Mayan Families is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organisation based in Panajachel, Guatemala, which provides opportunities and assistance to the indigenous impoverished populations of Guatemala. Through a wide variety of programs that focus on education and community development, Mayan Families operates on the principle that all people should have access to the basic necessities of life.
About the Education Department:
At Mayan Families, we strongly believe that a good education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and can create a better future for children and their families. That is why we promote education by facilitating sponsorships for thousands of students who otherwise would not have a chance to attend school. We have over 3,500 students in our flagship Student Sponsorship Program and we run five Preschool Nutrition Centers serving indigenous Mayan communities.
Education Program Coordinator:
We are looking for a well-organised individual with excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail to support vital donor relations activities within the fast-paced Mayan Families education program. The ideal candidate will have plenty of energy, a positive disposition and the ability to deliver excellent customer service. The Education Program Coordinator will report to the Education Program Manager and work closely with other education staff in order to ensure the smooth-running of our school sponsorship program and excellent communications with all of our donors and sponsors.
Responsibilities
Donor Relations
Organize and facilitate donor visits to sponsored children’s communities and homes
Act as a guide, translator and liaison
Answer questions about Mayan Families, Guatemala, and indigenous culture acting as a bridge between visiting donors and local Guatemalans
Coordinate visits to Mayan Families’ 5 Preschool Nutritional Centers in rural locations
Answer donor questions and inquiries via email in a punctual manner
Keep sponsors up-to-date with information about students and their families
Assist in updating online student profiles when necessary
Work with the Education Program Accounts Manager to ensure that all donors have made payments for the current school year and to match up students with new sponsors
Coordination with Education Program Team
Create and maintain information in various sources (i.e.: database, website, spreadsheets)
Support events relating to the Guatemalan school year such as: school supply distribution, report cards, community service, Children’s Day, and graduation
Communicate with Guatemalan and foreign staff in the Education Program and other departments in both English and Spanish
Support fundraising and sponsorship campaigns for the education department
Other
Produce literature for various uses i.e.: newsletters, blogs, grants, presentations
Supervise and train interns and volunteers
Assist with tasks and duties as required, sometimes working outside of the Education Program
Required
Bachelor’s Degree or higher required. Preferred degrees include Education, International Development, Social Work, Non-Profit Management or related fields
Experience living and working in a cross-cultural setting preferably in Latin America or with indigenous people
Excellent communication skills both written and spoken in Spanish and English. Fluency in both languages required
Strong writing skills: able to write compelling stories, highly professional emails and communicate in a courteous manner
Exceptional interpersonal skills with an ability to maintain a professional and friendly manner when working with donors, clients, and staff and volunteers
Ability to work independently and as part of a team without close supervision
Flexibility: able to easily adapt to changing needs in a fast-paced work environment
Highly organized with strong administrative skills and an eye for detail
Ability to multi-task, meet critical deadlines, and provide excellent follow up
Preferred
Understanding of social and economic issues facing indigenous Guatemalans
Previous experience working or volunteering with a non-profit, ideally in Latin America
The successful applicant must be prepared to relocate to Panajachel, Guatemala for an initial period of 18 months. This position needs to be filled as soon as possible. We will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send cover letter and resume to: hr@mayanfamilies.org. Please put “Education Program Coordinator” in the subject line.