Have you ever wondered how YouthBiz manages to stay connected with the neighborhood? Or who are the strong supporters behind our youth leaders? It takes a team… or better yet a family to make a difference in the community.

At YouthBiz, we have been blessed to work with one of the strongest women we know, who has a passion for working with and for youth and has a life-long commitment to working toward social justice. Sonya Garcia Ulibarri has been the Executive Director at YouthBiz since 2007 and will be transitioning out of the position at the end of 2011. She has made a strong presence in the community, the organization, and the lives of many individuals.

You better believe Sonya has been there for those who needed a simple smile to get their day going, for those who needed a letters of recommendation for colleges and scholarships, and has always kept her door open for the community.

Like others, I have great memories with Sonya and am sure we will continue to be friends. The time she took the youth leaders to Disneyland, the parent shout-outs at the YouthBiz graduations, the community events, Seven Falls outing, the Diamonds in the Rough Golf Tournament, Bash at the Biz, the 5k in 5points, we have all had great memories with Sonya.

Words cannot express the gratitude the YouthBiz family feels when they think about the hard work Sonya Garcia Ulibarri has done for the community and the organization itself – And for that we thank you Sonya.

We wish you the best for the future and are so grateful for your work and time at YouthBiz!

By Daisy Rocha, Youth Marketing & Fundraising Intern

“Jonathan is a small kid, but whatever the situation is, he will step up as a leader,” says Tier 2 Crew Leader Brittany. As a small youth, Jonathan will make his presence known because of his out going personality, visions for his future, and passion to learn. He plans to attend CSU Pueblo. “I want to become a pediatric because I like to volunteer and help kids with cancer.” After Tier 2 Jonathan plans to stay involved with YouthBiz anyway he can.

“I value YouthBiz because not only are the Crew Leaders there to teach, but to make sure you succeed,” he explains.

Over the twelve week course in Tier 2 Jonathan has accomplished his goal of overcoming his shyness. He was also a youth model at this years’ Bash at the Biz.

Apart from volunteering Jonathan loves to play soccer, get adventurous with his artistic side, and play video games.

By Daisy Rocha, Youth Marketing & Fundraising Intern

We all know it; interviews are one of the hardest things to do. Those straight glares from the people across the table, sweaty palms, and most importantly making those good first impressions, but that’s not the case at YouthBiz. In out tier 1 program, our youth have learned the fundamentals for a business interview.

“The most nervous part of the interview process was waiting to be called into the room because I had to apply what I learned into the mock interview,” says thirteen year old Mark Sokolaj of Tier 1. During their week of mock interview preparations the youth learned how to answer interview questions, what items to bring, confirm their interviews ahead, and how to dress for an interview.

“It’s important for the youth to learn how to do well in interviews because not only are they for important for job and career opportunities, but for future college and scholarship interviews that will help them in the future,” says Tier 1 Crew Leader Amber Roberts.

After recollecting their thoughts about their mock interviews thirteen year old Daniel Eyassu said, “I will be more confident for my next interview.”

By: Daisy Rocha, Marketing & Fundraising Intern

We need you to help us reach our goal of raising $25,000 for YouthBiz programs on Colorado Gives Day on December 6, 2011.  YouthBiz has teamed up with the Community First Foundation and FirstBank to raise millions for Colorado charities over the 24 hour period.

Download Job Description >

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

YouthBiz, Inc. is a 19-year old youth development agency headquartered in Denver’s Five-Points neighborhood. With a mission to advance the social and economic empowerment of youth through a focus on entrepreneurship, education, and community leadership, the organization serves 500 middle and high school youth each year. Utilizing a peer-led and incentive-based approach, YouthBiz provides youth with unique and effective after-school and summer programs that strengthen educational achievement, encourage entrepreneurship, and develop aware and responsible leaders.

