United Community Schools
50 Broadway – 15th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Locations: Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island
Community School Director Position Description
About United Community Schools (UCS): Founded in 2012 by the United Federation of Teachers, UCS operates the largest community school network in New York City. Having started with just six schools, UCS has grown to a network of 32 schools that touches more than 20,000 students in all five boroughs of New York City and beyond. The community school model is predicated on the notion that students cannot reach their full potential in the classroom if their stomachs are empty, they cannot see the board, they cannot hear the teacher, or they are pre- occupied by problems outside the classroom. Community schools actively work to improve student achievement by addressing the educational, emotional, social and health issues that can stand in the way of learning.
Community schools connect the entire school, including students, teachers, principals and counselors, to the entire community – parents and other caregivers, non-profits, local businesses and government agencies. By mobilizing these diverse elements, the school becomes a community hub often open well beyond traditional school hours, a welcoming place where problems are solved and barriers to learning are eliminated so that teachers can do what they do best: teach. UCS is an equal opportunity employer.
General Function
The Community School Director will initiate, facilitate, and maintain programs and strategies that are aligned with the school's vision and mission, as well as youth and community development goals. He/she develops and promotes resources that support academic achievement for students, increases the health and well-being of students and families, enhances community and individual assets, meets critical human service needs, and promotes long term community solutions.
Skills
This position requires a person who is a self-starter and a self-directed learner with excellent organizational and management skills including training, program evaluation, data management, written and oral communication, and fund/resource development. The Community School Director should be a leader in the building. Strong interpersonal skills are necessary including networking, grassroots community organizing, team-building, and collaborative leadership. This person should be able to work independently as well as part of a team. The Community School Director, serving as the “School Ambassador” for all stakeholders within their school, will be able to articulate the community school mission through writing, speaking in public, and in one-on-one meetings. Ability to be flexible and work non-traditional hours when needed is expected, including evening and weekend hours as required. Ability to track and evaluate the impact of programs and initiatives is required.
Principal Activities
- Lead the school needs assessment and community assets identification process in support of the community schools strategy.
- Co-facilitate school attendance team to design and implement programs to decrease absenteeism.
- Assist in branding the school and marketing the school to the greater community.
- Implement strategies to increase enrollment in the school.
- Design and manage extracurricular activities, including lunchtime enrichment clubs, based on student interests.
- Engage the school community (administrators, teachers, non-teaching staff, parent coordinator, PTA, community members) to support student achievement and align resources to the community school’s vision and goals.
- Develop and facilitate the School Advisory Board in managing and monitoring the effectiveness of program and service partners.
- Collect, analyze and use data to inform decision-making and program evaluation.
- Facilitate communication and relationship-building with community partners, key stakeholders, and volunteers including participation in community groups and/or committees.
- Attend community-related events such as Community Education Council meetings, local police precinct community council meetings, and community board monthly meetings.
- Provide oversight and coordination of services and programs for students, families, and the community during and after the school day and throughout the year.
- Manage partnerships to ensure that ongoing programs are effective, seamlessly integrated into the workings of the school, and sustainable, as well as broker new partnerships that are aligned with school goals and needs.
- Serve as key contact for programs and services, including the communication and coordination of activities.
- Maintain up-to-date records and required grant paperwork for all programs including agreements for all partners and vendors.
- Participate in grant-seeking and other fund development activities.
- Manage a budget and implement program grant deliverables.
- Track enrollment and participation data for all programs.
- Support and implement United Community Schools and United Federation of Teachers initiatives.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with New York City public school system and / or non-profit sector.
- Experience working with a wide range of professional backgrounds.
- Ability to work effectively with school-aged youth, educators, families, and communities.
- Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred.
- Bi-lingual skills in Spanish ideal.
- Minimum 5-years professional experience.
- Experience in program management and coordination.
- Knowledge of New York City neighborhoods.
- DOE fingerprinting and background clearances. (Required)
- Experience with Microsoft Office, including Excel, preferred.
- Experience working with school age children and families from Title I communities preferred.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 - $77,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Education:
Experience:
- Professional: 5 years (Preferred)
Work Location: Multiple locations
