Youth Development Director

Under general direction of Executive Director, performs administrative duties and policy interpretation related to the management within the Youth Development Program in FOCUS and/or of related operational units or program areas. Key responsibilities include developing program goals and objectives, managing staff, developing policies and procedures related to program activities, developing and administering program budgets, conducting short- and long-range planning, and performing related work as required.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manages and implements the educational program and budget described in the approved application to ensure that the agency meets its responsibilities to the NJDOE under the grant agreement in a timely manner
• Monitors and directs daily operations to ensure that policies and procedures are being followed, that goals and objectives are met, and that services are being provided efficiently and effectively; takes corrective action as necessary; personally, handles the most difficult, sensitive or controversial projects for the program.
• Ensures program implementation in alignment with approved application (monitor program/budget appropriately)
• Completes and submits necessary reports in a timely manner to Executive Director, federal state
• Maintains participant files, program forms, and all applicable licenses
• Develops systems and maintains records that provide for the proper evaluation, control, and documentation of assigned activities; prepares and directs the preparation of a variety of written correspondence, reports, procedures, directives, and other materials.
• Maintains Child Care Center Licenses for all schools
• Develops attendance policy, calendar of activities
• Meets with key program staff, teachers, partners, collaborators, evaluator, etc. regularly
• Coordinates 21st CCLC advisory board meetings and ensuring implementation of sustainability plan
• Supervises site coordinators, administrative staff, and program volunteers
• Provides professional development and work evaluation of subordinate staff; makes recommendations on hiring, termination, promotion and discipline as required
• Conducts program orientation for staff, parents, students, volunteers, and key program staff
• Develops and maintains health and emergency plans/files
• Attends mandated project directors’ meetings and required professional development trainings
• Ensures compliance with evaluation requirements (data-entry into federal and state data-collection systems)
• Serves as the FOCUS representative with a variety of public, business and community organizations; fosters collaborative relationships to the benefit of the division with internal and external sources
• Prioritizes and allocates available division resources; reviews and evaluates program and service delivery, makes recommendations for improvement and ensures maximum effective service provision
• Assists in new proposal development and implements programs funded

Education and Experience:

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework related to the area of assignment and four years of supervisory or managerial experience within or related to the area of assignment
• Experience in working with the children/youth population
• Computer Literate (Microsoft Applications)
• NJ Auto Driver License and Vehicle is required

Knowledge of: (at entry):

• Principles and practices of management and supervision
• Principles of effective leadership; Applicable laws, rules, ordinances and regulations
• Theories, principles and operational practices applicable to the area of assignment
• Computer applications and databases related to the work
• Techniques for effectively representing the organization, including making effective public presentations and dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone

Skill in: (at entry):

• Developing program activities, goals and objectives, creating program evaluation tools and evaluating the effectiveness of the program
• Applying theories, principles and procedures in the area of assignment
• Supervising and evaluating staff, directly and through multiple levels of supervision
• Managing multiple tasks, often with competing deadlines
• Providing leadership and motivating staff
• Making effective presentations to individuals and groups
• Developing, implementing, Interpreting and explaining applicable laws and regulations
• Preparing clear, concise, and informative reports, correspondence and other written materials
• Handling difficult and sensitive situations using sound, independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines
• Communicating effectively with co-workers, supervisors, the general public, representatives of public and private organizations and others sufficient to exchange or convey information