Employment Opportunities
You can make a difference by joining the staff of Iowa Safe Schools! Iowa Safe Schools has a dynamic staff of dedicated individuals from diverse backgrounds working to change lives and impact social justice issues that affect our community.
Iowa Safe Schools is dedicated to diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People of color, women, people living with HIV and AIDS, transgender individuals and all others are encouraged to apply for employment opportunities.
Please see job descriptions below, if interested, follow the application instructions– we would love for you to join our team!
Title: Director of Education
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Job Type: Full-time
Reports to: Executive Director
Compensation: $45,000-50,000 annually
Benefits: Generous vacation package, health, dental and vision coverage, retirement package, travel reimbursement
Application Deadline: September 30, 2018
This position is charged with the responsibility of developing, maintaining, and growing Iowa Safe Schools’ educational programming including the Safe Schools Academy, the Governor’s Conference on LGBTQ Youth, and our array of smaller conferences and events. The successful candidate will have knowledge about the LGBTQ community, especially LGBTQ youth. The candidate will have successful skills at building relationships, public speaking, and creation of curriculum.
Responsibilities
- Manage and lead the Safe Schools Academy, a collaborative program with the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) and Drake University which provides online and in-person license renewal and graduate credit courses for Iowa educators, social workers, and mental health counselors.
- Build upon existing Safe Schools Academy courses with curricular updates and infusion of new information from partner organizations.
- Organize and manage the Annual Iowa Governor’s Conference on LGBTQ Youth.
- Organize and manage approximately ten additional conferences throughout the year that are held throughout the country.
- Organize and manage the Trans Education Summit.
- Develop a plan to continue increasing revenue from programmatic efforts including the Safe Schools Academy
- Coordinate with the organization’s Registrar in maintaining and organizing Safe Schools Academy courses
- Develop an evaluation plan for Iowa Safe Schools’ educational programming
- Cultivate existing relationships with allied organizations.
- Speak to schools, community organizations, corporations, colleges, city staff, faith communities, and others upon request about LGBTQ youth and other topics requested.
Qualifications
Specific requirements include:
- Highly collaborative style; experience developing and implementing curriculum
- Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills
- A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently
- Relationship builder with the flexibility and finesse to cultivate relationships with various groups and individuals
- High energy, maturity, and leadership with the ability to serve as a unifying force
- Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other supporters
- Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives
- Understanding and commitment to improving the lives of LGBTQ youth throughout Iowa
- Ability to present and create informative presentations
- Master’s degree in women’s studies, social work, history, political science, psychology, education, human services, or related field. Preferred experience of at least three years in training or other educational work.
Additional Information
Trans and LGBTQ persons of color are encouraged to apply. Please send a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples to nate.monson@iowasafeschools.org with a subject of Director of Education. Please do not call or email with questions.
Title: Gay-Straight Alliance Network Regional Coordinator- West
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Job Type: Full-time
Reports to: Director of Youth Engagement
Compensation: $35,000-40,000 (based upon experience/qualifications), excellent health insurance, vision, dental, 20 days’ vacation, 11 paid holidays including employee’s birthday
Preferred Start Date: January 2019
Application Deadline: September 30, 2018
Responsibilities
- Support, network and organize Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) across western and central Iowa
- Present to different conferences, schools, and organizations as requested
- Responsible for organizing the Annual GSA Con, a fall conference for GSAs to gain ideas and support in building a strong foundation for the school year
- Responsible for organizing Woke Wednesdays, a speaker series designed to give students a platform to speak to community members and stakeholders about LGBTQ student issues
- Assist in organizing the Annual Iowa Governor’s Conference on LGBTQ Youth
- Collaborate with victim service organizations in providing support for victims of crime
- Partner with local community organizations to support LGBTQ youth victims of crime
- Develop resources and materials in Pride Packs for GSAs, a set of resources and giveaways designed to help GSAs be more active and sustainable
- Advocate for LGBTQ youth in their schools and communities
- Support and expand on the program model of the GSA Network, an initiative to provide direct services to LGBTQ youth in their schools and communities
- Serve as a representative of the LGBTQ community to stakeholders
- Assist in organizing Student Leadership Council meetings and activities
- Collect data as required
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
An ideal candidate will have the following experience and qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field such as Education, Gender Studies, Social Work, etc.
- Knowledge and understanding of culturally specific needs of LGBTQ youth
- Experience in bullying prevention and advocacy is preferred
- Excellent writing, public communication, and speaking skills
- Proven ability to develop collaborative relationships
- Passion about supporting a marginalized population including trans* and LGBTQ youth of color
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, and Outlook
- Travel required
- Social media savvy
- Support the mission of Iowa Safe Schools
Personal Qualities
The ideal candidate will be:
- Committed to social justice and enthusiastic about Iowa Safe Schools’ mission and programs
- Well-organized, able to multi-task, a fast learner, and detail-oriented
- Able to take initiative and to work well under pressure to meet deadlines
- Flexible and able to function independently and as a member of a team
Additional Information
Trans and LGBTQ persons of color are encouraged to apply.
