About Urban Ventures

Urban Ventures is a faith-based nonprofit with the mission to educate children, strengthen their families, and build a healthy community. The organization primarily serves the Central and Phillips neighborhoods of South Minneapolis—an area rich in culture and diversity—with the overarching goal to prepare and send every child in the neighborhood to college or some form of postsecondary education. 

About the Program

The Cornwell Early Learning Center is a program of Urban Ventures that provides and supports children ages 6 weeks to pre-kindergarten with early learning to develop their cognitive functions: how they think, explore, and figure things out. With an emphasis on social and emotional development, they help children develop the interests and skills that they need as they continue to grow. 

Working Hours

Regular working hours Monday through Friday – a variable 8-hour schedule between the hours of 7am to 6pm, with flexibility for 3-4a evenings and/or weekend work each year. This position shares responsibility for opening and closing the Center; a minimum of 3 openings or closing per week is required.

Primary Responsibility and Position Summary 

Under the supervision of the Cornwell Early Learning Center director, the Assistant Director is responsible for the day-to-day administrative coordination of the CELC and direct supervision of our CELC teachers. In addition to providing general support to the center’s director, the AD will manage operational administrative and financial functions that ensure the center runs smoothly, meeting or exceeding all state licensing procedures and requirements, while promoting a culture of continual improvement that strengthens program quality, staff effectiveness, and family experience. 

Specific Responsibilities

• Staff Management and Supervision
• Conduct new employee orientation
• Facilitate Weekly Staff check-ins
• Manage scheduling, time keeping, and payroll approval systems and processes
• Direct all teachers and Aides, ensuring licensing compliance, including appropriate staff-to-child ratios
• Work with the CELC Director in handling employee relations issues and concerns
• Collaborate with other UV departments (HR, IT, Finance, Facilities) in areas relating to CELC staff 

Family Engagement & Enrollment

• Build relationships with families, respond promptly to their needs, and encourage family involvement in the Center and other Urban Ventures programs.
• Assist the CELC Director and Family Coordinator in recruiting new students.
• Assist new families through the enrollment process, ensuring an excellent welcome and smooth transition.

Center Operations & Administration

• Create and maintain daily work schedules to ensure sufficient staffing.
• Manage the purchasing of supplies and materials needed for the smooth daily operation of the center.
• Provide front desk and classroom coverage during staffing shortages, including fulfilling absent teacher responsibilities as needed
• Ensure daily operations meet standards required by applicable certifications
• Work in collaboration with the Family Coordinator to maintain all documentation related to children’s files and other licensing requirements. 

Licensing Compliance Administration

• Demonstrate knowledge of licensing regulations to ensure compliance in all classrooms and situations.
• Work with the Family Coordinator to manage the scholarship program, including helping families apply for CCAP and other scholarships, maintaining appropriate records, and preparing necessary documentation.
• Maintain accurate enrollment records and student and staff files. 

Center Staffing & Professional Development Administration

• In conjunction with the CELC Director, organize staff development sessions and training courses to complete all necessary continuing education requirements for state licensure and further develop the skills of the staff
• Assist the director in recruiting, hiring, and onboarding Center staff.
• Plan and organize CELC-specific staff appreciation events and activities
• Reinforce and drive accountability for following center policies and procedures, including safety practices and licensing requirements in classrooms.
• Monitor and support staff, promoting a positive workplace environment.

Team & Organizational Involvement

• Participate in all Urban Ventures staff meetings and training programs, as invited or required.
• Demonstrate alignment with Urban Ventures’ values, policies, and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and sustainability of Urban Ventures. 

