Community School Director
OUR MISSION: Our mission is to inspire and empower all young people to take control of their future.
OUR VISION: We envision a world where everyone has access to an equitable path to success.
PROGRAM DESIGN: RTS facilitates a variety of youth programs including after-school, summer camps, retreats, conferences, and summer employment opportunities reaching thousands of young people throughout NYC each year. RTS emphasizes the youth development practice of the Circle of Courage in all our programs; creating an environment of Belonging, where young people can build their Independence, find, and develop their Mastery skill, and practice Generosity in their communities. At the core of our programs are staff training strategies that enable our young professionals to develop extraordinarily meaningful relationships with the young people in their care who we call Our Future Leaders because that is what they all are.
PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Community School Director is integral to bridging school leadership with its external partners, championing a holistic approach to education that extends beyond classroom instruction. This leader will spearhead data-informed strategies, hire and guide staff in line with the mission of community schools, and routinely assess the needs of students and families. By forging connections with key educational and community stakeholders, they will facilitate the development and integration of resources, programs, and services that bolster student achievement and wellbeing. Operationally, the director will ensure regulatory compliance, maintain meticulous records, and supervise resource allocation. Their overarching goal is to create an enriching, cohesive, and effective educational environment that taps into the broader community's assets and support.
ORGANIZATIONAL ROLE:
Supervisor: Deputy Director - Afterschool and Community School Programs
Hours: Full time, Monday – Friday
Compensation: $65,000 - $75,000
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership and Coordination:
Serve as an advisor to the school principal, guiding the coordination efforts of various partners within the school and ensuring alignment between partners and the school faculty. This includes, but is not limited to, organizing and leading meetings with community-based organization (CBO) providers.
Collaborate with school leadership to maintain a results-oriented focus and track progress, ensuring data capture, analysis, and a data-driven approach.
Oversee the recruitment and supervision of dedicated staff that align with the highest standards of qualifications for community schools.
Conduct and supervise assets and needs assessments, seeking feedback from teachers, staff, parents, and students to ascertain ongoing requirements.
Act as the primary contact for agencies and programs keen on collaborating with the school and facilitating new partnerships in line with the school's objectives and needs.
Recognize students with high needs, collaborate with teachers for targeted interventions, and monitor the effects of such interventions.
Develop and sustain effective connections to bridge regular school hours with extended learning opportunities.
Foster alliances with city agencies and nonprofit partners to provide a continuum of services for students.
Offer training and support to ensure the cultural and linguistic relevance of services, programs, and communications.
Aid in resource management and development, including funding and grant management.
Manage the allocation of spaces for student/family support services and special events.
Supervise a mix of program activities, including extended learning, parent/family/community engagement, mental health services, holiday/Saturday programs, and summer initiatives.
Engage in school governance, and participate in community school team meetings, and other specialized meetings such as those focusing on attendance.
Analyze students and families' needs, interpret attendance policies, work alongside school administrators to develop prevention/intervention methods, monitor student progress, and make referrals when necessary to community agencies.
Relationship and Partnership Management:
Foster positive relationships with key school stakeholders, including the principal, assistant principals, district administrators, teachers, parents, and other community members. Raise awareness of the Community School and engage their support for program quality.
Work alongside Community School partners to ensure program delivery aligns with student achievement goals.
Advocate for parent involvement in areas like advocacy, special events, daily operations, education, and excursions.
Raise community awareness of the Community School through distributing flyers and attending meetings.
Disseminate program updates, represent the organization at outreach events, and maintain active communication as the lead ambassador.
Tap into community resources, including schools, libraries, community centers, and local government agencies.
Keep supervisors updated on essential site information, especially challenges.
Operations:
Ensure compliance with the Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) regulations, and stay updated with local, state, and federal pandemic management conditions and requirements.
Oversee program compliance aspects such as attendance tracking.
Confirm that new employees complete necessary steps before commencing work (e.g., background checks, training, HR paperwork).
Ensure timesheets are accurately filled and sent to payroll in a timely manner.
Maintain up-to-date records, including staff files, program materials, schedules, and curriculum.
Report site injuries promptly and liaise with school personnel about any incidents.
Maintain budget compliance and submit necessary documents or reports.
Oversee and maintain equipment and supplies used by community school participants and staff.
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Educational & Professional Credentials:
Bachelor's degree in a related field
Five years of professional experience.
Experience within the New York City Department of Education.
Supervisory experience and ability to manage teams.
Knowledge & Skills:
Proficiency in community outreach and community organizing.
Comprehensive understanding of student support services, youth development, and community organizing.
Knowledge of and passion for global issues, political science, history, education, and activism.
Strong communication, writing, organizational, and technology skills.
Personal Qualities & Abilities:
Proficiency in community outreach and community organizing.
Comprehensive understanding of student support services, youth development, and community organizing.
Knowledge of and passion for global issues, political science, history, education, and activism.
Strong communication, writing, organizational, and technology skills.
Ability to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of the community.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to travel between the program site and other locations for meetings and professional development
Flexibility to work outside regular office hours for special programs and events.
Comfortable working in dynamic and fast-paced environments.
Fluency in other languages is a plus.
Applicants should be prepared to provide professional references and undergo a comprehensive background check before employment.