Director, Education 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 18 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 Education Solutions leads the execution of JobsFirstNYC’s education portfolio. Working in close partnership with the Vice President of Education, Research, and Evaluation, the Director shapes and drives initiatives that bridge the K-12 and postsecondary systems, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission to create equitable education-to-career pathways. This role forges and sustains partnerships with educational institutions, community-based organizations, workforce development providers, government agencies, and education nonprofits citywide.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support Education Solutions Implementation

• Lead the implementation of the organization's education solutions portfolio.
• Support the development and execution of broader in-school work as part of a strategy to reduce the number of out-of-school, out-of-work young adults by intervening while students are still in school.
• Drive education partnerships focused on embedding career development in schools, building structural pathways to postsecondary opportunities, and reimagining the educational system to better serve young adults. This includes partnerships between high schools, colleges and workforce development organizations.
• Serve as project manager for education initiatives including the Bronx Opportunity Network and Pathways Beyond Graduation, a Transfer 2 Career Initiative with District 79.
• Lead the development and implementation of professional learning communities.

Influencing Systems Change

• Support in the buildout of strategies to expand the organization’s constituency, build public will, and further public understanding of key issues through research-informed communications tactics.
• Support a comprehensive effort to advance a broader, evidence-based system-wide educational institution and systems change agenda leveraging JobsFirstNYC’s body of work and time-tested solutions.
• Identify opportunities to influence practice and policy.

Research & Writing

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

Organizational-Wide Support

• Raise awareness about the work of JobsFirstNYC by presenting at conferences nationally and in other public settings.
• Participate in coalitions to advance the mission of JobsFirstNYC.
• Assist with organizing/planning JobsFirstNYC’s new and existing signature events and convenings.

Work Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel within New York City frequently.
• Work in a hybrid environment with an in-office presence three days each week.

COMPETENCIES & QUALIFICATIONS

• Personal Ethos - Deep commitment and passion for educational equity and economic mobility.
• Professional Experience - Knowledge of and experience working in schools, with a preference for the high school and postsecondary space in New York City. Candidates who are most likely to be successful in this position will have at least 7 years of experience in education-related work.
• Content Knowledge – Strong background in college and career advising; career connected learning; college access and success; and the workforce development ecosystem.
• Communication and Adult Learning – The ability to clearly and persuasively communicate, listen and seek clarifications. Strong background in adult learning, comfortable with public speaking. Strong facilitation and writing skills.
• Professionalism – Work well in a fast-paced environment; treat others with respect and consideration. Understand business implications of decisions, align work with strategic goals, and develop strategies to achieve organizational goals.
• Teamwork – Demonstrated ability to balance team and individual responsibilities; exhibit objectivity and openness to others’ views; give and welcome feedback; and contribute to building a positive team spirit. Displays passion and optimism.
• Data Literacy - Demonstrated experience leveraging data to understand and communicate trends, inform decision-making and drive measurable impact.
• Technical Competencies - Competency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel/Sheets and PPT/Slides, and quick learner of technology systems.
• Education Background Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree with comparable experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of NYCPS alternative schools (transfer schools, HSE programs, YABC, etc.).
• Curriculum development experience.
• Experience leading multi-stakeholder engagements.
• Background and experience supporting multilingual learners and students with disabilities.
• Experience using Salesforce and LLMs such as ChatGBT and Claude.