Program Director- Jobs Plus (LIC)

Program Director- Jobs Plus

Founded in 2004, the mission of Urban Upbound is to break cycles of poverty in public housing neighborhoods by providing residents the tools and resources needed to achieve economic mobility and self-sufficiency. Urban Upbound advances its mission through five integrated programs: employment services, financial counseling, youth development/college and career access, the Urban Upbound Federal Credit Union, and community revitalization services.

Our services are reared in the Jobs Plus model, a proven place-based employment program designed to increase the earnings and employment of working age public housing residents. Jobs Plus uses a three pronged approach which includes: employment-related services; financial incentives that make work pay; and community supports for work, the strengthening of social ties among residents and community stakeholders to support residents’ job preparation and work efforts.

Urban Upbound is seeking a Jobs Plus Director to lead the Long Island City/Ravenswood Jobs Plus program. The Jobs Plus Director will be responsible for the overall operation and will report to Urban Upbound's Senior Director of Programs and work in collaboration with the senior leadership team. S/he will provide program leadership, hire staff, create monthly goals for all team members, develop modifications based on emerging needs, handle contractual matters and ensure program excellence and relevance. With Urban Upbound's executive management team, the Director will manage the budget, oversee community engagement and program development, evaluate the program both quantitatively and qualitatively, train staff, foster staff development and growth and set the welcoming, strength-based and respectful tone that is critical to the program's success.

Additionally, the Jobs Plus Director will participate in and successfully complete the 45 hour financial counselor training that was developed by the NYC Office of Financial Empowerment in conjunction with CUNY.

Specific responsibilities will include but will not be limited to:

• Provide overall staff and program management oversight;
• Modify existing program components in response to emerging community needs;
• Develop a strong relationship with existing community stakeholders including residents, Residents’ Association, NYCHA services and Property Management, businesses and other community based organizations;
• Hire and train all necessary staff; create monthly goals for all staff relating to Jobs Plus programs;
• Handle all contractual matters and ensure program goals relating to Jobs Plus programs are met;
• Liaise with all Jobs Plus partner agencies;
• Manage budgets relating to Jobs Plus programs in collaboration with the Urban Upbound Executive Management Team;
• Evaluate Jobs Plus Programs quantitatively and qualitatively and develop modifications based on emerging needs;
• Directly supervise the Jobs Plus Assistant Director;
• Other duties as assigned.

Key qualifications of the Jobs Plus Director include:

• Bachelor’s degree is required. Master's degree is preferred.
• Successful implementation of a similar program for a minimum of 5 years, preferably on a performance-based contract;
• Prior experience with program start-up operations;
• Ability to multi-task, work well as part of a team, and maintain positive relationships with staff, Urban Upbound management and other key stakeholders;
• Experience in public-private partnerships;
• Experience overseeing program evaluation and outcome management;
• Enthusiasm and experience with working in a community-based setting;
• In depth knowledge and understanding of public housing, workforce development, public benefits, and related social policies.
• Excellent writing and interpersonal communication skills; and
• A good sense of humor, flexibility, comfort in leadership role.

How to apply

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Patricia Saenz, [email protected]. Please write Attn: Jobs Plus Program Director in the subject line.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person