Director of Career Services

About the Organization

More Than Words (MTW) is a nonprofit social enterprise that empowers youth who are in the foster care system, court involved, homeless, or out of school to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business. By working as a team to manage their own retail and online used book business and community space, youth develop the employment skills, leadership, and self-confidence they need to successfully transition to adulthood.

MTW is an exemplary organization that has continually held up a mirror to identify areas for improvement and accountability; that ethic is part of the culture and fabric of MTW and it extends to our commitment to ensure our staff and board reflect the racial and ethnic diversity and lived experiences of the young adults we are privileged to serve. People of color are highly encouraged to apply.

The Opportunity

The Director of Career Services will lead the expanding Career Services and Pathways Department. This role will focus on building education and employment partnerships to support MTW young adults on their path to a living wage. The Director will also oversee innovative funding initiatives aimed at enhancing the economic mobility of MTW graduates. Reporting to the COO, the Director will work closely with Boston and Waltham Site Directors to create pathways for MTW graduates. The Director of Career Services role encompasses three key areas: 1) External Pathway Partnerships 2) Program Development, and 3) Career Services Department Leadership.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

External Pathway Partnerships:

• Identify, develop and maintain external partnerships with employment and educational institutions for the purpose of generating pathway opportunities for youth participating in MTW, while raising visibility and awareness for MTW and the needs of our youth.
• Work directly in collaboration with Boston and Waltham Site Directors and Career Services Managers (CSMs) to cultivate and connect MTW youth to employment and education partners, with clear goals for pathways to living wage jobs and Post-Secondary Education (PSE) completion.
• Cultivate exposure opportunities for MTW youth and CSMs through job site visits, job fairs, post-secondary education fairs, college/trade school site visits and other PSE access and support services.
• Manage salesforce database of PSE and employment partners – documenting all communications, pathway opportunities and cross organizational collaboration opportunities.

Program Development:

• Lead the development and execution of internal programming in partnership with the CSMs and Site Directors, specifically related to the new $1k Investment Incentive and Bridge Funding programming initiative to support enrollment and completion of PSE programs.
• Work collaboratively with Cross Site Department Leadership at MTW to develop and implement programming for youth in the Core Social Enterprise and Graduate Programs to support youth’s successful transition through the core model and after MTW.
• Build a foundation for financial support systems for youth including financial literacy, budgeting, benefits coaching and partnerships with financial institutions to support the long-term financial growth of MTW youth.
• Generate and review monthly reports, tracking outcome acquisition and graduated progress towards employment, education and financial goals, as well as financial reporting as related to Bridge Funding disbursements

Career Services Department Leadership:

• Directly supervise 3 Career Service Managers in Boston and 1 in partnership with Site Director in Waltham, around daily case management and support of youth in the Career Services programs.
• Model trauma informed case management, while guiding and coaching CSMs to establish clear post-secondary education and employment goals with all youth on their caseloads
• Support consistent programming and case management across the site through departmental meetings and program implementation support.
• Assist and give oversight in placing MTW graduates in MTW business roles, including ongoing job training opportunities, graduate specialist positions, and MTW coordinator roles.
• Lead Career Services team to compile accurate and timely data tracking in salesforce and for incorporate data inquiry as a critical learning tool to improve practice and programs and outcome data as it relates to increased wages for youth and post-secondary attainment.

Key Qualifications:

• Position requires a minimum of 3 years of documented program leadership and supervisory experience, with a strong track record of coaching youth to navigate career and college planning, possess strong facilitation skills and be able to inspire and motivate individuals and groups to work toward achieving goals
• Desire and ability to “roll up your sleeves” and dig into details and operations where needed, while still focusing on systems and strategy
• Strong organizational skills, ability to set up systems and processes to streamline program implementation and tracking
• Problem-solver, curiosity for learning best practices related to economic mobility, high expectations for delivering quality programming
• Strong track record of leading, managing, and developing high-performing teams
• Solid oral and written communication skills and strong computer skills are essential
• Demonstrated passion for the mission, vision and values of More Than Words and commitment to advancing racial equity and integrate values- based decision making
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint.

Compensation: $91,250-96,562; commensurate with skills and experience.

To apply: Please include both a resume and cover letter

All of MTW’s sites are commuter friendly and are conveniently located near public transportation.

Background Checks

More Than Words requires all staff, service members, volunteers, board members and youth over 18 years of age to undergo background checks. More Than Words is a CORI friendly organization and reviews CORIs on a case-by-case basis

MTW EEO Statement

MTW is an equal opportunity employer, fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces and encourages applicants of every background. The organization's policy regarding equal employment opportunity means that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, benefits, wage and salary administration, scheduling, disciplinary action, and termination will be made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to HR@MTWyouth.org