PathLight has an immediate opportunity for a Program Director in Belize.

Interested candidates may contact us at info@pathlight.org

Program Director, PathLight International

Reports to: 

Executive Director

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee & promote PathLight’s sponsorship, educational and service programs.

Participate in the development of new ministry opportunities that support PathLight’s mission.

Position Description:

The Program Director is responsible for the operation and development of PathLight’s' ministry programs in Belize. The director not only maintains the programs that exist today, but assesses their effectiveness and works to improve their quality and expand their size and scope. In addition, he or she looks for new program opportunities that would further PathLight’s mission to bring hope to the children of Belize. The director is expected to grow the organization as required. For example, in the early stages of our programs, the director will be very “hands on” working directly with students, parents and volunteers; then as the programs grow in scope and number, he or she would hire, train and oversee PathLight staff (or volunteers) to support the increased workload. Following is a list of key responsibilities.

Sponsorship Program

The goal of the Sponsorship program is to transform the lives of children at risk by providing them opportunities to grow both academically and spiritually. Regular formal and informal meetings with students will be required to develop relationships that can truly serve their needs as they work to be successful at school and life. The Program Director will:

1. Oversee new student selection based on grades, test scores, interviews with students and parents, and the recommendations of teachers and principals.

2. Monitor student performance, ensuring that all students maintain our standards for academic standing, citizenship, community service and participation in PathLight events and take appropriate corrective action for students who fall short of expectations.

3. Develop (or ensure that other PL staff develop) close relationships with students so that we can help them be successful in all aspects of their life including academic, physical, social, emotional and spiritual.

4. Ensure that all students are offered effective tutoring, mentoring, and discipling services.

5. Train and/or mentor other PL staff members or volunteers who work with the students to improve their ability form healthy and helpful relationships with the students.

6. Coordinate donor/student communication and provide other information about students and the sponsorship program that can be used for fundraising purposes and donor development.

Teacher Training Program

The goal of the teacher training program is to improve the quality of education in Belize and to promote, wherever possible, the integration of faith and learning in the classroom. The Program Director will:

1. Work with local principals and teachers to determine teacher training needs and opportunities. 

2. Partner with PathLight’s US staff to develop training topics and to schedule an annual teacher training conference and other training events throughout the year. 

3. Coordinate the logistics of teacher training events such as food, lodging, transportation, meeting facilities.

Short Term Service Groups

PathLight recruits teams for various types of service projects in rural villages. For construction/repair projects the director works with the Director of Jaguar Creek to develop service opportunities. For educational projects the director works with PathLight’s US staff as well as US Belizean principals and teachers to design and document educational service projects. 

While PathLight service groups are in Belize, the director works with the Belizean staff to ensure that the volunteers have an excellent experience. In addition to planning logistics such as transportation, meals and procurement of project supplies and materials, this may include presentation of information about Belize and PathLight and leading devotional sessions.

Relationships

We place a high value on personal relationships, realizing that is where God does his greatest work. The director is expected to develop healthy, caring relationships not only with the students, parents and teachers that we serve directly, but also with fellow staff members and volunteers. 

Development

While fundraising is not a core responsibility, the Program Director is expected to help PathLight find new donors and volunteers. From time to time the director communicates with existing or prospective donors and participates in presentations and other events. 

Communication and Initiative

With two offices based in two countries, clear and consistent communication is critical. For the US office, the director provides the “eyes and ears” for what is happening in Belize. The director will be expected to be timely in response to emails, and will participate in phone calls, internet chats, as well as “in person” meetings in the US and in Belize. Since the director has remote supervision much of the time, he or she is expected to take the initiative to identify and make the best use of his time.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate would be a mature Christian who has a passion for making secondary education and spiritual training available to children living in poverty. He or she would enjoy the challenges of working with young people and a proven ability to build caring, trusting relationships with them. Some experience in international mission work is required. Knowledge of Spanish is a plus, but not a requirement. 

-----------------------------------------

PathLight’s Mission, Vision and Values

PathLight Mission Statement

To serve children at risk in developing countries by providing educational opportunities which integrate faith and learning. We achieve this through student sponsorships that promote academic, spiritual and social development; culturally appropriate teacher training workshops; teacher placements in under-resourced communities; and short-term service projects that support the infrastructure of academic institutions.

PathLight Vision Statement

By offering hope through faith and learning to the children of the world who live in poverty, we see them spiritually transformed as they take every thought captive for Christ, we see them break the cycle of poverty as they explore the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and we see local and global communities renewed as these children grow into faithful leaders of character and integrity.

PathLight Values

The mission of PathLight is to serve children at risk in developing countries by providing educational opportunities that integrate faith and learning. PathLight embraces certain values in its effort to achieve this mission. To clarify the organizational culture and maintain the principles that our founders envisioned, the following broad points define the values of PathLight:

- PathLight values the mind of Christ and desires to reflect the heart of Christ in all relationships, including the children served, their parents, our staff, volunteers, donors, and partner organizations. PathLight relies on God to infuse the ministry with vision, energy and resources.

- PathLight values service with humility, showing dignity and gratitude to all. PathLight seeks to serve the children, families and communities that need educational resources; but also the staff, the donors, and the volunteers who sustain the organization.

- PathLight values personal relationships within the regional communities where it works. Within the larger global community of churches, academic institutions, government agencies, and likeminded non-profit organizations, relationships are built to strengthen and advance the mission of serving children at risk.

- PathLight values adaptability and embraces an entrepreneurial approach to problem solving. The challenges facing the world require innovation, and the recognition that being teachable is key to long-term success. PathLight embraces a pattern of strategic planning, action, evaluation, and improvement in our programs.

- PathLight values excellence because God values excellence. Everything that we do, create or control is meant to reflect quality and distinction. Most significantly, excellence is reflected in the faith and obedience of staff and volunteers.