Key Skills for a Director of Programs at Minds Matter Southern California
Shalin, a Director of Programs, emphasizes the critical importance of "communication and social skills" in their role, citing the need to interact with diverse groups—students, volunteers, families, and partners—adapting communication styles to build strong relationships. This necessitates strong leadership skills, including "facilitating meetings" and acting as a resource for the team.
Communication, Leadership, Relationship Building, Teamwork, Social Skills
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Shalin Craig
Director of Programs
Minds Matter Southern California
University of California, Berkeley, 2015
N/A
Ethnic & Related Studies
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Education
Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Excellent communication and social skills are crucial for building relationships with students, volunteers, families, and partners. Adaptability in communication style is key to navigating diverse situations.
2. Leadership skills are essential for facilitating meetings, guiding teams, and acting as a resource and expert for those being supported.
3. Comfort in taking a leadership role and running with tasks when appropriate is important for success in this position
Transcript
What skills are most important for a job like yours?
A couple of skills come to mind. The first ones that come to mind are definitely communication and social skills.
Relationships are super important, and in any given day, I may be talking to students, volunteers, families, or partners. The ability to navigate those different situations, adapt my communication style, and be approachable is crucial.
Being able to build strong relationships with a wide variety of people from all ages, backgrounds, and relationships to the work I do is also very important. This can be fun and exciting, though it can also come with challenges. So, communication and social skills are the first things that come to mind.
In addition to that, in a leadership position, a lot of my time is spent leading and guiding teams. This means being comfortable facilitating meetings, being seen as an expert on certain things, and comfortable taking on a leadership role. It's about running with things when appropriate and being a resource to the people I'm supporting.