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 and the Bottom-Line College Success curriculum and resources. 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.

Supervises: High School Coaches, College Coaches, the Middle School Education Navigator, & Coach Supervisors

 Responsibilities and Essential Functions of Position:

• Remains sensitive and responsive to cultural differences of program participants and staff.
• 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.
• 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.
• Supervise Fair Futures staff such as Coach Supervisors, Specialist, and Coaches.
• Manage a small caseload of targeted service youth, and cover caseloads in the case there are Coach or Specialist vacancies.
• Promote a youth development philosophy and framework and work cross-divisionally to infuse youth development principals and skills across the program and agency.
• Ensure all Coaches, Supervisors, and Specialists receive the proper trainings.
• Attend and participate in all ACS, Advocates for Children, Fair Futures trainings, meetings, and professional development opportunities.
• Monitor youth goals & steps and key academic data monthly and provide trauma-informed coaching to targeted services youth.  Document coaching sessions on Connections and the Fair Futures Platform. 
• Monitor progress notes on the Care4 Platform and Connections for the youth development team.
• Serve as the outward face of the program with both public and private stakeholders.
• Partner externally to develop workforce, internship, and career exposure partnerships.
• Ensure that efficient administrative procedures are in place within the program and that financial and physical resources are effectively used.
• Serve as a Staples, Gift Card, Records, American Paper and Supply and MetroCard Custodian.
• Serve as the tutoring provider liaison, and ensure all tutoring invoices for all educational programs are paid on time each month. 
• Oversee the creation and facilitation of workshops for all K-College youth.
• Collaborate with VP of Youth Development to complete grant progress reports.
• Facilitate and lead bi-weekly team meetings with Youth Development staff. 
• Ensure model fidelity of the Fair Futures framework and Bottom Line College Success Curriculum.
• Create a warm, inclusive, strength-based, non-judgmental and trauma-informed culture.
• Facilitate a harmonious relationship among staff.
• Support staff in developing strong relationships with young people.
• Provide trauma informed support to staff to reduce stress and build resiliency.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with community and governmental stakeholders.
• Value and promote diversity; Maintain healthy boundaries.
• Remain calm during moments of tension and stress; Lead and work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Be a self-directed, strategic thinker.
• Build external partnerships and meet with funders and government partners.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Have strong experience using data to monitor program outcomes and strong budgeting and fiscal skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent minimum
• Two (2+) years experience working with youth or with the NYC DOE in an instructional, administration, or advocacy-related position.     
• Hybrid Work Schedule

Requirements: 

• 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.
• Ability to navigate complex educational issues, be resourceful, and work independently.
• Experience required with special education, education team meetings, and student advocacy.
• Experience required with leading workshops and trainings.
• Flexibility with traveling to the five boroughs.
• Experience preferred in college access and college success programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must.
• Computer Skills - excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and databases including Microsoft Access.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits:

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

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org. 

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