Required Qualifications:

• A combination of post-secondary education in early childhood education or a related field and relevant experience, ideally including leadership or supervisory roles in licensed child care settings.
• Meets or exceeds teacher requirements for certified early learning centers.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of early childhood education administrative experience or 5 years working in a licensed early childhood education center in MN (preferred).
• Prior responsibility for direct staff management.      
• Fully bilingual in Spanish and English, written and verbal 

Additional competencies necessary to be successful in this role:

• A demonstrated history of personal fulfillment in supporting children’s growth and development while providing a loving and nurturing environment.
• Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail
• Action-oriented and self-starter; able to maintain high level of efficiency with minimal direct supervision.
• Excellent communication skills, including personal face-to-face communications with parents, staff, and children. 
• Commitment to diversity and ability to work effectively across diverse groups of people
• High level of technological proficiency
• Ability to meet physical demands of the job (frequently lifting, carrying, and holding children and infants of 10 to 60 pounds)
• Ability to pass required state and company background checks
• An understanding of and commitment to the faith-based mission and values of Urban Ventures

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

Key highlights:

• 40 hours per week
• Shift schedule: 9:30 am – 6 pm
• Monday through Friday; occasional evening and weekends
• Comprehensive benefits including PTO, medical, dental, vision, 401k and more!
• Conveniently located for using public transportation, and also provides free, off-street parking
• Unique opportunity to gain experience with variety of ages; hourly rate will be based on credentials and experience

Position Overview:

Teachers support Lead Teachers to promote the intellectual and social development of the children, while adhering to all DCYF licensing standards. Teachers provide a safe space for all children to learn, explore, and grow

The Cornwell Early Learning Center is a program that provides early learning for children ages 6 weeks to pre-kindergarten. Their program helps children develop their cognitive functions: how they think, explore, and figure things out. With an emphasis on social and emotional development, they help children develop the interests and skills that they need as they continue to grow

Responsibilities:

Teaching and Classroom

• Engage students in highly interactive, hands-on, developmentally appropriate play-based learning activities throughout the school day
• Assist Lead Teacher with the implementation of developmentally-appropriate curriculum, which reflects observations and goals of individual children
• Maintain a safe and nurturing classroom environment in which children can learn and grow by following health and safety rules, classroom routines, and procedures
• Use a variety of activities and play (songs, stories, media, structured games, art, outdoor activities, etc.) to motivate and stimulate children’s abilities
• Work in adherence to all classroom licensing requirements under the Minnesota DCYF, Chapter 9503 (Rule 3)
• Follow and comply with teaching standards and safety regulations

Teamwork

• Work collaboratively with other staff as it relates to curriculum, events, and all workings of the Cornwell Early Learning Center
• Support organizational mission, philosophies, values, goals, and policies
• Participate actively with your peers through communication, collaboration, and curriculum planning
• Participate in regular staff meetings, staff training programs, supervisory sessions, and accept responsibility for aiding the development of positive team relationships as requested
• Adhere to agency policy, procedures, and a professional code of ethics
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Meet state requirements to qualify as a teacher or assistant teacher in a licensed childcare center
• Willing to learn and be trained on all aspects of our Center’s practices and procedures
• A commitment to working with children and families from diverse backgrounds in a developmental setting and a sincere desire to have a meaningful effect on their lives
• Demonstrated ability to reflect patience and flexibility with children, families, and co-workers
• Flexibility to work with different age groups and assist with breaks, staff absences, and daily program needs.
• Ability to effectively use computers and digital tools for documentation, communication, and required administrative tasks
• Demonstrates consistent reliability through attendance and communications.
• Spanish/English bilingual preferred

Additional eligibility qualifications:

• Ability to pass required state and company background checks
• Must be able to successfully complete required training for Minnesota DCYF Rule 3 Teacher or Aide qualifications, including yearly in-service requirements. We will provide this paid training during your first few days at work
• Must have reliable transportation

Education and Experience:

• At least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED
• Early childhood coursework, CDA, or additional training/accreditation preferred
• Previous Early Childhood experience preferred

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to take frequent walks, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools, or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels
• May also be required to kneel, bend, squat, or crawl
• Light to moderate lifting may be required
• Regular, predictable attendance is required

About Urban Ventures

Urban Ventures is a faith-based, nonprofit organization with the mission to educate children, strengthen their families, and build a healthy community. We partner with families in some of the most under-resourced neighborhoods of South Minneapolis with one overarching goal-to send every youth to college or some form of post-secondary education. Urban Ventures is committed to providing a workplace which promotes diversity and inclusion.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

About Urban Ventures

Urban Ventures is a faith-based nonprofit organization committed to educating children, strengthening families, and building a healthy community in South Minneapolis. Established in 1993, Urban Ventures walks alongside kids and families from cradle to career through early learning, youth development, athletics, family services, workforce training, and community events. We reach approximately 5,000 families every year, and our goal is to ensure every youth we serve pursues post-secondary education.

Position Overview

The Marketing and Communications Coordinator makes Urban Ventures' marketing and communications systems run week in and week out. They are a finisher and a maximizer, and love crossing the finish line. This role turns stories, briefs, and campaign direction into finished content across email, social media, web, blog, internal communications, and campaign channels. The coordinator keeps the editorial calendar moving, adapts quickly to tools and platforms, and helps more people connect to Urban Ventures' work while honoring the dignity of the families served.

Key Responsibilities:

• Turn program updates, participant stories, and campaign briefs into blog posts, web copy, and social content
• Move work through the editorial calendar, flag gaps, and keep the content pipeline on schedule
• Draft and send emails and other communications using established templates, segments, and editorial direction
• Follow up with program staff to gather photos, stories, and updates needed to keep content moving
• Sync weekly on editorial calendar priorities and upcoming content needs
• Write and schedule social media content across platforms
• Organize and maintain content production workflows across SharePoint and ClickUp so status and next steps are visible to the team
• Apply consistent tagging and tracking practices across campaigns to support reporting
• Create, refine, and post internal communications to SharePoint and other staff-facing channels
• Handle routine website updates including banners, event pages, program content, blog publishing, campaign landing pages, forms, and donation links
• Monitor basic site health and flag issues
• Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications or other related field preferred; additional relevant experience in lieu of degree will be considered
• Two to four years of experience in communications, marketing, or content production, with demonstrated ability to complete and ship work consistently
• Demonstrated ability to develop compelling and concise content; writing samples required, such as emails, social posts, or short articles produced by the candidate
• Nonprofit experience helpful but not required

Skills & Requirements

• Strong, fast, adaptable writing skills with the ability to match Urban Ventures' voice
• Ability to write for email, social media, web, blog, and campaign channels
• Highly organized and able to manage a multi-channel editorial calendar without dropping details
• Reliable, self-directed, and comfortable working from a monthly plan with weekly check-ins
• Quick study with digital tools and scheduling platforms
• Experience or ability to learn a variety of channels, platforms and technology tools. (Current environment leverages: Campaign Monitor, Buffer, Squarespace, Click Up, Salesforce, Microsoft, and Adobe products)
• Connection to or respect for the mission and community of South Minneapolis
• Spanish proficiency is a meaningful plus
• Successful completion of a legal background check
• Reliable transportation to and from work and in-person presence

Schedule & Availability

• 36-hour work week
• Full-time, in-person role on the Urban Ventures campus in Minneapolis, MN
• Weekly check-ins with the Senior Head of Marketing and Communications

Comprehensive Benefits Package includes:

Health, Dental, Vision, 401k Retirement plan with Employer Match up to 2%; LTD, STD, Life Insurance, paid time off, and Employee Assistance Program.

EEO/Affirmative Action Statement

Urban Ventures is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Urban Ventures is a participant in the E-Verify program.

How to apply

Submit a resume and two or three writing samples (emails, social posts, or short articles you produced yourself) here. Cover letters optional. Shipped work says more.

Urban Ventures is a faith-based, nonprofit organization with the mission to educate children, strengthen their families, and build a healthy community. We partner with families in some of the most under-resourced neighborhoods of south Minneapolis with one overarching goal-to send every youth to college or some form of post-secondary education. Urban Ventures is committed to providing a workplace which promotes diversity and inclusion. 

Job Summary

Lake Street Works (LSW) is Urban Ventures' workforce development program that equips young adults with the skills, character, and connections needed to launch successful careers in the skilled trades and other high-demand industries.

The director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for LSW, ensuring high-quality student experiences and strong outcomes. This role turns organizational priorities into effective program execution by leading people, managing operations, strengthening partnerships, and driving continuous improvement. The director is a collaborative, highly organized leader who builds systems, develops people, creates accountability, solves problems, and anticipates future program needs while maintaining excellence in daily execution.

A member of the Senior Directors Team

This role will be part of the Senior Director Team at Urban Ventures. The Senior Director at Urban Ventures is responsible for overseeing and managing the organization's programs. In addition to direct program management, the Senior Director provides leadership, supervision, and accountability for assigned directors, ensuring high-quality execution and alignment with organizational priorities.

Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team and fellow Senior Directors, this role helps shape and implement program strategy that emphasizes our commitment to participant-centered service, a culture of excellence and care among staff, and the achievement of measurable outcomes that drive forward Urban Ventures’ mission, vision, and Big Goal.

As a key organizational leader, the Senior Director plays a critical role in influencing high-level programmatic decisions, fostering cross-departmental collaboration, and championing innovation and continuous improvement across all areas of responsibility.

As a Senior Director, you will:  

• Provide direct leadership, supervision, and support to assigned program leaders and staff, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration. 
• Lead hiring, onboarding, training, and professional development efforts for program staff, ensuring clear role expectations and alignment with Urban Ventures’ values.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and feedback to support continuous growth and development. 
• Ensure program leads are equipped to effectively lead their teams by providing clear direction, performance support, and development opportunities. 
• Facilitate weekly team meetings to promote accountability, communication, and cross-program collaboration. 
• Identify challenges and lead timely, informed problem-solving and decision-making that supports organizational goals. 
• Establish and monitor measurable program goals and key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring consistent progress and impact across all programs. 
• Oversee accurate and timely data entry in Salesforce and other systems to support evaluation and reporting needs. 
• Collaborate with program leads on annual budgeting processes; monitor ongoing adherence to financial guidelines and procedures. 
• Partner with Advancement staff and actively participate in fundraising efforts to support program sustainability and growth. 
• Uphold and model Urban Ventures’ mission, faith-based values, and policies, including safety standards and organizational procedures. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of Urban Ventures. 

Key Responsibilities (LSW)

Leadership, Management & Accountability

• Provide overall leadership for the Lake Street Works program, ensuring alignment with Urban Ventures' mission, strategic priorities, and organizational values.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and excellence.
• Provide leadership and direction for volunteers serving within Lake Street Works, and ensure volunteers are effectively trained, supported, and integrated into program activities. 
• Lead daily operations of the Lake Street Works program, ensuring high-quality implementation across all program components.

Strategic Planning & Program Development

• Develop and implement annual program goals aligned with Urban Ventures' strategic priorities.
• Evaluate program performance using goals and identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and participant outcomes.
• Collaborate with organizational leadership on long-range planning and continuous improvement initiatives.

Operations & Program Excellence

• Ensure operational systems, processes, and procedures support efficient program delivery.
• Monitor enrollment, student engagement, attendance, retention, completion, and placement outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Enrollment Lead and other staff to ensure strong recruitment, onboarding, and student support.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, grant requirements, and program standards.
• Solve operational challenges proactively and implement systems that improve efficiency.

Finance & Administration

• Approve expenditures and monitor purchasing within budget guidelines.
• Maintain accurate documentation and administrative records.
• Collaborate with Finance and Advancement teams on budget planning and reporting.

Data, Evaluation & Grant Reporting

• Establish systems for collecting accurate program data and outcomes.
• Analyze program performance using key metrics to drive decision-making.
• Provide timely reports and outcome data for grants, funders, board reporting, and organizational leadership.
• Ensure grant compliance and adherence to organizational financial policies.
• Utilize program evaluation findings to improve participant outcomes and program effectiveness.

Industry & Community Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with construction employers, unions, apprenticeship programs, technical colleges, and workforce partners.
• Represent Lake Street Works within the community and construction industry.
• Develop opportunities for internships, work experiences, job shadowing, mentorships, and employment placement.

Qualifications

Required

• Five or more years of progressive leadership experience managing programs and supervising staff.
• Demonstrated success leading teams and developing people.
• Strong operational and organizational leadership skills.
• Experience managing budgets and administrative systems.
• Experience using data to improve program outcomes.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to youth development and Urban Ventures' mission.

Preferred

• Experience in workforce development, career pathways, or youth employment programs.
• Understand construction trades, apprenticeship systems, or skilled trades industry.
• Experience working with grants and outcome reporting.
• Experience building partnerships with employers and community organizations.
• Knowledge of Minneapolis workforce systems and postsecondary pathways.

Urban Ventures is a faith-based, nonprofit organization with the mission to educate children, strengthen their families, and build a healthy community. We partner with families in some of the most underresourced neighborhoods of south Minneapolis with one overarching goal: to send every youth to college or some form of post-secondary education. Urban Ventures is committed to providing a workplace which promotes diversity and inclusion. 

Job Summary:

Established in 2018, Reading Plus helps students in grades 1-6 grow as readers. Literacy Instructors provide steady, systematic, multi-sensory literacy instruction to students who need support that goes beyond their classroom instruction. This targeted instruction takes place in one-on-one, small group, summer and after-school settings.

The Literacy Instructor helps students receive literacy support and class work help to stay on track in school. Support is provided in English. The program also focuses on developing character and healthy peer relationships.

Literacy Instructor+ Responsibilities:

• Plan individualized lessons that target students' specific literacy needs (phonemic awareness, letter sounds, syllabication, etc.) 
• Teach steady, systematic, multi-sensory lessons using the Orton Gillingham reading approach based on student needs
• Maintain accurate timekeeping - record work start and end times precisely as they occur
• Record weekly attendance and other flex tasks by end of day on Fridays
• Assess student progress at least 3 times a year and record data in a timely, organized fashion. Complete Literacy Intervention Progress Reports for each student to share with partner school, teachers and families (Fall, Winter and Spring) 
• Build positive relationships with students, partner school staff and families, including but not limited to regular updates regarding student progress, attending conferences, attending school events, attending extracurricular activities, participating in classroom activities, etc.
• Meet frequently with Reading Plus Director to reflect, collaborate, troubleshoot, etc. (Prior to the school year and summer program, schedule will be determined according to program and partner needs/capacity)
  
• Meet quarterly with the Reading Plus team to reflect, collaborate and troubleshoot
• Attend on-site and off-site literacy trainings
• Help plan and execute Reading Plus events in collaboration with school partners and/or Urban Ventures programs (Me & My Baby classes for families, CELC teacher professional development, Reading Race, Teacher Appreciation, National Night Out, etc.)
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission and sustainability of Urban Ventures
• Adherence to agency policy, procedures and a professional code of ethics.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to work independently, complete assigned tasks, manage both teaching and prep work with reliability and flexibility
• Willingness to go above and beyond in forming relationships with students, families and partners
• Ability to speak, read, write and listen in English
• Desire and aptitude to be trained and certified in Orton Gillingham through The Reading Center (Training provided and funded with 2-year commitment)
• Driver's License
• Personal vehicle to travel to and from schools
• Clean driving record to use Urban Ventures vehicles for student transportation as needed 

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Experience with child ages PreK-6th 

Education and Experience: 

• BA/BS in Education is preferred
• Experience effectively working in a multi-ethnic, multi-racial urban community 

Physical and Environmental Requirements: 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work
• Light to moderate lifting may be required
• Regular, predictable attendance is required 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

None 

Work Location:  

Urvan Ventures Youth Hub based at 3016 Fourth Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Partner Schools

Emerson, Friendship Academy, Green Central, Hope Academy and Risen Christ 

Travel: 

• Occasional travel to work functions
• Frequent travel to partner schools  

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.