Director of Advocacy and Education

Director of Advocacy and Education
Rochester, NY · Full-time · Competitive Salary · $70,000-$75,000

Why Starbridge
At Starbridge, we partner with people with disabilities, their families, and the people who support them to build communities where everyone belongs. We are For the Hope and the How: the hope that life can change for the better, and the know-how to make it happen.
As the Director of Advocacy and Education, you'll provide strategic leadership across multiple advocacy and education programs that empower individuals and families through education, support, and systems change. You'll lead dedicated teams, strengthen community partnerships, oversee grants and funding, and help shape the future of services that make a lasting impact throughout New York State.

What You'll Do

• Provide leadership and oversight for the Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC), Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Family Support Services, and County Contract programs.
• Lead, coach, and support program staff while fostering professional growth and collaboration.
• Oversee program planning, implementation, reporting, and continuous quality improvement.
• Manage department budgets, contracts, grants, and funder requirements.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and statewide and national networks.
• Represent Starbridge with key stakeholders, including the U.S. Department of Education and OPWDD.
• Ensure programs meet all regulatory, contractual, and agency compliance standards.
• Develop department policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives.
• Serve as a member of the agency's leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and decision-making.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Education, Mental Health, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred.
• Five years of leadership and supervisory experience.
• Experience managing programs, budgets, grants, or contracts.
• Strong leadership, communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and drive continuous improvement.
• Experience with special education, disability services, OPWDD, or grant writing is preferred.
• Ability to travel for statewide and national meetings as needed.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Generous paid time off that grows with your years of service.
• Employer-paid life insurance worth two times your salary.
• Health, dental, and vision coverage, with Starbridge helping cover the cost.
• A retirement plan you can start right away, with a 4% Starbridge match after one year.
• Opportunities to lead meaningful initiatives that strengthen families and communities across New York State.
• A collaborative leadership team committed to innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Our Commitment

Removing barriers is at the heart of our mission, and that includes how we hire. Starbridge is proud to serve a variety of cultures and backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We welcome applicants of every background and experience and base our hiring decisions on each person’s ability to do the job.