This is a grant funded position.
Please send a resume, cover letter, and two writing examples to Becky@iowasafeschools.org with a subject of Gay-Straight Alliance Network Regional Coordinator: West
Please do not call or email with questions.
Title: Gay-Straight Alliance Network Regional Coordinator- East
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Job Type: Full-time
Reports to: Director of Youth Engagement
Compensation: $35,000-40,000 (based upon experience/qualifications), excellent health insurance, vision, dental, 20 days’ vacation, 11 paid holidays including employee’s birthday
Preferred Start Date: January 2019
Application Deadline: September 30, 2018
Responsibilities
- Support, network and organize Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) across eastern Iowa
- Present to different conferences, schools, and organizations as requested
- Responsible for organizing the Annual Student Day at the Capitol event, a mini-conference designed to educate students on the legislative process and advocacy strategies
- Assist in organizing the Annual Iowa Governor’s Conference on LGBTQ Youth
- Collaborate with victim service organizations in providing support for victims of crime
- Partner with local community organizations to support LGBTQ youth victims of crime
- Advocate for LGBTQ youth in their schools and communities
- Support and expand on the program model of the GSA Network, an initiative to provide direct services to LGBTQ youth in their schools and communities
- Serve as a representative of the LGBTQ community to stakeholders
- Assist in organizing Student Leadership Council meetings and activities
- Collect data as required
- Manage the Affirming Resource Library, a resource of collected literature for all ages of the LGBTQ or ally community that provides free books to students and parents in the state
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
An ideal candidate will have the following experience and qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field such as Education, Gender Studies, Social Work, etc.
- Knowledge and understanding of culturally specific needs of LGBTQ youth
- Experience in bullying prevention and advocacy is preferred
- Excellent writing, public communication, and speaking skills
- Proven ability to develop collaborative relationships
- Passion about supporting a marginalized population including trans* and LGBTQ youth of color
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, and Outlook
- Travel required
- Social media savvy
- Support the mission of Iowa Safe Schools
Personal Qualities
The ideal candidate will be:
- Committed to social justice and enthusiastic about Iowa Safe Schools’ mission and programs
- Well-organized, able to multi-task, a fast learner, and detail-oriented
- Able to take initiative and to work well under pressure to meet deadlines
- Flexible and able to function independently and as a member of a team
Additional Information
Trans and LGBTQ persons of color are encouraged to apply.
This is a grant funded position.
Please send a resume, cover letter, and two writing examples to Becky@iowasafeschools.org with a subject of Gay-Straight Alliance Network Regional Coordinator: East
Please do not call or email with questions.
Title: Outreach Manager
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Job Type: Full-time
Reports to: Director of Development & Communications
Compensation: $35,000-40,000 (based upon experience/qualifications), excellent health insurance, vision, dental, 20 days’ vacation, 11 paid holidays including employee’s birthday
Preferred Start Date: January 2019
Application Deadline: September 30, 2018
Responsibilities
- Conduct outreach events to businesses, colleges/universities, non-profit organizations, K-12 schools, faith communities, and service clubs
- Cultivate relationships with service provider to connect providers with students
- Manage the organizations presence at the multiple Pride events throughout the state
- Assist in organizing the Annual Iowa Governor’s Conference on LGBTQ Youth
- Assist in managing the organization’s social media presence
- Assist with the organization’s outreach activities at Iowa Safe Schools’ sponsored events including the Spirit Awards, symposiums, and student programs
- Partner with local community organizations to support LGBTQ youth
- Present to different conferences, schools, and organizations as requested
- Collaborate with victim service organizations in providing support for LGBTQ youth
- Partner with local community organizations to support LGBTQ youth
- Advocate for LGBTQ students in their schools and communities
- Serve as a representative of the LGBTQ community to stakeholders
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
An ideal candidate will have the following experience and qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field such as Education, Gender Studies, Social Work, etc.
- Knowledge and understanding of culturally specific needs of LGBTQ youth
- Experience in bullying prevention and advocacy is preferred
- Excellent writing, public communication, and speaking skills
- Proven ability to develop collaborative relationships
- Passion about supporting a marginalized population including trans* and LGBTQ youth of color
- Grassroots organizing skills preferred including past experiences on advocacy campaigns, political campaigns, or other organizing projects
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, and Outlook
- Travel required
- Social media savvy
- Support the mission of Iowa Safe Schools
Personal Qualities
The ideal candidate will be:
- Committed to social justice and enthusiastic about Iowa Safe Schools’ mission and programs
- Well-organized, able to multi-task, a fast learner, and detail-oriented
- Able to take initiative and to work well under pressure to meet deadlines
- Flexible and able to function independently and as a member of a team
Additional Information
Trans and LGBTQ persons of color are encouraged to apply.
This is a grant funded position.
Please send a resume, cover letter, and two writing examples to scott@iowasafeschools.org with a subject of Outreach Manager
Please do not call or email with questions.
Check back for updates on new positions and opportunities with Iowa Safe Schools.