Academic Services Manager (Advance and Earn)

Program Description: The Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center (Isaacs Center) is a non-profit, multi-service organization focusing primarily on the needs of children and low-income families, out-of-school and out-of-work youth, and aging New Yorkers. We operate at community centers located in the neighborhoods of East Harlem and Yorkville and seek to deliver programs that are impactful, innovative, and intergenerational.

Position Summary: The Isaacs Center is seeking a highly motivated candidate to serve as the Manager of Academic Services within the Education and Workforce Development division. Reporting to the Director of Advance and Earn is primarily responsible for oversight and leadership of academic services for young adults (1724 years of age) who are disconnected from traditional learning environments and are unemployed or underemployed. Through the provision of literacy and numeracy classes, pre-high school equivalency and high school equivalency preparation, and college readiness supports, participants will enter or re-enter the workforce and pursue educational opportunities that boost their hourly wage earnings and put them on a sustainable career path.

Schedule: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, 11am-7pm

Salary Range: $64,350 - $70,000

Candidates must have the required qualifications to be considered for the position. The salary offer will be based on the candidates number of years experience in the exact or comparable position and additional preferred qualifications will be taken into account.

Role, Responsibilities, and Essential Duties

Program Oversight and Leadership (45%)

• Provides oversight and leadership for High School Equivalency and college readiness/placement/transition programs.
• Coordinates recruitment, enrollment, assessment, testing, and retention efforts.
• Designs and implements initiatives, action plans, and goals in collaboration with instructional staff, career development teams, and supportive services.
• Supports, observes, and motivates academic staff (teachers, instructors).
• Recruits, trains, and evaluates staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Creates a supportive climate and culture to enhance student achievement and staff engagement.
• Promotes best practices in youth development, differentiated instruction, crisis intervention, and classroom behavior management.
• Collaborate with instructional staff and other stakeholders to address challenges and enhance program effectiveness.

Participant Advising and Support (30%)

• In collaboration with the instructional team:
  • Meet individually with participants to review their goals, program progress, and post-secondary plans.
  • Assess students' academic levels and readiness for GED testing through diagnostic tools, develops individualized learning plans that lead to GED attainment
  • Provides motivation, encouragement, and strategies to overcome barriers to success.
  • Provide guidance on study habits, time management, and test-taking strategies.
  • Guide students through GED exam registration and testing processes, ensuring familiarity with procedures.
  • Connect students with resources like tutoring, workshops, or online materials to address specific challenges
  • Work closely with the Career and Alumni Services Hub (CASH) team to support students in the exploration and pursuit of postsecondary education or career opportunities, such as vocational programs, college admissions, and financial aid options

Partnership Development (10%)

• Develops and maintains partnerships with community members, external partners, and educational institutions to support program growth and success.
• Collaborate with Isaacs/Goddard Riverside programs to expand the resources available to participants.

Data Management and Analysis (10%)

• Oversees academic data management while ensuring compliance with confidentiality guidelines.
• Analyzes data to improve student performance and ensure program success.
• Maintain detailed records of student progress, attendance, and performance.

Budget Development and Management (5%)

• Manages program budgets in coordination with central administrative functions to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

Educational Requirements and Qualifications

• Education Bachelors degree required, Masters Degree in Education or a related field preferred
• At least 2 years of experience working in an education setting within a community-based organization.
• Experience Proven experience managing and developing teams
• Strong background in data collection, analysis, and management

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities

Working knowledge:

• Basic principles of youth development and engagement strategies for individuals aged 1724.
• Familiarity with standardized testing processes, including the GED or High School Equivalency exam.
• Administrative tools and software for managing student data (e.g., Microsoft Excel, basic database systems).
• Community resources available to support participants non-academic needs (e.g., childcare, transportation, housing assistance).
• Basic financial aid and college admissions terminology.

General knowledge:

• Adult education pedagogy and techniques for teaching literacy, numeracy, and pre-GED/HSE subjects.
• Effective methods for academic advising and creating individualized student learning plans.
• Principles of program coordination in a community-based or education-focused organization.
• Key aspects of workforce development programming, including job readiness and vocational training.
• Data collection, reporting systems, and confidentiality guidelines.

Thorough knowledge:

• Advanced understanding of GED testing criteria, standards, and curriculum design for high school equivalency preparation.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication, networking, and conflict resolution skills.
• Best practices in behavior management and creating inclusive, supportive classroom environments for students with varying abilities.
• Techniques for building and maintaining community partnerships with external organizations, educational institutions, and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data analysis for tracking student performance and using results to improve program delivery.
• Budget development, financial tracking, and compliance with funding regulations.

Comprehensive knowledge:

• Advanced understanding of GED testing criteria, standards, and curriculum design for high school equivalency preparation.
• Best practices in behavior management and creating inclusive, supportive classroom environments for students with varying abilities.
• Techniques for building and maintaining community partnerships with external organizations, educational institutions, and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data analysis for tracking student performance and using results to improve program delivery.
• Budget development, financial tracking, and compliance with funding regulations.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in a community center or educational setting with standard office and classroom conditions.
• Noise levels may vary, especially when interacting with students or during group activities.
• May involve occasional visits to partner organizations, off-site events, or community locations. Environment, such as office or outdoors.
• Some evenings and weekends may be required for events, student support, or program needs.
• Proactive problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team player.
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Bilingual and bicultural skills are desirable but not required.
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends for participant and staff recruitment at opportunity fairs, program related initiatives, etc.

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community grounded in respect for differences. We support hiring a broadly diverse team of qualified individuals who will contribute to our organizations.

Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.