Executive Director Intern Servant Leadership & Health Equity

# EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR INTERN: SERVANT LEADERSHIP & ADVOCATE FOR
MENTAL HEALTH
*Integrating the Voice Up Theory for Learning with Melvin L. Burks' Leadership Legacy*

## POSITION OVERVIEW
The Executive Director Intern will lead the integration of the Voice Up Theory for Learning with the Titan of Life leadership development program, leveraging Melvin L. Burks' inspirational life story to promote mental health awareness and purpose-driven leadership. This role bridges personal narrative, evidence-based mental health education, and innovative programming to reduce stigma and develop authentic leaders who connect their learning to deeper purpose.

## ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
The Titan of Life Project, inspired by the life and leadership of Melvin L. Burks (President/CEO of Hamilton Center), transforms mental health education through immersive, flexible incubator programs designed to accommodate diverse schedules and learning preferences. The recent integration with the Purpose Fellowship superhero initiative creates an opportunity to connect mental health concepts with engaging character-based learning experiences for all ages.

## PARTICIPATION OPTIONS

### Three Ways to Participate:
All team members have the opportunity to progress towards a paid stipend as their ideas are refined and developed, with potential advancement to independent contractor status.

1. **Volunteer Track:** Contribute your talents while building valuable leadership experience and expanding your network. Perfect for those seeking to make an impact alongside other commitments.

2. **Academic Credit:** Earn credit at your institution while leading real-world change. We'll work with your school's specific requirements to ensure the experience meets academic guidelines.

3. **Paid Fellowship:** Selected candidates with strong social impact project proposals may receive stipends of $500-$750 monthly. These opportunities are secured case-by-case through partnerships between Voice Up and potential sponsors. Requires commitment to a 3-4 month specific project.

**All options include:**
- 100% remote, 100% flexible scheduling
- 5-10 hours weekly commitment
- Full mentorship and leadership development
- No minimum semester requirement
- Potential to progress to independent contractor status ($20-$30/hour for up to 15 hours weekly)

## CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

### Program Development & Integration
- Coordinate the three-tiered leadership incubator programs (1-Week Immersion, 2-Week Development, 4-Week Transformation)
- Apply Voice Up Theory principles to help participants find their spark and discover what truly matters to them in mental health advocacy
- Develop age-appropriate mental health vocabulary materials using Melvin Burks' protective leadership model and storytelling approach
- Integrate the Purpose Fellowship superhero cohort with the Titan of Life curriculum, connecting the five core principles (patience, humility, precision, collaboration, empathy) with Melvin's life lessons
- Create frameworks that help participants connect their learning directly to their purpose, making mental health education more meaningful and impactful

### Curriculum Enhancement
- Design learning experiences that encourage participants to discover their natural interests in mental health advocacy
- Create content that helps participants connect their learning to issues they genuinely care about, fostering intrinsic motivation
- Develop activities that enhance empathetic listening skills and consideration of diverse perspectives
- Build modules that teach participants to communicate complex mental health concepts clearly to different audiences
- Facilitate connections between participants and supportive mentors who can challenge and nurture their growth

### Purpose Fellowship Superhero Integration
Design a cohort integration program connecting the Purpose Fellowship superheroes with the Titan of Life methodology:

#### Superhero Integration Framework
1. **Patience Masters (Sequoia Dawn & Desert Flame)**
  - Connect their patience powers with Melvin's early lessons about waiting and persistence
  - Help participants find their spark in developing patience as a mental health skill
  - Create curriculum showing how patience supports emotion regulation

2. **Humility Masters (River Sage & Monsoon Voice)**
  - Link humility powers with Melvin's lessons from his brother's sacrifice
  - Help participants discover what matters to them about serving others
  - Create activities demonstrating how listening to others' experiences reduces stigma

3. **Precision Masters (Mountain Heart)**
  - Connect precision power with Melvin's attention to detail learned from Mama Gret
  - Develop activities showcasing how clearly sharing precise information builds trust
  - Create curriculum showing how precision in communication promotes mental wellness

4. **Collaboration Masters (Mist Weaver & Aurora Guide)**
  - Link collaboration powers with Melvin's family clan experience
  - Develop activities showing how support circles enhance learning and growth
  - Create learning experiences demonstrating how collaboration builds psychological safety

5. **Empathy Masters (Heritage Bloom & Rain Forest Heart)**
  - Connect empathy powers with Melvin's natural protective instincts
  - Develop activities encouraging really listening to others' perspectives
  - Create curriculum showing how empathy transforms mental health conversations

### Cross-Program Initiative: "Cloud of Doubt" Integration
- Design a program connecting the Purpose Fellowship's "Cloud of Doubt" narrative with real mental health challenges
- Create activities where participants identify their personal doubts and develop trust chains to overcome them
- Establish community-based trust-building activities that help participants connect learning to social impact

### Community Engagement & Evaluation
- Build partnerships with mentors and community organizations that expand support circles for participants
- Develop evaluation metrics that assess how effectively participants connect learning to deeper purpose
- Document success stories showing how the integrated approach transforms mental health understanding
- Create opportunities for participants to share their learning in ways that address community needs
- Design family engagement resources that apply Voice Up principles to mental health conversations

## QUALIFICATIONS

### Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree required in psychology, education, public health, social work, or related field (Master's preferred)
- Minimum 2 years' experience in mental health education, curriculum development, or related field
- Demonstrated experience applying purpose-driven learning approaches in educational settings
- Background in storytelling, narrative-based education, or therapeutic communication preferred
- Experience working with diverse populations and age groups

### Knowledge & Skills
- Strong understanding of developmental psychology and age-appropriate learning approaches
- Excellent communication skills with ability to explain complex concepts to different audiences
- Proficiency in curriculum design and implementation across multiple formats
- Knowledge of mental health literacy principles and evidence-based education methods
- Skilled in facilitating conversations about sensitive topics with diverse populations
- Ability to work remotely while maintaining strong community connections
- Comfort with digital learning platforms and virtual collaboration tools

### Personal Qualities
- Natural curiosity and passion for helping others discover their purpose
- Empathetic listener who considers diverse perspectives
- Effective communicator who can explain complex ideas clearly without oversimplification
- Connector who builds meaningful support networks
- Self-directed learner who finds personal meaning in education

## CORE VALUES ALIGNMENT
The ideal candidate will demonstrate personal alignment with values exemplified by both Melvin L. Burks and the Voice Up Theory:

- **Discovering Spark & Purpose**: Personal commitment to helping others find meaningful direction
- **Protection & Dignity**: Belief in creating emotionally and psychologically safe learning environments
- **Listening & Communication**: Skill in fostering spaces where diverse perspectives are valued
- **Service & Community**: Dedication to improving well-being through education and connection
- **Authentic Leadership**: Willingness to share personal narrative as a teaching tool

## PROJECT TIMELINE
This one-year internship follows the established annual competition timeline:
- **June-September 2025**: Creation Period (developing integrated curriculum, launching workshops, establishing mentorship connections)
- **October-November 2025**: Review Period (evaluating program impact, collecting participant feedback)
- **December 2025-May 2026**: Implementation Period (refining approach, expanding reach, preparing for next cycle)

## APPLICATION PROCESS
Qualified candidates should submit:
1. Resume/CV highlighting relevant experience
2. An example of your best writing.

## EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
The Titan of Life Project is committed to building diverse, inclusive communities and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.