Assistant Director

Assistant Director of Community Programming

Division: Food & Housing Stability

Main Site: Spellman Center

Classification: Professional

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: Division Director

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Community Programming serves as a key representative of Catholic Charities within the Lower East Side community, building and maintaining strong relationships with residents, community organizations, government agencies, funders, and other stakeholders. In collaboration with the Government Relations team, the Assistant Director develops and cultivates strategic partnerships that strengthen community engagement, identify emerging community needs, expand access to services, and position the Spellman Center as a trusted and responsive neighborhood resource. This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations and coordination of community programming at the Spellman Center, ensuring the facility remains a safe, welcoming, and vibrant community hub.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate the day-to-day operations of the Spellman Center, including site operations, client flow, scheduling, and building security, in collaboration with the Director of Facilities.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate community programs, events, and initiatives that address neighborhood needs and promote community engagement.
• Conduct ongoing community needs assessments to identify service gaps, emerging needs, and priority areas to inform program development.
• Engage residents, community stakeholders, and partner organizations through surveys, focus groups, and convenings to ensure programming reflects community voice and priorities.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive plan to integrate new community programming into existing services, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community needs.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, elected officials, funders, and other stakeholders to expand services and strengthen community impact.
• Collaborate with Program Directors to ensure coordinated center operations, consistent policies and procedures, and effective service delivery.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive calendar of programs, events, meetings, and community activities.
• Partner with the Marketing and Communications team to promote programs, events, and community outreach initiatives.
• Represent Catholic Charities community meetings, events, and collaborative forums while identifying emerging community needs and opportunities.
• Assist with budget management, program reporting, performance evaluation, rental space coordination, and facility usage.
• Supervise, train, and support staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt position. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Evening and weekend hours are required based on program, community, and operational needs.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Travel throughout the community using reliable transportation.
• Walk throughout neighborhoods, including climbing stairs and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Maintain awareness while working in diverse community environments.
• Work with individuals and families experiencing complex social and economic challenges.
• Remain seated and operate a computer for extended periods (approximately 60% of the workday).
• Maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and occasional on-call responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in human services, nonprofit management, or community-based programming.
• Demonstrated experience in community organizing, engagement, or coalition building required.
• Experience managing community facilities or multi-use community centers preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to build effective relationships with individuals from diverse cultural, economic, and religious backgrounds.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, networking, and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of community resources, social service systems, and nonprofit operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• First Aid, Fire Safety, and Emergency Response certification, or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to effectively utilize virtual meeting platforms and remote technology.

Catholic Charities and Catholic Charities Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.

We believe in fostering a collaborative, inclusive work environment where your talent and skills are recognized, and you are given the opportunity to grow professionally and personally. We offer professional development opportunities and the tools you need to succeed in your career. Additionally, we provide competitive compensation and benefits, such as:

• Full medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off including holidays – starts at 30 days
• Flexible spending accounts

Tuition Reimbursement and other professional development programs