Deputy Director, Community Engagement Program

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT US

New York Edge (NYE) is the largest provider of school-based afterschool and summer programming in New York City, serving thousands of students annually across all five boroughs and Long Island. Our mission is to help young people discover their potential by providing programs that support academic achievement, social-emotional development, and leadership growth.

NYE also serves as a leading Community-Based Organization (CBO) in the NYC Community Schools initiative, partnering with school leadership to coordinate integrated supports such as expanded learning, family engagement, and wellness services to ensure students and families have access to comprehensive school-based resources.

Summary:

New York Edge is seeking a passionate, community-driven leader with a strong background in youth development and education to lead and strengthen our Community School initiatives. The Deputy Director of Community Schools is instrumental in driving and executing high-impact programming that supports students, families, and school communities across their portfolio. The Deputy Director will be responsible for daily program operations, program design and enhancement, risk management, contract compliance, staff recruitment, training and supervision, relationship building, data analysis, and fiscal management. A key aspect of this role is cultivating meaningful, collaborative relationships with principals, school and district leaders, families, and community partners. The Deputy Director serves as a trusted connector and advocate—elevating the visibility of New York Edge in key communities and aligning resources to meet the evolving needs of the students and families we serve.

Pay:

$80,000 to $85,000. Salary offered is commensurate with experience and credentials.

Schedule:

Monday-Friday (evenings and weekends may be required)

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead Program Directors in developing comprehensive needs assessments for each school community and monitor the implementation of targeted strategies to address identified needs

• Design and implement innovative programming that responds to the evolving needs of students, families, and community stakeholders.

• Support Program Directors in aligning curricula with New York Edge and funder guidelines. Provide leadership in adopting intentional, evidence-based pedagogical approaches grounded in positive youth development frameworks, ensuring alignment with NYCPS and current educational trends.

• Guide Program Directors in delivering culturally competent, inclusive programs focused on project-based learning, civic engagement, college and career readiness, mental health and SEL, social justice, and elevating student voice.

• Assist Program Directors with the development and execution of strategic recruitment plans to ensure full program participation and engagement.

• Conduct regular site visits to observe programming, provide actionable feedback, and identify areas for continuous improvement

• Evaluate program effectiveness, set measurable goals and benchmarks, and implement continuous quality improvement plans

• Foster strong relationships with school leaders, community stakeholders, and external partners to advance the Community School model.

• Oversee daily operations across all assigned sites, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and alignment with the Community School framework and organizational mission.

• Lead risk management efforts across all sites, ensuring safe and supportive environments for students and staff, and ensuring all Program Directors are fully trained on organizational procedures and protocols

• Supervise and evaluate program staff, identify professional development needs, and lead training initiatives to improve team performance

• Analyze program data to inform strategic decisions, enhance impact, and guide resource allocation

• Serve as a liaison to funders and external stakeholders, maintaining clear communication and compliance with reporting requirements.

• Review and approve administrative items such as staff attendance, payroll, and purchasing to ensure accuracy and adherence to policy

• Support organizational efforts in staff recruitment and retention, promoting a positive workplace culture and long-term employee engagement.

• Create and implement standardized procedures, tools, and systems to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

• Partner with the Director of Development to respond to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and secure funding from local, state, and federal sources

• Provide fiscal oversight, including developing and managing site-level budgets, monitoring expenditures, approving purchases, and ensuring compliance with funder and organizational guidelines.

• Ensure all program documentation meets legal, grant, and licensing standards.

• Monitor grant compliance by aligning milestones with performance goals and managing deliverables.

• Represent the organization at meetings, trainings, and public functions, as assigned

• Maintain high standards of organization, accountability, and autonomy in managing multiple priorities.

Education Requirement(s):

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master's preferred in education, youth development, social work, or related field

Experience Requirement(s):

• Five years of management experience, preferably supervising school-based, multi-site programs

• At least 7 years of experience in the field of urban education or community-based organizations

• Demonstrated work experience in building relationships to advance program goals and objectives, preferably in a youth development setting

• Experience managing program budgets in excess of $800,000

• Understanding of the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) and Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) systems and languages

• Knowledge of the Community School framework and whole-child, whole-family approaches preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to maintain calm during tense situations and negotiations, with a strong ability to create consensus and persuade diverse constituents

• Bilingual skills (Spanish) are highly preferred

• Systems thinker, data-driven decision-maker with data utilization know-how

• Proven ability to energize, motivate, and engage staff

• Excellent organizational, analytical, financial management, and problem-solving skills

• Skilled in managing complex initiatives, meeting deadlines, and balancing competing priorities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication for a variety of audiences, including reports, proposals, and public speaking.

• Proficiency with general computer literacy, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other systems as needed

• Ability to travel to the sites and throughout the New York Edge service areas.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Work is performed mostly within a New York City Public School and requires interaction with the community at large during events, outreach, and trips.

• May be required to walk up and down stairs, lift or move objects/materials as needed.

• Work hours will be consistent Monday through Friday, with potential for some weekend or evening scheduled activities or events.

At the time of offer and acceptance, the job requires safety and security clearances through the Department of Education and the Department of Health.

New York Edge is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and communities to apply.

Disclaimer: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.