Experiential Learning Program Lead

ABOUT ECHO
ECHO is a global Christian agricultural networking training and resourcing organization. Our mission is to strengthen the capacity of a diverse global network to defeat hunger and improve lives through sustainable food and agroecosystem strategies. ECHO has a significant network of over 20000 individuals and organizations built over 45 years working in more than 190 countries. These partners serve as the primary multiplier for ECHO tested options strategies and research.

WHY JOIN ECHO
At ECHO you will join a global Christian network committed to defeating hunger and restoring hope through sustainable agriculture. Our team is mission-driven collaborative and deeply committed to equipping leaders around the world with practical tools that create lasting impact. If you are passionate about faith-integrated service and sustainable solutions you will find meaningful purpose in this role.

SUMMARY:
The Experiential Learning Program Lead oversees ECHOs organization-wide Experiential Learning Program a strategic pathway for identifying developing and engaging emerging professionals through internships apprenticeships and professional residencies (collectively Learners) in ECHOs global mission. Reporting to Human Resources this position recruits qualified mission-aligned candidates from universities churches professional networks and other communities; coordinates compensated and unpaid placements across ECHO departments; and ensures every Learner receives strong orientation meaningful work consistent supervision professional development and a global perspective on ECHOs mission. The Experiential Learning Program Lead develops and stewards a program in which Learners contribute throughout the organization including Advancement Communications Human Resources Finance Information Technology Research Seed Bank Hospitality and agricultural operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Strategy and Leadership:

• Develop and implement an organization-wide Experiential Learning strategy spanning internships apprenticeships and professional residencies aligned with ECHOs mission strategic framework and workforce needs.
• Build and manage a balanced portfolio of compensated and unpaid placements across departments disciplines educational levels and seasons.
• Establish annual goals and program standards including timelines policies and supervisor expectations for recruitment placement retention completion and program quality based on the needs of ECHOs global network.
• Work with Human Resources and organizational leaders to identify future talent needs and shape placements that create pathways to employment service or long-term partnership with ECHO.
• Monitor program outcomes using participant and supervisor feedback and recommend improvements to strengthen the program.

Recruitment and External Relationships:

• Research the skill and experience needs of ECHOs Regional Impact Centers global network and partner organizations and use that research to lead a targeted recruitment strategy that attracts qualified mission-aligned candidates from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds well beyond agriculture alone.
• Represent ECHO at universities colleges seminaries career fairs conferences churches and mission networks and build lasting relationships with faculty career services offices campus ministries alumni and partner organizations that connect strong candidates to ECHO.
• Create compelling recruitment materials presentations digital content and outreach campaigns in collaboration with Communications and Advancement.
• Maintain a recruitment calendar and candidate pipeline for year-round summer semester and specialized placements.

Candidate Selection and Placement:

• Coordinate the application screening interview reference-checking selection and placement process in partnership with Human Resources and department supervisors assessing each candidate for mission alignment character skills learning goals and fit.
• Develop accurate placement descriptions with department leaders including responsibilities learning outcomes supervision plans schedules and compensation or benefit information.
• Match Learners with departments where their skills can contribute meaningfully while supporting clear professional growth.
• Coordinate with Human Resources to ensure all placements compensated and unpaid alike comply with applicable employment laws academic requirements organizational policies and documentation standards.

Onboarding Training and Professional Development:

• Design and facilitate a consistent onboarding experience that introduces Learners to ECHOs mission history global network Statement of Faith core values workplace expectations safety practices and organizational culture.
• Develop a professional development curriculum covering areas such as leadership cross-cultural engagement project management vocational discernment spiritual formation and career preparation.
• Coordinate regular gatherings learning sessions site experiences and opportunities for Learners to engage with ECHO leaders and network members present their work and reflect on lessons learned.
• Help Learners connect their departmental assignments to ECHOs global mission and understand how different functions contribute to defeating hunger and improving lives.

Supervisor Support and Program Quality:

• Prepare and support staff supervisors to provide meaningful assignments clear expectations regular coaching appropriate accountability and a healthy learning environment.
• Conduct regular check-ins with Learners and supervisors to address concerns clarify expectations and support successful placements.
• Partner with Human Resources to respond appropriately to performance conduct safety housing or interpersonal concerns.
• Develop evaluation tools for Learners and supervisors and use feedback to improve recruitment orientation training supervision and program design.
• Maintain accurate records related to applications placements agreements evaluations academic credit compensation and program outcomes.

