Program Co-Coordinator; Pittsburgh - Clearinghouse Military Family Readiness

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State seeks a qualified and culturally responsive Program Co‑Coordinator to support the implementation and management of grant‑funded programs serving Afghan families residing in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania region as they transition to life in the United States.

The Program Co‑Coordinator will play a key role in coordinating English as a Second Language (ESL) programming and workforce development initiatives, while fostering partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders. The successful candidate will help ensure that program participants have access to educational, employment, and supportive resources that promote long‑term integration and self‑sufficiency.

This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This position is based in Pittsburgh, PA, and will require a daily presence in the city.

• Recruit, screen, select, and onboard qualified ESL teachers.
• Provide ongoing supervision and coordination of ESL instructional staff.
• Coordinate classroom locations, materials, technology, and other logistical needs.
• Monitor and document participant attendance, engagement and learning outcomes.
• Collect and maintain data related to student success and program effectiveness.

• Identify and cultivate partnerships with workforce training organizations, including programs such as the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, and facilitate participant enrollment and placement.
• Assess barriers to employment and collaborate with partners to develop strategies and resources that address those barriers.
• Identify employment opportunities and connect participants with job openings aligned with their skills and goals.
• Support participants throughout the workforce development process, including referrals, navigation, and follow‑up.
• Collaborate with Clearinghouse researchers and staff to integrate relevant data, evidence‑based practices, and program insights into service delivery.

• Develop, implement, and track metrics to assess program outcomes and participant progress.
• Collect, manage, and analyze participant and program data.
• Using collected data, prepare reports, briefs, and other documents.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, reporting expectations, and data management procedures.

• Ability to speak, read, listen, and write in English, Pashto, and Dari.
• Demonstrated experience working with the Afghan communities and a strong understanding of the Afghan culture, customs, and social norms.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build trust, foster engagement, and navigate diverse perspectives.
• Strong observational skills, including the ability to read and respond to group dynamics in real time.
• Experience developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with various community organizations and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage grant‑funded activities and resources responsibly.
• Experience collecting, managing, and analyzing program data.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to identify emerging challenges and develop practical solutions. Skills, including synthesizing information, identifying emerging issues, and guiding process decisions.
• Strong connections to and understanding of the Afghan community living in Pittsburgh.
• Deep understanding of Afghan culture, customs, and courtesies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Previous experience working with the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh and the Heinz Endowment is preferred.
• Experience supporting refugee, immigrant, or newcomer populations.
• Knowledge of workforce development or community‑based service programs.

This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives…