Description
The National Federation of the Blind is a membership organization of blind people from each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. As America's civil rights organization of the blind, the Federation is a coordinated network of skilled advocates, resources, and programs that raise expectations of the blind in society and create opportunities for blind people to live the lives they want. The staff of the Federation are central to the organized blind movement by providing support, professional expertise, and daily contributions to the success of the organization. Working under the direction of the Federation's elected President, the staff advise the organization's leadership and contribute to the vibrant, energetic, and collaborative culture of the organization that raises expectations throughout society.
The Employment Programs Coordinator reports to the Director of Employment and Professional Development Programs and is responsible for the development and execution of the Federation’s employment training projects and related programs as defined and directed by the President. This includes working with the organization’s leadership on the creation, development, and execution of curriculum and programming that positively impacts the ability for blind people to obtain quality postsecondary education and competitive integrated employment. This role requires a person with excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with program partners. Attention to detail and excellent organizational and time management skills are essential. The candidate must have the flexibility to work evenings and weekends and a willingness to travel when needed.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Director of Employment and Professional Development Programs and other NFB staff to develop and execute a robust portfolio of education, employment, and career development programs
- Develop curriculum for virtual and in-person employment and career mentoring programs
- Plan, coordinate, and execute day-long, weekend, and extended seminars to build and enhance skills and confidence for postsecondary and career success
- Collaborate with stakeholders including members, education and vocational rehabilitation professionals, program participants and their families, and community and professional partners to execute dynamic employment projects and programs
- Recruit blind and low-vision school-age youth to be matched with successful blind mentors for guidance and support while making the transition to postsecondary education or careers
- Recruit and train successful blind mentors to assist with program execution and provide support to mentees
- Complete all reporting, data collection/evaluation, and documentation of program outcomes and deliverables in a timely manner
- Build and maintain a library of employment-related resources, information, and strategies such as NFB-NEWSLINE® and the CSAVR Talent Acquisition Portal to assist blind and low-vision individuals as part of their employment search
- Field employment-related inquiries from members and stakeholders
- Serve as staff liaison to the Federation’s Employment Committee
- Assist in preparing for and conducting the national convention
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of individuals
- Experience with the use of the alternative skills of blindness and aspects of adjustment to blindness training
- Strong commitment to civil rights and diversity and inclusion
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team or independently
- Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills
- Proficiency in the use of the MS Office suite of programs (e.g., Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
- Working knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
- Functional knowledge of other key laws impacting blind people (preferred)
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in education, vocational rehabilitation, human services, counseling, or other aligned areas of study
- Three or more years developing and executing programs for the blind
How to Apply
We seek individuals who wish to identify with a cause and to assist in advocacy for a group long denied equal opportunity to succeed or fail based on ability, and not be denied opportunity based on society’s stereotypes.
This job is open until filled. Applicants should send, preferably via email, a résumé and cover letter indicating salary requirements to: Human Resources, National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone 410-659-9314, ext. 2488; fax 410-685-5653; email [email protected].
The National Federation of the Blind is an equal opportunity employer. Accordingly, all terms and conditions of employment will be conducted without regard to race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, marital status, age, or disability. For more detailed information about our commitment to equal opportunity in employment, please email a request to [email protected].