Director Of Youth Development

The Director of Youth Development is a critical position within HSVS’ American Dream Program and Office of Youth Development. The Director of Youth Development will provide direct supervision to Coach Supervisors, Coaches, and Specialists in their work with young people, and serve as the external face of the program. HSVS is looking for an innovative, inspirational leader that has a passion for working with youth, and child welfare professionals.

The Director of Youth Development will be able to support the implementation and model fidelity of the Fair Futures goals and steps framework. The Director of Youth Development will supervise a team of Fair Futures Coaches, Specialist, and Coach Supervisors. The Director of Youth Development will supervise the data collection and entry of their team and manage the administrative systems for the entire Youth Development team at HSVS. The Director will work closely with other departments within HSVS, and external stakeholders such as ACS, Advocates for Children, and the Center for Fair Futures. They will be expected to create a calm, trauma-informed environment, and use a non-judgmental, strengths-based, and collaborative approach to working with youth and direct reports. The Director of Youth Development will report directly to the Vice President of Youth Development and Community Programs.

Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions of Position:

• Partner externally to develop workforce, internship, and career exposure partnerships.
• Strong experience using data to monitor program outcomes; Have strong budgeting and fiscal skills.
• Serve as the Tutoring Provider liaison, and ensure all tutoring invoices for all educational programs are paid on time each month.
• Represents the organization both within and outside of the work environment in a manner that promotes the mission, vision and values of the agency. Personally, adheres to organizational mission, vision and values, in addition to all other agency policies and procedures.
• Uses positive approaches when handling difficult situations. Avoids gossip and negative discussions. Remains flexible and adapts to change.
• Maintains professional demeanor; Be a self-directed, strategic thinker.
• Lead and works well under pressure; Meets deadlines.
• Facilitate and lead bi-weekly team meetings with Youth Development staff.
• Promote a youth development philosophy and framework and work cross-divisionally to infuse youth development principals and skills across the program and agency.
• Support staff in developing strong relationships with young people.
• Supervise Fair Futures staff such as Coach Supervisors, Specialist, and Coaches.
• Ensure that efficient administrative procedures are in place within the program and that financial and physical resources are effectively used.
• Monitor progress notes on the Care4 Platform and Connections.
• Create a warm, inclusive, strength-based, non-judgmental and trauma-informed culture.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with community and governmental stakeholders.
• Oversee the creation and facilitation of workshops for all K-College youth.
• Serves as role model for program participants. Abides dress code. Conducts self in a professional manner at all times.
• Collaborate with VP of Youth Development to complete grant progress reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Serve as the outward face of the program with both public and private stakeholders.
• Facilitate a harmonious relationship among staff; Value and promote diversity.
• Ensure all Coaches, Supervisors, and Specialists receive the proper trainings.
• Participates in in-service trainings and on-site workshops as required for professional growth and development. Attends external trainings and workshops at direction of management.
• Attend and participate in all ACS, Advocates for Children, Fair Futures trainings, meetings, and professional development opportunities.
• Serve as a Staples, Gift Card, Records, American Paper and Supply and MetroCard Custodian.
• Monitor youth goals & steps and key academic data monthly.
• In addition to responsibilities below, performs all other duties as assigned.
• Remains sensitive and responsive to cultural differences of program participants and staff.
• Build external partnerships and meet with funders and government partners;
• Provide trauma informed support to staff to reduce stress and build resiliency.
• Ensure model fidelity of the Fair Futures framework and Bottom Line College Success Curriculum.

• Ability to navigate complex educational issues, be resourceful, and work independently
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must.
• Operating Skills - flexibility in working on assignments, stays on task and meets deadlines, strong analytical skills, creative and critical thinker, and ability to stay organized. Experience and confidence with working with data, and ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Experience required with leading workshops and trainings
• Computer Skills - excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office 365
• Experience preferred in college access and college success programs.
• Personal & Interpersonal Skills - self-motivated, team player, able to relate with teens and young adults, able to manage stress, and able to see value in and promote diversity in others. Passionate about delivering friendly, flexible, compassionate, and effective services to youth in foster care. Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners. Engaging public speaker. Ability to manage events and workshops.
• Flexibility with traveling to the five boroughs
• Experience required with special education, education team meetings, and student advocacy.
• Master's degree or equivalent
• Full-time-35-40 hours per week with flexibility to work evenings and weekends
• Experience working with students and families in foster care is strongly preferred
• 2+ years working with youth or with the NYC DOE in an instructional, administration, or advocacy-related position.

Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP);
• Rewarding Work in a team environment;
• Professional Development opportunities;
• Tuition Assistance Program;
• BJs Membership discount;
• Paid vacation, sick, personal days and holidays;
• 403(B) retirement plan with employer contribution;
• Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates & more.
• Health, dental, vision and life insurance;
• Employee Appreciation Programs and Events;
• Verizon Wireless Discount;
• Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit);