Youth Development Director

Job Opportunity: Director of Youth Development

Position Overview: Sterling House Community Center, Inc. (SHCC) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Youth Development professional with a passion to serve, engage, and elevate the youth and families in our community. This individual leads our preschool, after school, youth and family engagement programs; with an option to be on the leadership team for camp.

Location: Sterling House Community Center, 2283 Main Street, Stratford, CT

Hours: 40 hrs. wk.

Monday–Friday

Scheduled between 8:00 - 6:00 p.m. (schedule flexibility based on program needs and hours of operation)

Compensation: Competitive salary with benefit package including health, dental, SDI/LDI/LIFE, retirement, paid holidays, and paid time off package

Start Date: Preferably April, but flexible based on the right candidate

Supervision: Reports to the Executive Director

Essential Duties:

Program Creation & Quality:

● Ensure curriculum and activities incorporate themes of community, inclusivity, and service in all youth programming at SHCC.

● Collaborate with respective departments to develop and lead new youth programming and partnerships (example: after school tutoring, leaders-in-training, etc)

● Create and execute plans for the preparation and transition of each program.

● Continually observe and assess the classroom environment, staff and student interactions, and behavior; apply or recommend appropriate strategies for improvement to ensure a successful experience in the program, including an exit plan for students who can no longer be accommodated in our programs.

● Direct programs and activities as assigned, stepping in as a substitute or support if program requires it or ratios are unmet.

● Continually assess safety of program space(s) and report all maintenance needs to the Operations Team.

Licensing:

● Ensure all NAEYC criteria and OEC licensing standards are updated and maintained for all programs; handbooks, program portfolios, online portal, staff and student files, family communication.

● Ensure all First Aid required paperwork, medications, and supplies are stocked safely and prepared before a program begins.

● Host licensing inspectors and consultants during SHCC visits and lead the follow-up and potential improvements needed. Staff:

● Hire and place all levels of staff for youth programs in collaboration with respective administrative/program staff.

● Design and facilitate staff training prior to program start dates and throughout the year as needed.

● Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to all program staff in order to maintain healthy, productive relationships and learning environments.

● Initiate and meet with the leadership team in each program regularly for discussion, coordination, and/or training that will improve and enhance the program quality and environment.

● Maintain confidentiality with respect to any/all staff, student, or family issues.

Financials:

● Create and effectively manage all aspects of program budgets.

● Ensure retention and organization of staff files, timesheets, training hours, and certifications.

● Collaborate with our development department on grant creation and reporting.

● Prepare necessary reports for the organization: budgets, yearly goals and objectives; tuition changes, updated program handbooks, etc.

Community:

● Participate in opportunities to engage our community and represent SHCC; School Readiness Council, community meetings, professional development workshops, open houses and outreach events as assigned.

● Lead a Youth Development committee of external advisors, stakeholders, and partners to ensure ongoing feedback and ideas from our community for continued improvement and innovation. Additional responsibilities:

● Embody the values and mission of SHCC in all professional interactions and work to promote it in the community.

● Represent and inform full organizational staff on the priorities, needs, and best practices of working with youth and families in our community.

● Serve as an exemplary role model to all staff and students in personal language, appearance, and professionalism.

● Encourage physical, emotional and social growth, and positive character development in all students and staff.

● Work to increase your own cultural competence while creating an environment that values diversity.

● Assist with other programs, events, and initiatives at SHCC as assigned.

Qualifications:

● Relevant Degree: Education Degree or Certification preferred, Human Services, Social Work, Non-Profit Management

● Experience working with children of all ages and those with special needs and exceptionalities

● Experience with accreditation and early childhood learning desired

● Experience supervising, coaching, and supporting youth worker/teaching staff ● Willingness to obtain credential requirements such as; Director’s Certification with Office of Early Childhood; CPR/FA/AED, and Administration in Medications and EpiPen; in addition to any other medical training needed for the safe care of enrolled participants i.e: Diabetes, Seizure Control, etc.

● Strong computer and IT skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google platforms, data management, and utilization of online registration platforms

● Ability to pick-up 50 pounds if necessary and physically and mentally able to do all tasks of this position

● Second language acquisition desired

Leadership Capacity:

● Strong communications skills, team player, flexible with strong decision making skills

● Ability to effectively connect with and authentically support a range of stakeholders in any given hour; a student in our preschool, a teen volunteer, a parent or guardian, or a district administrator

● Proven leadership ability with organizational skills and a talent for developing and leading a team; including both giving and receiving critical feedback

● Driven to take initiative to work toward ongoing improvements and innovation.

● Ability to multitask, remain calm, and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Application Procedure: Applications may be emailed to info@sterlinghousecc.org.

Please reference “Director of Youth Development” in the subject line and submit attachments in Word or PDF format.

Please submit the following documents: 1. Cover Letter 2. Resume Applications can also be mailed to Executive Director, Amanda Meeson at Sterling House, 2283 Main St., Stratford, CT 06615

SHCC is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe deeply that diversity on our team strengthens our service to the community and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Posted: 2-13-2024

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person