Deputy Directorof Programs

Deputy Director

FULL TIME 35 HOURS PER WEEK ANNUAL SALARY: TO BE DETERMINED

UNITED COMMUNITY CORPORATION

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSTING

Organizational Background: United Community Corporation (UCC) is dedicated to enriching and stabilizing the quality of life in Newark and Greater Essex County. We offer a wide array of social, educational, recreational, and developmental programs to improve community well-being. Our services include free food and clothing provision, emergency shelter case management, housing assistance, youth programs, senior services, vocational training, and comprehensive family support.

OVERALL JOB PURPOSE

The Deputy Director serves as the Executive Director’s primary programmatic leader and is directly responsible for supervising UCC’s senior program heads, including the Senior Director of Youth Employment Services, the Senior Director of Youth, Families, and Seniors, and the Senior Director of Emergency Services. This role ensures that agency-wide programming is implemented with excellence, accountability, and alignment with UCC’s mission of empowering low-income and at-risk populations.

The Deputy Director must be a decisive and mission-driven leader with the experience and judgment to oversee high-impact service delivery. This role requires operational oversight, performance management, and continuous improvement to strengthen community action outcomes and expand UCC’s reach and effectiveness. The Deputy Director also serves as a senior advisor to the Executive Director, helping guide strategy, resolve operational challenges, and promote a culture of fairness, compassion, and service.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Program Oversight & Supervision
   • Directly supervise and support the agency’s Senior Directors to ensure accountability, compliance, and quality service delivery.
   • Ensure all services align with the ROMA Logic Model and UCC’s programming standards.
   • Oversee daily program execution to meet community needs, funding requirements, and internal performance benchmarks.
   • Lead quality assurance, safety compliance, and continuous outcome tracking.
2. Strategic Execution
   • Collaborate with the Executive Director and senior team to implement UCC’s strategic plan.
   • Use data and community feedback to assess gaps, recommend service adjustments, and propose new initiatives.
   • Identify and pursue opportunities for program growth, sustainability, and innovation.
3. Organizational Performance
   • Lead outcome evaluation and reporting systems for all programs.
   • Support the development and enforcement of agency policies and operating procedures.
   • Ensure programs operate within budget and meet contractual obligations.
   • Monitor internal systems for effectiveness, recommending improvements as needed.
4. Leadership & Staff Development
   • Build a results-oriented leadership culture grounded in UCC’s mission and values.
   • Guide the recruitment, onboarding, and development of Senior Directors and program teams.
   • Set clear goals, coach performance, and ensure accountability at all levels.
5. Financial & Contract Management
   • Coordinate with Finance and Compliance to oversee program budgets and grant expenditures.
   • Support fundraising efforts by providing performance data and program insights.
   • Ensure contract deliverables are met and all reporting is timely and accurate.
6. External Relations
   • Represent UCC to funders, city/state agencies, and partner organizations as the lead point of contact for programmatic operations.
   • Build and maintain strategic partnerships that enhance service delivery and community engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS

• • Master’s degree in Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Social Services, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • At least 7 years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit or public sector program management.
  • Proven ability to lead complex teams and supervise senior-level personnel.
  • Strong knowledge of program evaluation, budget management, and contract compliance.
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity, community empowerment, and UCC’s mission.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• • Background in community action or federally funded social service programs.
  • Experience using ROMA or similar performance-based program models.
  • Skilled in cross-sector collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
  • Excellent problem-solving, communication, and strategic planning capabilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Some lifting, carrying, unloading, and moving of food products will be involved. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities or special needs to perform the essential functions.

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.