CALL FOR SUMMIT STAFF

Ashoka’s Youth Venture seeks young leaders to staff its upcoming National Summit, to be held on the campuses of MIT, Harvard, and Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts on June 26-29, 2009.

Overview:

The National Youth Venture Summit is the annual gathering of the Youth Venture community. The conference brings together 200 current and former Youth Venturers and young leaders interested in launching a Venture, as well as the adult allies and professionals who support young changemakers from throughout the United States. The National Summit is a critical part of helping to build community among Venturers, providing ongoing leadership and development opportunities, and growing the global movement of young changemakers. Attendees participate in skill-building and Venture-strengthening workshops, engage in meaningful dialogue to share experiences and perspectives, and network with each other, to identify common areas of interest and ways to collaborate. The Summit provides an annual opportunity for Venturers, Allies, other youth professionals, and young people interested in becoming Venturers to gather face-to-face, share thoughts and experiences, make connections, and receive support and acknowledgement. The overall experience is one wherein attendees strengthen their connection to Youth Venture and the global movement, and form bonds with one another. The Summit is a three-day conference, but is also an experience, a journey upon which attendees embark together.

Staffing the YV Summit is a challenge, but can be very rewarding. Staff members learn intimately about designing and managing a national youth leadership conference and community. The work experience is extremely intense during the Summit, requiring a total commitment of time and focus to the program from all staff members. Due to the large number of activities during the relatively short duration of the Summit, staff members work full time for 5 days, with little or no breaks.

Responsibilities:

Summit staff share in the overall management of the Summit, working independently and in groups on the various aspects of the event. Some orientation will be provided. During the Summit, staff member duties include:

• Managing Check-in and Check-out

• Organizing the participant talent show
• Monitoring workshops
• Conducting evaluations
• Managing open space meetings
• Serving as liaisons to guest speakers and sponsors
• Staffing evening social events

In addition, staff members assist chaperones in ensuring the safety of the participants and enhancing their leadership development. Due to the nature of the work and the extended exposure to young people, staff members must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Staff members also fulfill additional on-site tasks as needed.

Qualifications:

All Summit staff must be at least 18 years of age. Prior experience with youth development, youth training, and leadership development programs is preferred. Summit staff must be comfortable working with youth, and must be personable, able to initiate dialogue, and to draw young people into conversations and activities. Applicants must be available during the entire work period of Thursday June 25 through Monday, June 29. Individuals who have high energy levels; work well in a team; possess strong logistical, communication, and organizational skills; and are creative and personally responsible are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants who have participated in the YV Summit or other Youth Venture programs and initiatives before. Note: selected Summit staff will be required to undergo a standard background check, including fingerprinting.

Compensation:

Each Summit staff member is provided shared lodging and all meals, which has approximately a $500 total value. Staff members are responsible for travel expenses to and from the Conference location. Financial assistance may be available for travel.

Questions: Contact Marco A. Davis at (703) 600-8326 or mdavis@youthventure.org.

Applications:

Please submit a résumé and a brief letter (no more than two pages) describing your interest in the Summit, any relevant experience, how you heard about the position, and whether you have attended the Youth Venture Summit and/or participated in other Youth Venture programs or initiatives before. Please include two reference letters as well. Applications must be emailed, faxed, or postmarked no later than Friday, May 8, 2009.

Submit applications to:

Ashoka’s Youth Venture
Attn: Marco A. Davis
1700 N. Moore Street Suite 2000
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 703-527-4126
Fax: 703-527-8383
mdavis@youthventure.org