Community School Director

Position Overview

The Community Schools strategy offers a holistic approach toward improving social emotional learning and academic performance driven by strong, collaborative partnerships among principals, parents, teachers, and partner community-based organizations (CBOs). In Community Schools, parents are active partners, the school climate is joyful and positive, and expanded learning opportunities are standard. Community Schools organize resources and share leadership to integrate social services into the fabric of the school; they are equipped to better serve the needs of families so that students come ready and able to learn. An integral part of this approach is the integration and alignment of school- and community-based services throughout an expanded learning day (such as mental health, counseling, and academic enrichment). Critical to ensuring this alignment and coordination is a full-time staff person in the school building – the Community School Director (CSD).

The CSD is responsible for overseeing all facets of various programs and services during the day and after school at the high school. They supervise 4 direct reports (Assistant Community School Director, Program Manager, Attendance Success Mentor Coordinator (2), and Creative Arts Manager) and works in collaboration with the After-School Program Director. In addition, the CSD also supports the coordination of various partner organizations subcontracted by Zone 126 to facilitate programs and provide supportive services.

The CSD reports directly to Zone 126’s Executive Director and works alongside the school’s Principal to implement the community school strategy. The CSD is a strategic thought partner, a consensus builder, and advocate ensuring high quality programming and services for the youth we serve. They cultivate and forge positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders, rallying collective support and raising awareness of the Zone 126 cradle to college to career approach.

Essential Responsibilities

• Serve as an advisor to the Principal, coordinating and aligning the work of various partner organizations and the school faculty including but not limited to programming planning, goal setting, organizing and leading CBO providers meetings as necessary.
• Plan and Lead the weekly Community School Team meeting, and participate in school governance & cabinet meetings, culture, and attendance meetings.
• Organize and oversee needs assessments and seek input from teachers, school staff, parents, and students; work with school administrators to develop participant recruitment/enrollment strategies, prevention/intervention strategies, monitor student progress, and make referrals when needed.
• Increase student access to basic needs, healthcare, mental health support and trained professionals to create a trauma-responsive learning environment during the school-day and after-school (when applicable).
• Serve as a point person for organizations interested in partnering with the school and help to broker new partnerships that are aligned with school goals and needs.
• Work to maintain an organization-wide focus on results and prioritize tracking progress of the organizations intended outcomes.
• Ensuring staff is accurately capturing participant information and delivering it to the Data & Evaluation Manager in a timely and efficient manner.
• Collaborate with the Parent Coordinator, Principal and School Administrators to create meaningful opportunities for parents to participate within the school.
• Plan and coordinate skill-development and informational workshops focused on strategies for supporting parent engagement, academic growth of youth, education technologies readiness, as well as recreational activities designed to enhance mental wellness and prevent violence.
• Monitor and ensure all program compliance and city contract requirements are met.
• Ensure staff meets the highest standards and qualifications in carrying out the mission of the Community Schools model, including taking the appropriate steps to hire new staff and coordinate onboarding, training, and professional development.
• Conduct and prepare agendas for recurring supervision check-in meetings with staff and supervisor.
• Ensure time sheets are accurately completed and submitted to payroll on time.
• Maintain accurate and organized records (i.e., staff files, program flyers, materials, schedule, and curriculum).
• Report site injuries, via appropriate incident/accident forms and immediately communicate with school and personnel.
• Other duties as deemed necessary as related to school and organizational success.
• Take the lead in planning all major school life activities and events, including Fall Family Night, Spring Community Schools Coalition, Open House events, and monthly Speed Chat n’ Chew events.
• Lead efforts to engage local elected officials in collaboration with the Executive Director to support and elevate the school community’s work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services discipline, Education, Youth Development, Psychology, Social Work, or related field required.
• Prior experience working in school-based settings required.
• Fluent Spanish preferred. Written and oral fluency a plus.
• Knowledge of community organizing, student support services, and youth development programs preferred.
• Experience working in outcomes-based, grant-funded youth programs a plus.
• The ideal candidate is:
  • Responsible and professional; serves as role model to staff and youth.
  • Understands how to utilize a case management approach to meet youth and family needs.
  • Able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with school-aged youth, educators, families, and communities from a wide range of cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.
  • Has excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with proven ability to interact with a diverse range of individuals both in person, virtually and over the phone, applying tact and discretion as situations demand.
  • Able to clearly communicate and effectively listen to children, parents/guardians, members, school administration and other Zone 126 staff.
  • Able to resolve conflicts and negotiate solutions.
  • Able to clearly articulate outcome requirements and provide the necessary and appropriate resources and support for partners to successfully deliver objectives.
  • Has excellent organizational, time management and follow-up skills.
• DOE fingerprinting and background clearance is required. Fingerprinting costs are reimbursable after 90 days of successful employment.

Work Location and Schedule

• Full-Time Exempt, Year-Round
• Must be available Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM
• On-site at Long Island City High School (14-30 Broadway Long Island City, NY 11106)
• (Special event support on weekends and after school hours required; advanced notice will be provided).

Salary and Benefits

• Annual Base Salary $80,000
• A comprehensive benefits package is available including paid time off, Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending, transportation benefits, and 401K.

About Zone 126

Zone 126 is a community-based nonprofit organization in Queens, NY whose mission is to is to combat chronic absenteeism by connecting students to youth development programming that builds pathways to college, the workforce, and promising futures.

Zone 126 envisions a community in which all students have the support needed to participate in their education and pursue successful futures that break generational cycles of poverty.

For additional information on our sites and programs, visit zone126.org.