Director, Youth Engagement & Economic Empowerment

Department: Project Management Office (PMO)

Salary: $115,000 - $130,000

FLSA: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to: Head of Transformation & PMO

Travel: 40% Commitment

Location: Los Angeles, CA; Remote

About Us

LeadersUp seeks to change how America works by empowering the next generation of inclusive leaders to build an antiracist economy. We believe that the next generation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are the demographic engine of our nation’s economic growth. With 81% of job growth already led by multicultural populations, we posit that intentional and strategic investments that broaden access to economic opportunity will catalyze inclusive ecosystems with the best potential to propel our nation’s prosperity and global competitiveness.

About the Role

As Director of Youth Engagement & Economic Empowerment, you will drive transformative solutions at the intersection of education, workforce development, and economic mobility. By designing and leading innovative programs, cross-sector partnerships, and policy-driven solutions, you’ll be a critical force in creating sustainable pathways for BIPOC young adults to achieve economic prosperity. This role requires a dynamic leader with strategic foresight, deep collaboration skills, and a data-driven approach to program development.

If you are a systems thinker, a relationship builder, and an action-oriented, impact-driven leader, this is your opportunity to transform pathways to education and economic mobility for the next generation. Reporting directly to the Head of Transformation & PMO, this role includes a travel commitment of up to 40%, locally, statewide, or nationally.

We prefer candidates who are local to Los Angeles, California.

Essential Duties

Program Development & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead the design, implementation, and execution of economic empowerment initiatives, including pilot programs that scale into sustainable solutions.
• In alignment with LeadersUp’s mission and goals, develop and implement youth engagement strategies that foster economic empowerment, promote generational wealth, and drive career advancement.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with industry leaders, educational institutions, policymakers, and community organizations to drive systemic change.
• Lead the design of programs that align with California’s emerging job markets and high-growth industries.
• Evaluate programs regularly, and make recommendations to enhance effectiveness, sustainability, and scalability.
• Advocate for policy and workforce solutions that address systemic barriers and expand pathways for economic mobility and prosperity.

Data & Insights

• Analyze research, workforce trends, and program outcomes to refine strategies for greater impact continuously.
• Apply data-driven decision-making to inform policy, enhance program design, and measure short- and long-term success.
• ​​Performs other related duties as assigned.

Design & Delivery

Each role within our organization contributes its unique expertise and skill sets to the successful deployment of LeadersUp’s products and services. By leveraging our diverse talents and perspectives, we ensure that our strategies and initiatives are innovative, impactful, and inclusive. The following key responsibilities outline how every team member participates in the Design & Delivery of our products and services:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and refine initiatives within each portfolio, bringing role-specific insights to enhance service effectiveness and reach.
• Participate in the implementation and contribute to the continuous improvement of portfolio projects and strategies, applying specialized skills and knowledge and offering feedback and suggestions based on role-specific observations and expertise.
• Support the measurement and evaluation of portfolio outcomes, assisting in the collection and analysis of data to inform strategy and decision-making.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises employees within the department(s).
• Indirectly supervises employees within the department(s).
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

The Superpowers You Bring

• Strategic Thinking & Prioritization
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Facilitation
• Program Design Principles
• Analytical & Research Skills
• Economic Empowerment Knowledge
• Multi-Cultural Competence

Qualifications, Capabilities & Experience

• Advanced knowledge of program design principles that prioritize equity, scalability, and impact.
• Ability to craft youth engagement initiatives that break down systemic barriers and expand pathways to education and employment.
• Ability to manage multiple, large-scale projects while delivering measurable results.
• Experience leveraging data, research, and insights to drive strategic decisions, including adapting strategies based on real-time insights and shifting priorities.
• Astute understanding of economic empowerment, labor market trends, and workforce development systems.
• Skilled at building cross-sector partnerships with community-based organizations, educational institutions, industry leaders, and funders.
• Skilled in people leadership, performance management, and team culture-building, including empowering, delegating, and developing high-performing, cross-collaborative teams.
• Skills can be showcased through a combination of education, full-time, part-time, internship, and/or freelance positions, reflecting a comprehensive and adaptable skill set.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Occasionally required to stand.
• Continually required to sit.
• Continually required to talk or hear.
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity.
• Occasional exposure to outside weather conditions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may vary from time to time.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 25 pounds.

Remote Work Requirements

• Quiet, distraction-free workspace.
• Reliable high-speed internet (min. 10Mbps upload / 50Mbps download; preferred 25 Mbps upload / 100 Mbps download).
• Candidates must meet all technical requirements before the first day.

How to Apply

Ready to be a changemaker and drive real impact? Apply today!

LeadersUp is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all perspectives are valued and amplified.

Join us in making a lasting impact!

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

At LeadersUp, we invest in our team’s well-being, growth, and work-life balance with a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

Health & Wellness

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage (80% coverage for spouses and children).
• $25,000 life insurance policy
• Volunteer benefits are available through Aflac and Metlife.

Time Off & Paid Leave

• 48 hours of sick & wellness time annually.
• Annual paid vacation:
  • 10 days (years 1-2)
  • 15 days (after 3 years)
  • 20 days (after 5 years)
• 17 paid holidays, including a holiday break from December 24th through January 1st.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave (up to 75% of weekly pay).

Work-Life Balance & Perks

• Flexible, remote work setup with a 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off).
• 401(k) plan, FSA, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Professional development opportunities and team retreats.
• We recognize and reward your commitment to LeadersUp through service milestone perks, including gift cards and additional vacation days.
• Work alongside a purpose-driven team dedicated to building an inclusive economy.