Youth Center Director

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP’s extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior citizens, from school-aged children to homeless families, from non-profit organizations to local employers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position is responsible for overseeing comprehensive out-of-school-time time programs for youth ages 9-19. Specific duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Work with Division Head for Youth Programs and appropriate committees to establish broad parameters for program goals and objectives.
• Oversee the implementation of policies, values, procedures, and guidelines at the youth center.
• Manage information systems and supply the Division Head for Youth Programs with accurate program records, financial data, program data, monthly reports, etc.
• Work with the Director of Operations to identify staffing needs and recruit, select, and train qualified program staff.
• Work with other Youth Center Directors to identify staff training needs and professional development needs and assist with the development of training programs that will address those needs.
• Provide supervision and leadership to the Program Directors and Youth Program staff.
• Manage the youth center budget and day-to-day operations with respect to center finances, reporting and scheduling.
• Work with youth center staff to maintain accurate center records, including member/staff attendance, Center financial data, and incident reports, etc.
• Manage other collaborations and partnerships with other youth centers and community programs.
• Actively engaging in and supporting the Department’s Race and Equity Initiative.
• Participate in planning discussions, advocacy discussions and citywide initiatives as necessary.
• Advocate for youth and community-members' needs.
• Work with Program Directors and Youth Program staff to link center members to resources and services not provided by the Youth Program directly, as needed.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies to promote youth center activities and programs that attract new members, volunteers, and collaborating partners to the program.
• Act as youth center spokesperson on related issues and concerns at neighborhood level.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Seven years of youth work experience required with demonstrated track record in program design, development and implementation, including financial management.
• Solid management and supervisory experience.
• Ability to demonstrate experience in managing collaborative relationships/partnerships.
• Experience working with multiple, diverse constituencies.
• Be able to work independently, but also as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated public speaking and outreach experience.
• Advanced degrees in social work, psychology, education or related field preferred.
• The City of Cambridge’s workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Main work environment is a busy Youth Center. The noise level can be very noisy. Youth Centers include classroom like settings, open environments & gymnasium. This position is eligible for hybrid work under the City’s Telework Policy depending on operational needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, walk, and listen. The employee is occasionally required to run, during play or respond to an emergency. Employees are frequently required to use their hands and arms to handle and manipulate objects as well as reach. Vision abilities are required for supervision. Must be able to lift 35 lbs.