Director of Youth Development

POSITION TITLE: Director of Youth Development

DEPARTMENT:  Youth Development

REPORTS TO:  SVP Support Services

SALARY:  $88,000 - $92,000 annually

LOCATION: 41st Shelter Site

Join a Legacy of Hope and Empowerment at Covenant House New York!

For over 50 years, Covenant House New York (CHNY) has been at the forefront of transforming lives by providing comprehensive shelter, housing, and wrap-around support services for vulnerable homeless, runaway, and exploited youth. As the largest provider of these essential services in New York City, CHNY impacts the lives of over 1,500 young people aged 16-24 every year.

At CHNY, our doors are open to all young people in need, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Our dedicated team offers various services, including shelter, housing, education, employment, health, mental health support, youth development, and anti-human trafficking initiatives. We operate with harm reduction and trauma-informed principles to ensure the best care for our youth.

But our mission goes beyond immediate support. We are passionate advocates for systemic change, influencing public policy, and raising awareness of the critical issues surrounding youth homelessness. Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe refuge and empower young people to build a brighter future founded on compassion, unconditional love, and absolute respect.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of countless young people. Join a team that inspires long-term transformation and hope.

Job Summary

The Director of Youth Development will provide department administration and staff supervision for the Youth Development arm of the Support Services Division. The Director will oversee the activities and support the work of the Youth Development department and supervision of programs coordinator(s), senior youth development specialist(s), in-kind donation specialist(s), recreation/drop specialist(s), department volunteers, and administrative support staff assigned to the youth development services department. The Director oversees all youth development, pastoral & LGBTQIA initiatives at Covenant House New York (CHNY). 

Reporting to the SVP of Support Services, the Director of Youth will collaborate with other divisional directors to create and support a seamless continuum of support services. The Director will also collaborate closely with staff in other departments to coordinate youth development, interface, and LGBTQIA+ programming as they align with the agency's mission and program priorities.

Duties & Responsibilities

(Responsibilities to include but not limited to the following)

• Youth Development, Interfaith Pastoral Services, and LGBTQIA Programs

  • Ensures high-quality and evidence-based youth development programming that is trauma-informed, builds resilience, improves performance, and enhances motivation for homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth ages 16-24.

  • Oversees the development and day-to-day operations of CHNY’s Youth Development and Interfaith Pastoral Services initiatives, providing opportunities for youth that include:

    • Life-Skills Training and Development

    • Restorative Justice 

    • Community Values

    • Health and Wellness through Creative Arts, Sports and Recreation, and Spiritual Care

    • Offsite Trips (in- and out-of-state)

    • Programming designed for LGBTQ youth and allies

    • Resident Council events and activities, awards for youth, holidays, etc.

    • In-Kind Donations

    • Community Outreach and Drop-in In Services

  • Collaborates with other program staff to develop and refine program protocols

  • Collaborates with performance measurement and compliance staff to manage goals and metrics for the program.

  • Leads in the planning, coordination, implementation, and management of the Spiritual Care services and programming for youth who are in residence at CHNY, as well as lead in planning and facilitating special observances (e.g., Memorial Services, Trans Day of Remembrance)

  • Oversees and manages the Youth Ambassador/Youth Intern program 

  • Leads in planning, coordinating, implementing, and managing programs and services to support LGBTIA youth, including during Pride Month. 

  • Oversees “Covendales,” CHNY’s clothing room for youth, and coordinates donations and purchases in response to youths’ needs, including but not limited to toiletries, grooming products, and anything needed to meet the unique needs of youth.

  • Oversees Community Outreach and Drop-In Services initiatives, ensuring that services meet the needs of youth served by these programs.

  • Collaborates with the Development and Communications team and Covenant House International to plan and manage fundraising and donor events that include CHNY youth.
     

• Administrative/Staff Management and Coaching

  • Hires, supervises, evaluates, develops, and ensures all Youth Development staff, including interns, are properly trained in Child Abuse Prevention, De-escalation, Boundaries, Evidence-Based Models, and Strength-Based/Trauma-Informed models of care.  

  • Works to ensure the team maintains a strong sense of accountability for achieving positive outcomes and complies with all CHNY policies and other entities' regulations and requirements around child protection.

  • Assists in crafting and managing departmental budgets.

  • Supports CHI and CHNY development teams' grant writing and fundraising initiatives.  

• Serves as a champion of new initiatives that are implemented within the programs.Embraces a data-driven culture that is outcomes-oriented and creatively responsive to programmatic challenges.

• Promotes a healthy, inclusive, equitable culture and a thriving, engaged staff.

• Always uphold CHNY's mission, vision, principles, standards of conduct, policies, and procedures. 

• Performs other duties as assigned and needed.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

• This position supervises the Professional and Support staff in the Youth Development Department.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred. Minimum of 5 years of Youth Development or related experience is required.  

• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience is required. 

• Minimum of 2 years of pastoral ministry service is a plus.

• At least three years of strong leadership/management experience and an upbeat, energetic demeanor are required.

• Familiarity with varying religious traditions to better serve youth and staff from diverse cultures and beliefs is a plus.

• Strong multi-tasking skills with the ability to manage multiple projects at once required.

• Excellent verbal, written, and problem-solving abilities required.

• Experience working with diverse groups is required.

• Strong mediation/de-escalation skills required.

• Bilingual is a plus.

• Overall flexibility in work schedule required, including weekends, evenings, and holidays 

• Ability to navigate and manage operations/teams housed in multiple locations. 

• Ability to travel frequently between multiple locations 

Benefits

Covenant House New York offers a rich package of benefits including but not limited to:

• Medical

• Vision

• Dental

• Life & Supplemental Life Insurance

• Short and Long-term disability insurance 

• Eligibility for medical benefits begins on the date of hire

• PTO includes three weeks of vacation in the first year, ten holidays, 13 sick days, five personal days, and birthday days off

• 403b with employer contribution after 12 months

Covenant House New York is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and we are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment where everyone feels respected and valued. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at deptpeopleandculture@covenanthouse.org.