Position Title: Mentoring Program Coordinator

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Organization Description: Bolder Options is a transformational wellness-focused mentoring program in the Twin Cities and Rochester. Our mission is "Teaching youth to succeed in all life's races." Our core mentoring program recruits adult volunteer mentors and pairs them with young people aged 10-14. Pairs meet weekly for one year working towards youth-centered goals related to healthy living, social-emotional learning, community connectivity, and lifelong learning. Last year, 100% of graduating pairs elected to continue their relationship post-graduation. Bolder Options offers a variety of programming for our "alumni" including career and college exploration programs, leadership development, internships, a scholarship program, and more. Our vision is to ensure that the promise of youth in our community is realized, regardless of their life circumstances. Bolder Options is celebrating 30 years of mentoring impact in 2023.

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Primary Responsibilities: As a Mentoring Program Coordinator, you will advance the mission of Bolder Options by ensuring a high-quality one-to-one mentoring experience for youth participants, volunteer mentors, and caregivers that meets and exceeds annual goals for participant satisfaction, retention, safety, and outcomes. To support a growing number of mentoring pairs, we are adding a second program coordinator to our Twin Cities team. 

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Your primary responsibility is to coordinate the one-to-one mentoring program of Bolder Options.

1. Review and respond to youth referrals in a timely manner.

2. Conduct interviews/orientation with eligible youth and their caregivers to determine interest, needs, and compatibility with the program.

3. Schedule and facilitate match meetings with youth, caregivers, and mentors.

4. Ensure forms and documentation are completed and filed as part of the enrollment process.

5. Adhere to established policies and procedures.

6. Provide caring, enthusiastic, and thorough ongoing support to mentoring pairs by:

   1. Reaching out to all participants (youth, volunteer mentors, and caregivers) at least monthly by phone or in person; more frequently early in the relationship..

   2. Responding to questions and concerns as needed in a timely and professional manner.

   3. Planning and hosting monthly meet-ups for current and alumni mentors.

7. Track program activities to ensure quality and fidelity and to support program evaluation and reporting.

8. Plan, implement, and support weekly group events that align with overall program goals.

9. Communicate and promote weekly group events to ensure attendance meets program goals and standards.

10. Plan and implement recognition activities for program participants including a quarterly “graduation” ceremony

11. Manage a healthy closure process for pairs that need to end before reaching the one-year mark.

12. Mentoring program coordinators are expected to support 20-25 pairs at all times.

 

Other roles and responsibilities:

1. Support ongoing mentor recruitment plans including distribution of program marketing materials, presentations to targeted organizations, and ensuring a presence at key community events, etc.

2. Perform mentor screening and training as needed.

3. Complete other duties and activities as needed including attendance at weekly program team meetings, biweekly all staff meetings, and mandatory training events.

4. As a member of the Bolder Options team, you will be expected to attend all fundraising and other agency-wide special events

5. This is a non-supervisory position.

 

Qualifications:

• 2-5 years of relevant experience.

• Proficient with technology and computer/mobile applications especially Google Suite.

• Valid license and clean driving record; a background check will be completed and reviewed but a record does not automatically disqualify you from employment.

• Flexible schedule - able to work evenings and weekends as this is when youth, families, and mentors are most available.

• Ability to lead and participate in physical activities like hiking, biking, running/walking, swimming, canoeing, and other outdoor/active events.

• Track record of being a dependable and consistent team member.

 

Desired Skills & Characteristics:

• Experience with and deep commitment to youth development, mentoring, and/or volunteer-centered work.

• Skills, background, interest and/or passion for holistic wellness including exercise/movement, mental health, nutrition, and more.

• Enjoy cultivating authentic relationships with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

• Ability to prioritize, manage time, be resourceful, and take initiative to ensure goals are met.

• Collaborative supportive team player who is also self-motivated and accountable for tasks and responsibilities.

• Exercises sound judgment and decision-making.

• Understanding of and/or prior experience working with nonprofit organizations.

• Spanish language proficiency is a plus.

 

Reports to: Twin Cities Program Director; work closely with other mentoring program coordinators. 

 

Working Location: Bolder Options Headquarters, 2100 Stevens Avenue, Minneapolis; primarily in the office or on-site for events; some remote/hybrid as needed after orientation is complete.

 

Department: Program, Twin Cities

 

Type of Employment: Full-time (40 hours per week), exempt position

Benefits: Benefits include medical and dental insurance, life insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, PTO plus paid holidays (including 4 floating holidays), 401(k) plan with a match.

 

To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to April Riordan, Chief Operating Officer, at april.riordan@bolderoptions.org. The cover letter should clearly outline your relevant experience and any unique skills or characteristics you bring to the role. Please highlight any personal or professional experiences with formal mentoring programs. The cover letter can be included in the body of the email or as a separate attachment. We will review applications as they are received. For the best chance of being considered for the role, please apply by July 12.

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Bolder Options encourages applications from people of all races, religions, national origins, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and ages, as well as veterans and individuals with disabilities.