Division Director Youth Workforce

Queens Community House (QCH) is a leading multi-site, multi-service settlement house dedicated to strengthening the diverse communities of Queens. Through an extensive network of programs and services, we empower individuals and families to lead enriched, inclusive, and self-sufficient lives. As a forward-thinking organization, we integrate best practices, cost-effective management, innovative leadership, and a commitment to social and economic justice.

We are seeking a visionary and accomplished leader to serve as the Division Director, Youth Workforce, a key member of Queens Community House’s Program Leadership Team. This program leadership role provides strategic oversight for a $4 million portfolio of high-impact young adult programs across Queens, requiring a dynamic professional with a proven track record in youth development.

The Position
Queens Community House (QCH) seeks a strategic and dynamic Division Director of Youth Workforce Development to lead a robust portfolio of programs empowering young adults through career exploration, job readiness, and educational sector-focused job training, job placement, and retention. The ideal candidate will demonstrate collaborative leadership, strategic thinking, and financial acumen to foster an inclusive, team-oriented culture, drive innovation, and ensure high-quality, equitable, and compliant contract deliverables and outcomes. As a key member of the Program Leadership Team, the Director will align programs with QCH’s long-term goals, exhibit expertise in youth development and change management, and represent the organization in high-level engagements, contributing to its mission and broader strategic objectives.

Strategic Leadership & Vision:

• Ensure the effective implementation and strategic oversight of six workforce development programs, tracking progress toward enrollment, retention, and employment placement goals for each, including:
• Young Adult Food Sector Employment Initiative (YAFSEI)
• YouthBuild Queens
• Summer Youth Employment Program Career Ready (SYEP-Career)
• Neighborhood Inter-generational Chore & Errand Program 
• College & Career Pathways
• Community Resources for Employment and Development (CRED)                            
• Launch strategic initiatives that align with QCH’s mission, funder priorities, and evolving community needs.
• Establish, track, and report on monthly/quarterly contract deliverables for all programs using data to drive annual improvement in service outcomes.
• Analyze local, state, and federal labor market trends and regulatory changes to proactively inform program strategies and maintain compliance.
• Participate in external forums or advocacy groups annually, serving as a thought leader in youth development and workforce innovation.
• Conduct semi-annual program reviews to assess effectiveness, ensure alignment with organizational goals, and propose improvements to enhance outcomes.
  
  

Program Management & Operations:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations and long-term planning of youth workforce programs, ensuring 100% compliance with all contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure data accuracy in required systems for on-time submission of program reports to funders and stakeholders.
• Lead monthly internal audits to review financial sustainability and operational effectiveness across all six programs.
• Implement and monitor continuous quality improvement processes, achieving an increase in enrollment/job placement or other success indicators.
• Supervise 5 senior program leaders with weekly check-ins and 100% completion of annual performance evaluations; foster a culture of accountability, professional development, and growth.
• Maintain (a 90%) staff retention rate through strong onboarding, coaching, and two annual leadership development opportunities.
• Organize an annual program-wide events that celebrate youth achievements and deepen community engagement.
• Uphold QCH’s safety, supervision, and risk management protocols with zero critical incidents and full compliance with mandated reporting.
• Review and manage individual program budgets on a monthly basis, assist in preparation of documentation for annual program audits.

Partner & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Cultivate and sustain active partnerships with external stakeholders annually, including DOE, DYCD, CBOs, and private funders.
• Collaborate with the AED of Young Adult Services to cultivate at least (5) high-level employer partnerships each year, supporting job development and internship opportunities.
• Support job development with outreach to local businesses and organizations.
• Participate in two or more advocacy initiatives annually to promote equitable access to workforce opportunities for young adults.
• Support grant writing and reporting accurately and on time to maintain.