Community Care and Ongoing Engagement:

• Cultivate a welcoming Christ-centered work environment in which participants are known supported challenged and connected to ECHO staff and one another.
• Coordinate with appropriate ECHO departments (including virtual) and site leadership to ensure Learners receive clear information and appropriate support regarding housing transportation meals schedules events and other practical needs associated with program participation.
• Track program alumni and help ECHO understand the long-term impact of the Experiential Learning Program on participants the organization and the global network.

Collaboration and Organizational Support:

• Collaborate with leaders across all ECHO departments and Regional Impact Centers to identify meaningful projects and learning opportunities for Learners.
• Coordinate with Advancement and Communications to share appropriate Learner stories and demonstrate the programs impact to donors partners universities and prospective applicants.
• Build and sustain ECHOs network connecting current and former Learners to one another and to ongoing learning opportunities.
• Contribute to annual budget planning program reporting and resource development for the program.
• Stay informed about trends and good practices in professional development early-career development experiential learning and nonprofit talent development.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Human Resources.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must adhere to the ECHO Statement of Faith and possess character traits consistent with ECHOs Core Values.
• Strong commitment to developing emerging professionals and helping people connect their gifts education and vocational goals to meaningful service.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit engage assess and build relationships with college students recent graduates universities churches and professional networks.
• Excellent public speaking written communication interpersonal facilitation and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple recruitment cycles placements schedules relationships and administrative details with consistency and good judgment.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and influence program quality without directly supervising every placement host.
• Cultural humility and the ability to work effectively with people from varied backgrounds disciplines generations and life experiences.
• Ability to handle sensitive personnel information with discretion and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Working knowledge of applicant tracking database spreadsheet presentation communication and virtual meeting tools.
• Ability to work independently establish priorities and manage a developing program with a high degree of initiative sound judgment and follow-through.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors degree in human resources education organizational leadership nonprofit management communications ministry student development or a related field required. Equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Three or more years of experience in recruiting experiential learning or student program management career development campus ministry human resources higher education training or a related field.
• Experience designing and facilitating orientation training professional development or cohort based learning experiences.
• Experience building external partnerships and representing an organization at recruitment events or in public settings.
• Familiarity with working in a Christian ministry nonprofit international cross-cultural or mission-driven organization is preferred.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:
Positions Directly Supervised:
Learners will be administratively coordinated by this position for purposes of program participation orientation professional development and general support while receiving day-to-day work direction assignments and technical supervision from their assigned departmental supervisors. The position may also supervise temporary program support staff or volunteers as assigned.

Others to Work Closely With:
Human Resources department leaders and Learner supervisors Florida Site leadership Regional Impact Center staff Communications Advancement Finance Information Technology hospitality volunteers university and college representatives churches partner organizations and program alumni.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed primarily in an office and campus environment with regular interaction across ECHO departments and with Learners staff visitors and external partners. The role includes travel to recruitment events and may involve occasional outdoor activities tours conferences and work in hot and humid Florida conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The employee must be able to sit and work at a computer for extended periods communicate effectively in person and through virtual platforms and regularly walk throughout the Florida campus. The position may require standing for extended periods at recruitment events transporting presentation materials and occasionally lifting or carrying up to 30 pounds.

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:
This is a full-time position. Regular hours are generally Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work is required for recruitment events program activities arrivals departures and organizational activities.

TRAVEL:
Regular domestic travel is expected for university visits career fairs conferences church engagement and recruitment partnerships. Occasional international travel may be available based on organizational needs and program opportunities to strengthen professional development or connection with ECHOs global network.

OTHER DUTIES:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Compensation commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical dental vision and life insurance)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Company-matched 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off 12 paid holidays 5 wellness days plus paid birthday leave

AAP/EEO STATEMENT:
ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner.

In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and other applicable federal and state statutes all recruiting hiring training and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race color ancestry age sex national origin pregnancy or childbirth disability military veteran status genetic information or other applicable status protected by law including state of employment protected classes. It is therefore our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job.

ECHO is a Christian religious-affiliated organization and is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. ECHO hiring practices are in compliance with federal and state law. Federal law permits religious organizations to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.

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