The Ben Johnson Educational (BDJ) Center’s mission is to build community in Natchitoches, Louisiana and give access to social and economic success to all residents through its various social enterprises. The first of these is the Legacy Youth Workforce Development Program (LYWDP) which prepares disadvantaged youths for full-time positions in a number of industries, including food service and construction. Through our 16-week program, students gain valuable work experience, life skills training, and the confidence and tools to strive for a self-sufficient life. Additionally, the BDJ Center operates a community garden, corner store, and cafe, which act as living classrooms for the students in our LYWDP, as well as address the prevalent food insecurity in Natchitoches.

Workforce Development Teacher: The BDJ Center seeks a teacher to facilitate and lead our workforce development program. Our students are 17-24, out of work, out of school, and facing barrier(s) to employment. The teacher will guide students through the program’s existing curriculum and, most importantly, work with the students to identify and develop a plan to address their individual barriers to employment. It is critical for the teacher to have the ability to meet every student where they are to ensure they graduate the program with the competence and confidence to present themselves as qualified, committed candidates for entry level job positions in their field of choice. Working with the Executive Director, the teacher will additionally serve as a liaison between the students and externship hiring partners to find a supportive, adequate place for the students to continue working after graduation.

Requirements
●  Passion for BDJ and its mission, supplemented by demonstrated experience in education or similar programmatic service areas. Experience in workforce development or youth services preferred.
●  Demonstrated ability to create a safe and healthy learning environment that encourages student engagement and retention, as well as models appropriate workplace behavior
●  Deep empathy and advanced problem-solving skills to deal with and support our students through the the trauma, poverty, and hardships that many of them face
●  Provide a firm and consistent classroom environment that encourages student growth and development
●  Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
●  Undergraduate degree from a four year university or college and/or equivalent experience

Salary & Benefits
●  Salary: Commensurate with experience
●  Hours: Full-time flexible schedule with some weekend & evening hours

Executive Director of the Ben Johnson Educational Center: The BDJ center is seeking an Executive Director. The Executive Director will report to the Board
of Directors and is responsible for overseeing all components of the organization and its social
enterprises that support the LWYDP’s success, overall organizational well-being, and ensure
ongoing strategic growth. In addition to general oversight, the Executive Director will be charged with driving revenue growth from a diverse array of sources and programs, including earned income from the cafe and corner store. It is also crucial that the ED maintain and create new partnerships and relationships with community leaders to further the reach and services of the BDJ center.

Required Qualifications
● Passion for BDJ and its mission, supplemented by demonstrated experience in similar
nonprofit and programmatic service areas. Experience in workforce development or
youth services preferred.
● Excellent communication skills, including the ability to represent the organization in a
way that is compelling and accessible to a wide audience of stakeholders
● Builder of a strong and productive work team, cultivating an environment of
collaboration, adaptability, and creative innovation
● Proven success in financial stewardship and fundraising, philanthropic strategy, and the
ability to identify, cultivate, and solicit donors
● Successful experience in a senior management position
● Unwavering commitment to and energy for achieving the mission of the organization and
supporting the LYWDP students
● An undergraduate degree from a 4-year university or college and/or equivalent
experience

Preferred Qualifications
● Master’s degree in social work, human services, administration, or other related field

Salary & Benefits
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Hours: Full-time flexible schedule with some weekend & evening hours