What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director - Ladders for Leaders Program position at Commonpoint Queens?
STATEMENT OF THE AGENCY
Commonpoint is a non-profit, multi-service agency with flagship sites in Manhattan, Bronx, Queens: Little Neck, Bayside, Forest Hills, East Elmhurst, and Jamaica, with 80 additional sites throughout the community that provides a diverse array of programs and services to over 85,000 individuals. The mission is to sustain and enhance the quality of family and individual life for all members of our community, regardless of religion, ethnic or cultural background, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual preference, age, or disability, within a pervasive and inclusive environment that facilitates individual growth, meets individual needs and builds community. We accomplish this mission through a broad range of social, educational, and recreational services that reach community members of all ages and backgrounds.
MINIMUM DESCRIPTION
Commonpoint’s Youth Workforce Department comprises a number of different programs serving individuals predominantly from 14-24 years old. Ladders for Leaders, funded by the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) provides paid professional internships to NYC youth between the ages of 16 and 24. Applicants are evaluated based on academic performance, response to an essay question, and résumé quality. Selected applicants will undertake 20-30 hours of pre-employment training designed to teach essential workplace readiness skills and professional etiquette. Participants will then have the opportunity to interview for summer internships at a variety of companies.
ABOUT POSITION
The Assistant Director will oversee both operational and participant engagement functions, ensuring the seamless execution of program activities in compliance with funder-manded (DYCD) requirements. This role combines administrative leadership with participant experience management, fostering strong employer relationships, enhancing program efficiency, and ensuring compliance with all contractual obligations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Management, Compliance, & Operations
Commonpoint is a non-profit, multi-service agency with flagship sites in Manhattan, Bronx, Queens: Little Neck, Bayside, Forest Hills, East Elmhurst, and Jamaica, with 80 additional sites throughout the community that provides a diverse array of programs and services to over 85,000 individuals. The mission is to sustain and enhance the quality of family and individual life for all members of our community, regardless of religion, ethnic or cultural background, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual preference, age, or disability, within a pervasive and inclusive environment that facilitates individual growth, meets individual needs and builds community. We accomplish this mission through a broad range of social, educational, and recreational services that reach community members of all ages and backgrounds.
MINIMUM DESCRIPTION
Commonpoint’s Youth Workforce Department comprises a number of different programs serving individuals predominantly from 14-24 years old. Ladders for Leaders, funded by the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) provides paid professional internships to NYC youth between the ages of 16 and 24. Applicants are evaluated based on academic performance, response to an essay question, and résumé quality. Selected applicants will undertake 20-30 hours of pre-employment training designed to teach essential workplace readiness skills and professional etiquette. Participants will then have the opportunity to interview for summer internships at a variety of companies.
ABOUT POSITION
The Assistant Director will oversee both operational and participant engagement functions, ensuring the seamless execution of program activities in compliance with funder-manded (DYCD) requirements. This role combines administrative leadership with participant experience management, fostering strong employer relationships, enhancing program efficiency, and ensuring compliance with all contractual obligations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Management, Compliance, & Operations
- Maintain and monitor all funder-manded (DYCD) contractual obligations, ensuring program targets and compliance requirements are met.
- Lead strategic planning for operational improvements and workflow optimization to enhance efficiency.
- Oversee program scheduling, curriculum updates, orientation sessions, and compliance audits.
- Ensure all participant and employer documentation aligns with funder-mandated (DYCD) guidelines, conducting audits and evaluations as necessary.
- Manage YEPS system compliance, ensuring accurate recording of participant and worksite data.
Participant Recruitment, Engagement & Support
- Develop and manage application materials, review applications, determine eligibility, and oversee acceptance notifications.
- Lead participant recruitment, enrollment, and engagement efforts, ensuring a seamless onboarding process.
- Provide ongoing guidance and support to participants, addressing challenges and fostering positive experiences.
- Conduct post-internship follow-ups and alumni engagement activities to assess program impact.
Employer Partnerships & Referral Management
- Manage the vetting of resumes and referral processes to ensure high-quality placements aligned with funder-mandated (DYCD) standards.
- Maintain and manage an employer referral database, tracking student progress from resume submission to hiring.
- Oversee job placement specialists to ensure effective participant-employer matches and adherence to program guidelines.
Staff Supervision & Leadership
- Supervise and support participant-facing staff, including administrative personnel, Job Placement Specialists and facilitators, ensuring they are well-trained and equipped for success.
- Manage day-to-day workflows, ensuring timely completion of tasks such as resume review, assignment vetting, and compliance tracking.
- Assess the effectiveness of new and existing programs by analyzing audience surveys and feedback to identify areas for improvement.
- Collaborate with the Youth Employment leadership team as a strategic partner to enhance program development and innovation.
Representation & Advocacy
- Represent the program at career fairs, provider meetings, employer engagement events, and compliance-related functions.
- Serve as the primary liaison to the funding source for operational updates, recruitment progress, and employer partnership updates.
Payroll & Compliance Oversight
- Ensure payroll compliance, verifying that participants are paid accurately and on time.
- Distribute and analyze worksite feedback forms, surveys, and end-of-program evaluations to assess performance and inform future improvements.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Education, Social Work, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
Experience:
- At least 2-3 years of experience in youth workforce programs, with a strong focus on operational and administrative responsibilities.
- Prior experience with NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) contracts is highly desirable.
- Proven experience in staff supervision, employer engagement, and program compliance.
Skills and Competencies:
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while ensuring program efficiency and participant satisfaction.
- Proficiency in computer-based information systems, including Google Suite and Salesforce.
- Cultural competency and ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
PREFERRED QUALITIES:
- Interest in working with high-achieving high school and college students.
- Experience in program development, research, and data analysis.
- Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond to changing circumstances and priorities effectively.
JOB DETAILS
Schedule: Full Time
Salary: $57,500 - $62,500
APPLICATION DETAILS:
Please submit a cover letter and résumé, as a Word or PDF document only, to Albina Baazov at abaazov@commonpoint.org. Please indicate “Assistant Director, Ladders for Leaders” in the subject line.
Due to the high volume of applicants, only qualified candidates will be contacted.
Commonpoint reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
Commonpoint is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to
individuals with disabilities.
Salary : $57,500 - $62,500
