Impactful Voices Manager - Research & Evaluation (Personal Services)
LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for an Impactful Voices Manager to join our Research & Evaluation team! The Impactful Voices Manager advances meaningful youth and young adult engagement across LifeWorks by supervising former clients participating in the Impactful Voices initiative as Impact Specialists, as well as creating opportunities for all youth involved with the agency to contribute their voice and insights. This role supports staff in building capacity for authentic youth-adult partnerships, cultivates trust with and among youth, and ensures that youth voice is meaningfully integrated into Agency services, practices, policies, and decision-making. This position also collaborates with the broader Research & Evaluation team to conduct focus groups, interviews, and other research activities that capture youth feedback. Additionally, the Impactful Voices Manager builds external partnerships, expands civic engagement opportunities for youth, and supports youth in developing the skills to influence systems and drive changes in the community.
This full time, exempt position earns a competitive rate ranging from $60,363.95-$65,964.73 depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversees operations of LifeWorks Impactful Voices initiative including ensuring youth voice meaningfully influences Agency activities and Agency is accountable for responding to youth recommendations.
- Responsible for the hiring, orientation, training, supervision, evaluation, and dismissal of direct reports in accordance with Agency policies and procedures, including temporary employees and direct employees.
- Creates and coordinates opportunities for youth across LifeWorks programs to participate in youth voice efforts.
- Recruits LifeWorks programs and departments to develop placements for Impact Specialists.
- Recruits and interviews potential candidates for Impact Specialists positions and conducts reference checks.
- Hires, matches, and acts as a liaison between Impact Specialists and LifeWorks programs and departments of interest.
- Collaborates with the broader Research & Evaluation team to co-design and facilitate focus groups, interviews, and other participatory research methods that elevate youth perspectives and lived expertise.
- Coordinates and facilitates regular sessions with youth to provide feedback to program and department staff, build community, address relevant topics, develop skills and create space to learn from each other.
- Supports youth advisory groups across the organization, promoting alignment, collaboration, and effective youth engagement.
- Develops mechanisms to capture input on improvements and oversees distribution of recommendations.
- Develops and delivers training and coaching for young adults to promote their professional growth.
- Supports program and department staff with training, coaching and consultation to foster effective youth-adult partnerships and embed youth voice into services and decision-making.
- Cultivates and maintains partnerships with community organizations to expand youth engagement in civic life, public speaking, and advocacy efforts.
- Works with the Senior Director of Research & Evaluation to respond to and manage external requests for input from Impactful Voices.
- Partners with the broader Research & Evaluation Team to measure impact and incorporate feedback from Impact Specialists, department leads, and Agency stakeholders into future iterations.
- Represents youth voice at local and national conferences, and in workgroups/committees inside and outside of the Agency.
- Supports budget development, expense management, and grant compliance monitoring.
- Cultivates and maintains strategic partnerships with organizations that encourage and support youth voice.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Requires a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology or related field;
- Requires 4+ years related experience; or
- Equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Preferred 1+ years supervisory experience.
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite.
ABOUT LIFEWORKS
With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Our vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love.
We provide a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe home, the chance to heal, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem-solving, shared accountability, and evidence-based solutions, we are relentless in achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve.
A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow professionally while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in our community. Join us in building a future where every young person has the stability and support to thrive.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
