Director of Programs

Organizational Profile:

S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Inc. is a grassroots, community-focused nonprofit dedicated to youth, family, and community development, specializing in youth, gang, and gun violence prevention and intervention. Our mission is to increase safety and foster a sense of community belonging among youth and families across Long Island. We achieve this by providing alternatives to high-risk behaviors for our youth and empowering families, residents, and stakeholders to advocate for socially responsible initiatives in their communities.

Founded in 2000 in response to the tragic murder of a Uniondale youth, S.T.R.O.N.G. was the first youth-driven, multi-ethnic organization on Long Island tackling youth violence. While we have made significant strides in the past 24 years, expanding our programs and reach, our commitment to a grassroots approach remains at the core of our work.

Today, S.T.R.O.N.G. is a small but dynamic nonprofit with approximately 14 full-time and part-time program staff members serving Nassau and Suffolk Counties. As we continue to grow, we are developing and introducing new management roles to support our expanding programs and initiatives.

We are offering candidates a unique opportunity to bring their significant experience and expertise to a pivotal role within our growing organization. This is an exciting prospect for individuals who thrive in a small, close-knit team environment and are passionate about contributing to our mission while helping elevate our organization to the next level.

Essential Functions:

1. Supervision and Leadership:

• Provide supervision, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for program coordinators and staff.
• Lead team meetings, trainings, and workshops to facilitate collaboration and skill-building among program personnel.
• Set clear expectations, goals, and performance standards for program staff and monitor progress regularly.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing professional development opportunities.

2. Program Development and Implementation:

• Develop and implement strategic program initiatives to achieve organizational goals.
• Collaborate with staff and stakeholders to identify needs and priorities for program development.
• Create program objectives, timelines, and budgets in collaboration with the Executive Director and program staff.
• Oversee the design, planning, and execution of programs that align with grant contract objectives and student needs.
• Ensure that program activities are implemented effectively, efficiently, and in accordance with established protocols and procedures.
• Monitor and evaluate program performance.

3. Crisis Response and Support Services

• Develop protocols and procedures for responding to incidents of violence, including crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and support services for victims and families of personal and interpersonal related violence, whether in the school or the community.
• Coordinate with hospitals, social service agencies, other community partners, and stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and effective response to critical incidents.
• Provide leadership and support to staff and volunteers during crisis situations, including debriefing, counseling, and follow-up services as needed.

4. Partnership Development:

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with internal and external partners, including school personnel, community organizations, agencies, and funders.
• Collaborate with partners to leverage resources, expertise, and support for program initiatives.
• Represent the organization and program interests in meetings, committees, and community events.
• Communicate program outcomes and impacts to stakeholders and the wider community.

5. Strategic Planning and Innovation:

• Contribute to the organization's strategic planning process.
• Identify opportunities for program growth and innovation.
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices.

6. Resource Management:

• Manage program budgets, resources, and expenditures to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Coordinate procuring materials, supplies, and equipment needed for program activities.
• Coordinate with external partners and the Executive Director to leverage resources and funding opportunities for programs to support program sustainability and growth.
• Oversee grant applications and funding proposals to secure necessary resources.

7. Quality Assurance and Evaluation:

• Develop and implement systems for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data on program activities, outcomes, and impact.
• Monitor program performance against established goals, benchmarks, and indicators.
• Use data and feedback from participants and stakeholders to assess program effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to enhance services and outcomes.
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate program results to stakeholders, including school leadership, funders, community partners, and the Executive and Board of Directors.

8. Other duties as assigned.

Education, Licenses and/or Certifications Required:

• Advanced degrees such as a Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Education (M.Ed), Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Counseling (MSC) or Psychology (MSP), Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ), or Master of Nonprofit Management (MNM) is required.
• Individuals with blended degrees, such as MSW/MBA, MSW/JD, MSW/MPA, will receive priority in the interviewing process.

Minimum Experience and Skills Required:

• Minimum of 5-7 years of previous experience in program development, supervision, implementation, and evaluation, preferably in a youth development setting.
• Strong knowledge of program development, implementation, and evaluation principles and practices.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication, and team-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate staff, promote professional growth, and foster a positive work culture.
• Experience in budget management, resource allocation, and grant writing.
• Proficiency in data analysis, evaluation methodologies, and report writing.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in youth and family services.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and substantial experience working with diverse communities, including historically marginalized populations.

Working Conditions:

The Director of Programs typically works in an office environment, with some travel to program sites and community meetings. Flexibility is required to accommodate evening or weekend activities, meetings, or events. This position involves frequent interaction with program staff, youth, parents, community partners, and stakeholders.

Disclaimer

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. This position may be required to perform other duties. If such work becomes a permanent and regular part of the job, a new description will be prepared.

Equal Opportunity Employer

STRONG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate because of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital or family status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, military veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to attracting, retaining and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce.