Life After Foster Care
note: as of 8/13, applications are now closed. Please stay tuned for your opportunity to participate as a writer or advisor to the project!
Foster Care Alumni of America has received a grant from the Andrus Family Foundation to produce a Handbook for Life after Foster Care. Based on the William Bridges Transition Model, this book addresses the emotional transition from foster care to adulthood, as understood and told through the expertise of alumni of foster care. The primary audience of the book is young people in foster care or recently emancipated.
The Writer/Project Manager is responsible for leading the process of content development and editing, and publication of the Handbook. This includes significant quantitative and qualitative research with alumni of foster care, the recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteer writers, and project management duties of achieving deadlines and budget goals.
The successful candidate will be an alumnus of foster care or other out-of-home placement, will have demonstrated abilities with writing, project management, and supervision, and will have knowledge of foster care emancipation issues and the alumni community.
________________________________________________________________________
MAJOR DUTIES:
Meaningful and effective engagement of alumni throughout the project
- Broad survey of alumni to identify themes and content areas.
- Interviews with a diverse group of alumni, including alumni who are child welfare professionals, to further refine content areas.
- Recruiting, supervising and supporting an Editorial Panel of alumni.
- Recruiting, supervising and supporting alumni writers of content.
- Ensure content and design of Handbook is reflective of alumni experience, perspective and expertise.
Lead Editorial Panel
- Recruit Editorial Panel (develop position description, determine and lead outreach efforts, select Panel members).
- Convene Editorial Panel through one in-person meeting in 4Q 2008 and regular conference calls.
- Prepare and disseminate information for Panel members about results of alumni and other expert feedback, the Bridges Transition Model, and other relevant resources aimed at young people in transition from foster care to adulthood.
- Manage Editorial Panel throughout the project.
Lead content development and editing, and preparation for publication for the Handbook
- In consultation with Editorial Panel, FCAA staff, members, and Andrus Family Foundation, lead the development of content for the Handbook.
- Edit the content of the Handbook (written by alumni with expertise in specific content areas) to ensure consistency, accuracy, and relevance to target audience.
Project Management
- Serve as the primary liaison among FCAA staff, other project vendors, and members throughout the project.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
· Four years of responsible supervisory and management experience required; Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
· Demonstrated ability to express ideas concisely and clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrated ability to develop written plans and reports, and skills and knowledge related to the production of professional materials and publications.
· Excellent writing and editing skills and demonstrated experience.
· Demonstrated ability to organize, direct, and perform management and supervisory duties.
· Knowledge and skill in methods for gathering feedback including through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and committees.
· Knowledge of foster care, the alumni community and the alumni movement, the needs of young people in transition from foster care to adulthood.
· Considerable interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, conflict management and resolution skills, and the ability to successfully engage and collaborate with very diverse groups.
· Considerable knowledge of office practices, methods and equipment; including personal computers and Microsoft Office software. Must have consistent telephone and internet access.
· Capable of using good judgment and discretion in the performance of duties.
· Ability to work independently on projects and also collaborate as a strong team member.
· Ability to budget for, plan and schedule work.
· Ability to travel 2-4 times during the life of the project, for 2-3 days at a time.
· Must be an alumnus of formal out-of-home placement.
POSITION DETAILS AND BENEFITS
This is a contract position with an immediate start date (negotiable by consultant) and an end date of May 30, 2009.
The contract shall not excede 500 hours at $30/hour for a total contract amount of up to $15,000 throughout the project.
All reasonable actual expenses related to travel will be directly paid by FCAA or reimbursed to the consultant.
TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION: Email your resume, a cover letter, and a 2-3 page writing sample to Misty Stenslie, Deputy Director. You may also contact Misty Stenslie for questions about the position.
You Can Help
Visit us on:
