The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a national nonprofit public charity dedicated to finding permanent homes for the more than 140,000 children waiting in North America’s foster care systems. Created by Wendy’s® founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted, the Foundation implements evidence-based, results-driven national service programs, foster care adoption awareness campaigns and innovative grantmaking. 

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

In collaboration with the director, training, the training associate director guides the Foundation’s child-focused recruitment (CFR) training program; to assure fidelity to the child-focused recruitment model with current contracted agencies while working with states and provinces to embed the child-focused recruitment model as best practice for field staff facilitating foster care adoptions; to train stakeholders to reduce barriers to permanency in jurisdictions implementing the child-focused recruitment model; to aggressively work toward the goal of dramatically increasing adoptions from foster care through widespread replication of the child-focused recruitment model.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Facilitate and deliver the child-focused recruitment training to all Wendy’s Wonderful Kids (WWK) recruiters and supervisors
2. Schedule in-person CFR training, virtual CFR pre-training and execute contracts for logistics related to training while adhering to allocated budget
3. Conduct pre- and post- assessments of learners to demonstrate deeper understanding of the model
4. Research and identify child welfare state and national conference opportunities to further engage and educate child welfare professionals on the WWK program and other related topics. Submit conference proposals as approved by director, training; develop and deliver training curriculum 
5. Collect and analyze information on child welfare policy and practice that could impact and influence training curriculum development; contribute insights and recommendations in collaboration with team members
6. Leads the design, implementation, troubleshooting and updating of content in learning management system
7. Lead the development of additional training resources, including webinars, instructor-led courses and practice tools for enhancement of the CFR and other child welfare related education to the learning management system end user
8. Contribute to the development of curriculum to deepen understanding of the CFR model and related content, aligning with directives from the director, training and Foundation leadership 
9. In collaboration with director, training and the marketing and communications team, develop and execute the annual WWK Summit within the allotted budget; responsibilities include participating in internal cross-functional team meetings; lead outreach and management of professional speakers for the event; lead venue communications; prepare and monitor registration materials; apply for and manage CEUs; and develop curriculum to facilitate breakout sessions
10. Provides support for the training team; provides recommendations for resource and personnel needs and manages the fiscal accountability of training activities 
11. Collect and analyze information on child welfare policy and practice that could impact and influence training curriculum development
12. Perform other duties as necessary or assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

The following qualifications are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to serve in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

• Robust in-person and virtual training experience, preferably in a child welfare environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; adept with a variety of multimedia training platforms and methods; demonstrated ability to master new applications quickly
• Child welfare systems expertise, with an emphasis on foster care adoption 
• Proven ability to design, implement and deliver effective curriculum and training programs
• Capacity to operate and develop within a learning management system 
• Builds and maintains positive relationships internally and externally; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and in different situations
• Project management knowledge with a focus on coordinating or supporting event logistics
• Exemplifies the desired culture and values of the Foundation, demonstrating personal qualities of integrity, credibility and a strong commitment to the mission
• Flexible and able to multi-task; develops and manages various projects; ability to work within a fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and goal and evidence- based activities

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Undergraduate degree in social work or related field required, degree in social work (BSW, MSW, DSW/PhD) preferred 
• 4 years of experience in child welfare required, 5-8 preferred
• 2+ years of experience in foster care adoption preferred 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Frequent travel required

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, religious beliefs, political affiliation, creed, HIV/AIDS status, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, familial status, veteran/military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, prior arrest or any other category protected by applicable law. Any employee who engages in such conduct is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.