In 2011, the organization began the implementation of a three-year strategic plan aimed at building capacity, strengthening impact, and preparing for future expansion. YouthBiz has a strong reputation as a leader in Denver’s youth development community and seeks a dynamic Executive Director to provide visionary leadership for this work.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors (currently 11 members) and provides overall leadership and management to support the vision and mission of YouthBiz, including the consistent delivery of quality programs and successfully achieving financial objectives. Working closely with the Board, the Executive Director is responsible for the implementation of the strategic plan and is responsible for the planning, oversight, and evaluation of programs, administration, and development, while providing day to day management of the organization. The Executive Director manages a current budget of approximately $850,000 and a staff of ten.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Leadership and Accountability.

1.     Assure that the organization has a long-range strategic plan for achieving its mission and evaluate progress toward goals.
2.     Provide leadership in developing program, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff, and carry out Board authorized policies and plans.
3.     Play a key role in revenue development, donor cultivation and stewardship. Increase and manage a portfolio of major donors and supporters of the organization.
4.     Provide visionary leadership and management toward maintaining a strong positive and inclusive organizational culture.
5.     Serve in the community as a liaison to partnerships and coalitions related to youth development issues.
6.     Maintain a working knowledge of research and trends in youth issues and development.
7.     Promote active and broad participation by Board members, supporters and volunteers in all areas of the organization.
8.     Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.

Community Relations

1.     Serve as lead spokesperson for the organization in media venues and opportunities.
2.     Create and strengthen sound working relationships and cooperative agreements with program partners, neighbors, community leaders and organizations.
3.      Publicize the activities of the organization.

Team

1.     Oversee the recruitment, employment, training and release of all paid and unpaid personnel.
2.     Ensure that sound human resource practices are vigilantly used including job descriptions, annual performance appraisals, ongoing coaching, mentoring and training.
3.     Manage and support an effective management team.
4.     Encourage the professional development for staff and volunteers.
5.     Maintain a flexible climate that attracts, retains and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people who are committed to the mission.
6.     Maintain policies to ensure the legal and regulatory compliance of the organization and the safety of its constituents.

Budget and Finance

1.     Develop and maintain sound financial policies and practices.
2.     Work with the staff, Finance Committee and board in creating a board-approved budget.
3.     Operate the organization within budget guidelines.
4.     Provide sound and prudent oversight of all organizational assets.
5.     Ensure that adequate funds are available for the organization to carry out its mission and programs.
6.     Conduct official correspondence of the organization, and execute legal documents.

QUALIFICATIONS

A successful candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Minimum five (5) years of successful leadership in the nonprofit sector, with an emphasis in youth-related issues preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in organizational management including finance, fundraising, operations and working with a board of directors.
• Experience leading and growing a professional staff team.
• Genuine commitment to working for the success of youth and community; ability to develop meaningful relationships with youth.
• Strong understanding of entrepreneurial education and small business development.
• Experience working in a diverse environment, with diverse constituents.
• Track-record of developing and leading successful partnerships and collaborations.
• Strong inter-personal skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Proven ability in public speaking and desire to be one the key public “face” of the organization.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

A successful candidate will be someone who:

• Is people-oriented, flexible and open to new ideas.
• Able to work under pressure, resolve conflict with ease and be open to feedback from adults and youth alike.
• A visionary thinker who understands the role of collaboration and partnership in delivering quality youth programs and services.
• Has the ability to operate independently and is self-motivated, yet recognizes the importance of teamwork, collaboration and utilizes their team when making critical decisions.
• Is resourceful and able to build strong relationships with supporters.
• Has a proven track record of achieving assigned tasks utilizing a proactive approach to problem solving and ability to influence credible change in current processes.
• Is passionate about the mission of YouthBiz and can inspire other to be as well.

EDUCATION
A Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience is preferred.

COMPENSATION

This position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes: health, dental, vision, and paid time off.

TRAVEL/OTHER REQUIREMENTS
This is a full-time position that will require occasional evening and weekend work, as well as travel by car throughout the Denver metro area.

LOCATION
This position will be located at YouthBiz’s headquarters at 3280 Downing Street, Suite C, Denver, CO 80205. 

ADDITIONAL
People of color and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

TO APPLY
Please submit the following documents to employment@youthbiz.org no later than Friday, November 18^th by 5:00 pm MST:

• Cover Letter Highlighting Qualifications and Salary Requirements
• Current Resume
• Three Professional References
• Salary Requirements

If we find your skills match those of the position, we will contact you for an interview.

YouthBiz is dedicated to equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all of its employees and applicants for employment.

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is 6:30 am and twenty eight degrees outside with only an hour and a half to go until doors open at 8:00 a.m. Wearing layers upon layers of clothing, it was going to be a long morning as the snow began to pick up around 7:30 a.m. But determined to stay warm and see him speak at my campus, it was an opportunity I was not going to pass by.

Several thousand students were all eager to hear and see President Barack Obama talk at our campus as part of his American Jobs Act tour.

There is nothing better than someone who is interested in helping us deal with our student loan difficulties. On October 26, President Obama came to Auraria Campus and spoke about the hardship he and his wife, Michelle had while paying $120,000 in student loans and still saving money for his daughters’ college fund. President Barack Obama knows what it is like to pay those dreadful loans and the importance of education.

“And the very fact — the very fact that you are here, investing in your education, the fact that you’re going to college, the fact that you’re making an investment in your future tells me that you share my faith in America’s future. You inspire me — your hopes and your dreams and your opportunities,” he shared.

In his speech, he spoke about the importance of a college education, but how it has never been more expensive. Ridiculously enough, the average college graduate leaves college with a $24,000 debt. With fewer jobs available to pay those student loans, Obama has come up with an answer to this challenge. As of 2012, maximum payments on student loans will reduce from 15 percent of their annually income to 10 percent. And give students a simple fact sheet to let then know how they can pay for college, which is going to be called, “Know Before You Owe. ” So as this action takes effect next year, it will help millions of students across the country.

But how is this relevant to the young people who come to YouthBiz? At YouthBiz, students take specific courses like College and Career Readiness. As YouthBiz alumni, I feel it is important to teach other youth in the community what they can expect through the college process. In Tier II, students research colleges, career interests, and go on job shadows. Crew Leaders prepare them for the real world and enhance how important it is to go to college. Many of our youth have dreams to become entrepreneurs, pediatricians, teachers, and lawyers. Giving them that extra background knowledge in how to academically and financially pay for college, they are equipped to succeed and pursue their dreams. Personally, taking that extra time to research and ask questions about how to pay for college goes along way. But the most valuable piece that a youth at YouthBiz can do is taking that time to invest in their future.

By: Daisy Rocha, Marketing & Fundraising Intern

See photos from Bash on our Facebook page >

Photography & Video by Revert Photo

Lights, camera, action! What a night it was at the Bash at the Biz fashion show gala. Friends, family, and sponsors of YouthBiz gathered for a night of fabulous fashion and fun. Bash supports programs based on entrepreneurship, education and community leadership skills for Denver youth. Many of our youth leaders strutted the runway alongside adult entrepreneurs and community leaders.

“The atmosphere at Bash is always full of energy,” says Program Coordinator, Ana Angeles. The night began with delicious food, music, and fun group photos. “It was cool to see the youth interact with the YouthBiz community,” says Youth Supervisor D’Vonte Johnson. “It gives them an opportunity to step away from their comfort zone and connect with the sponsors and friends of YouthBiz.”

Thirty minutes before show time, all youth and adult models gathered backstage to pump each other up. We all know it’s not easy to walk down the runway, but these youth leaders made it happen. Hosted by Natalie Tisdale (KWGN’s Everyday Show) the show was on its way. Featured fashion from Blush Boutique, Alicia the Boutique, MODA and Rockmount Ranch Wear and Rawh Expressions, along with jewelry from Jaala Jewels and Revelry Jewels glammed the night. With special guests Albus Brooks – City Council District 8, Jan Mazotti – ICOSA Magazine, and many more it was most definitely a night to remember!

Yum! Ending the night with delicious cupcakes provided by the Denver Cupcake Truck, Bash at the Biz is an unforgettable night! Don’t forget to join us next year and find us on Facebook and Twitter for our latest updates!

By: Daisy Rocha, Marketing & Fundraising Intern

YouthBiz Youth Leader D’Vonte Johnson shares what he enjoys about being a Youth Leader, the challenges, and what he learned from the leaders that taught him.