The Program Director manages and develops the Bronx Lifelink Program which assists students with college preparation and support, job readiness and career exploration. The Program Director collaborates with key stakeholders from Good Shepherd Services high school programs, CUNY colleges where specific linkages have been established, vocational training programs and other youth serving institutions that aim at providing multiple post-secondary pathways for young people. In addition, the Program Director develops and manages educational and vocational support services and curriculum for all Lifelink students throughout the year.

REPORTS TO: Sr. Vice President, Education Programs

LOCATION: 2471 Morris Avenue, 2nd floor, Bronx, NY 10468

HOURS: 35 Hours/Week; Exempt (may include some evening and occasional weekend time) Work from home eligible 1x/week

SALARY: $65,000 - $72,000

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Supervise and develop Bronx Lifelink staff which includes full time College Access and Success Counselor(s), Internship & Career Coordinator, and part time peer coaches/tutors.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Bronx Lifelink Program.
• Collaborate with Good Shepherd Services Brooklyn Lifelink to assure sharing of resources, information, and best practices to best serve the participants.
• Develop and oversee educational services that prepare students for transitioning into college.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive programs to facilitate and maintain student college retention including outreach, counseling, academic supports, life skills and concrete supports.
• Develop and oversee services that facilitate career exploration, work readiness and financial literacy for program participants.
• Supervise the recruitment and outreach efforts needed to enroll participants in Lifelink program (specifically with our Bronx Young Adult Borough Centers, Student Success Centers, Community Schools and other GSS and external programs, as appropriate).
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with college administration, faculty, student support services, and vocational programs and institutions.
• Partner with internal support departments and external partners on the recruitment and enrollment of students in annual SYEP/Summer Melt internships and programming.
• Participate in college and vocational partner meetings, research, events, and activities.
• Keep abreast of the latest educational and vocational data, strategies, and programs.
• Participate in on-going internal program evaluation activities and incorporate the use of data into program management and development.
• Ensure that grants requirements are met and provide quantitative and qualitative data as needed.
• Collaborate with Good Shepherd Services support departments to ensure alignment of data, budgets and other applicable resources that strengthen programming and outcomes.
• Manage and understand all aspects of data collection and ensure that deadlines are met, while also developing data entry timelines that coincide with reporting needs.
• Represent agency at relevant external meetings.
• Participate in agency wide college and vocation/career workgroups and initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree required, Master’s preferred.
• A minimum of five years experience working with young adults using a youth, family and community development framework is required.
• Strong group facilitation or teaching skills required.
• Experience working in, or closely with college(s) and vocational programs/institutions required.
• 2 years of Supervisory Experience preferred.
• Passionate about assuring young people’s success in college or vocational pathways to careers.
• High level of familiarity with the structure, resources and function of colleges and vocational programs/institutions.
• Acquainted with current research, literature and trends concerning college access and success, persistence, and the various pathways of career and vocational training for young people.
• Ability to work with diverse staff and participants and network with diverse employer constituents.
• Excellent verbal and written communication strongly preferred.
• Proven organizational and teamwork skills required.
• Knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice a plus.
• Must have a commitment to work from a strength-based, and/or youth development perspective.