Community School Director

Job Description - Community School Director

Annual Salary: $70,000 - $85,000

Job Type: Full Time (Fall, Spring, Summer, School breaks), non-exempt

Position Description: Community School Director

Organization: The Center for Educational Innovation (CEI)

Model: The Community School Model

About the Community School Model

The Community School Model operates on the understanding that students cannot achieve their full potential in the classroom if their basic needs are unmet. By addressing barriers to learning such as hunger, health issues, and external stressors, Community Schools foster environments where students thrive academically and socially.

Community Schools serve as hubs connecting the entire school community—students, teachers, principals, and counselors—with external partners, including parents, non-profits, businesses, and government agencies. These schools create an inclusive space where problems are solved collaboratively, enabling teachers to focus on teaching and students to focus on learning.

CEI is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to the success of all its stakeholders.

Job Summary:

A central component of the Community Schools approach is the integration and alignment of school and community-based services, such as health, mental health, expanded learning opportunities and family empowerment. Critical to ensuring this alignment and coordination is the Community School Director (CSD). The CSD should sit on the principal’s Cabinet. In NYC Community Schools, the CSD is hired through a community partner. Additionally, experience working with diverse populations and high-need communities is essential to fostering strong family engagement, addressing student needs, and strengthening school partnerships.

Skills and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

● Capable of engaging diverse communities.

● Have experience working with corporations, high school students, and underserved populations, including the underemployed, unemployed, and those facing housing and food insecurity.

● Demonstrate familiarity with government support agencies, pathways to employment, and college-to-career readiness programs.

● Be a self-starter and self-directed learner with excellent organizational and management skills.

● Possess strong interpersonal skills, including networking, grassroots community organizing, team-building, and collaborative leadership.

● Have the flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends.

● Exhibit the ability to track and evaluate the impact of programs and initiatives.

Responsibilities

● Oversee all Community School programs during and after school hours, ensuring alignment with CEI objectives.

● Coordinate services and programs for students, families, and the community, addressing issues such as food insecurity, housing instability, and access to government resources.

● Design and manage extracurricular activities, including lunchtime enrichment clubs, based on student interests.

Administrative Duties

● Maintain accurate records for programs, including agreements with partners and vendors.

● Manage the Community School staff’s time, attendance, and performance.

● Oversee a budget and track participation data to measure program success.

Community Engagement

● Serve as a liaison among stakeholders, facilitating communication and collaboration.

● Build partnerships with corporations and other community resources to create sustainable opportunities for students and families.

● Lead needs assessments and community asset identification processes to inform strategy development.

● Participate in the school’s School Leadership Team (SLT), Safety Team,

Attendance and Enrollment

● Participate in the school’s attendance team, implementing strategies to reduce absenteeism and increase enrollment.

● Collect and analyze attendance and survey data to guide decision-making.

Marketing and Outreach

● Assist in branding and marketing the school within the larger community.

● Organize and lead Collaborative Planning Meetings (CPM) three times a year and a Community School Forum for year-end activities.

Development and Fundraising

● Participate in grant-seeking efforts and other fund development activities to support school programs.

Preferred Qualifications

● Experience in program management and coordination.

● Experience with the New York City public school and/or non-profit sector.

● Ability to work effectively with administrators, educators, high school youth, families, and communities.

● Bachelor’s Degree, preferred.

● Bilingual skills in Spanish preferred.

● Minimum 2 years’ professional experience.

● Knowledge of New York City neighborhoods is preferred.

● DOE fingerprinting and background clearances are required.

● Experience with Microsoft Office, including Excel, preferred.

● Experience working with students and families from Title I communities.

Benefits: Personal/Vacation/Sick/Health Insurance Options

Work Location: In-Person

Reports to: Director of Community Schools

● Start time: TBD by Principal.

● End time: TBD by Principal.

● Schedule: Monday – Friday (some Saturdays, school breaks, and/or evenings).

Application Process

To Apply

● Upload your cover letter and resume to: [email protected].

● List your name and the ‘Position Title; you are applying for in the ‘Subject Line.’

● Three typed reference letters will be required if chosen for the position.

The Center for Educational Innovation (CEI) is committed to building a professional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the students participating in our programs. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. CEI is an equal-opportunity employer.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person