Director, Community Solutions

ABOUT JOBSFIRSTNYC

JobsFirstNYC creates and advances solutions that break down barriers and transform the systems supporting young adults and their communities in the pursuit of economic opportunities. Our innovative approach to developing new partnership models has helped shape public policy, private philanthropic investments, and the practices of employers, colleges, workforce development service providers, high schools, and others. Over the last 19 years, JobsFirstNYC has worked with more than 200 organizations and institutions across New York City and State to build innovative solutions that connect young adults to economic opportunities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Community Solutions leads JobsFirstNYC’s dynamic portfolio of place-based partnerships—initiatives that spark localized change in communities with high numbers of young adults who are out of school and out of work, underemployed, or off-track to graduate from high school career-ready. This role is an opportunity to turn community collaboration into social impact, bringing together schools, workforce development programs, employers, and local leaders to create pathways that connect young people and their communities to education and economic opportunity.

The Director develops and manages community-driven initiatives from design to execution. This includes shaping project strategy, cultivating partnerships, providing technical assistance and supportive services, and coordinating communications and consultant relationships. The Director also plays a key role in building community capacity—helping local stakeholders imagine and implement solutions that last.

The Director of Community Solutions will support six place-based partnerships across New York City. The ideal candidate will bring strategic insight, creative energy, and a deep commitment to economic opportunity—driving these partnerships forward and identifying new opportunities to expand JobsFirstNYC’s impact. In collaboration with our partners, the Director will help transform how New York City neighborhoods prepare young people for meaningful work and long-term success.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Solutions Portfolio

• Lead and grow JobsFirstNYC’s place-based partnerships and community solutions initiatives, driving meaningful local impact.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with community organizations, employers, and other stakeholders to expand opportunities and enhance outcomes for young adults.
• Coordinate and lead public engagement, practitioners’ forums, and other related place-based project stakeholder convenings to raise awareness of policy and practice.
• Implement and manage work plans by creating clear processes, tracking progress, and coordinating communications and consultant support.
• Collaborate with partnership staff and consultants to support the growth and effectiveness of JobsFirstNYC’s place-based work.

Research and Writing

• Capture and document progress and lessons learned from the development and implementation of Community Solutions.
• Conduct background research and analysis for new and existing Community Solutions work.
• Co-author and support the development of JobsFirstNYC Community Solutions blogs and research papers.

Organizational Advancement

• Promote JobsFirstNYC’s work by representing the organization at conferences, public events, and other national or local forums.
• Advance the mission through collaboration, participating in coalitions and cross-project initiatives to integrate Community Solutions strategies across the organization.
• Support signature events and convenings with planning, coordination, and execution to maximize impact and visibility.
• Coordinate across the organization to support cross solution alignment, align activities with impact, and contribute to funding proposals and reports.
• Perform other duties as required, contributing to the overall success and adaptability of JobsFirstNYC’s initiatives.

Competencies and Qualifications

• Commitment to Economic Mobility and Justice: Deep passion for advancing educational equity, economic mobility, and community development in New York City.
• Leadership and Strategic Implementation: At least seven years of progressive experience leading community-based initiatives, with a proven ability to design and implement successful strategies.
• Communication and Facilitation: Excellent communication, writing, and public speaking skills; skilled in adult learning and group facilitation, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Data-Informed Decision-Making: Demonstrated ability to use data to understand trends, inform strategy, and drive measurable results.
• Collaboration and Professionalism: Highly collaborative and adaptable team player with strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment.
• Education Background Bachelor’s degree or comparable experience.

Preferred Competencies and Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is preferred but not required.
• Previous experience working in partnership development and management, community organizing, project management, workforce and economic development, think tanks, research centers, and intermediary organizations highly beneficial.
• Experience with digital tools such as Asana, Salesforce, Generative AI
• Background and knowledge of New York City workforce, economic development and political systems, notably as it pertains to young adult employment, industry partnerships, and neighborhood development are preferred.
• Fundraising experience.

This position at JobsFirstNYC comes at an exciting period of growth in the organization’s history and is an ideal fit for someone interested in designing and implementing more effective place-based approaches at scale that result in economic opportunity for all people and committed to driving efforts of larger systems change.

JobsFirstNYC offers a comprehensive benefits package.