Director of Community Initiatives & Services

Job Description

Job Description

Educational Alliance brings together and partners with diverse communities in Lower Manhattan, offering individuals and families high-quality, multi-generational programs and services that enhance their well-being and socioeconomic opportunities. We are a place where everyone is welcome and where progress is powered one relationship at a time. We are proud of our legacy as a Jewish organization, and we provide high-quality, transformational services and programs to all New Yorkers through our network of community centers on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and East Village. As we have for 135+ years, we offer best-in-class programming across multiple sites, focusing on a mix of education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and civic engagement.

Reporting to the Executive Vice President & Chief Program Officer, the Director of Community Initiatives & Services serves as a strategic partner to the EVP & CPO and leads a focused portfolio of major initiatives and emerging priorities across Educational Alliance.

Working across Educational Alliance centers and shared services, this role provides leadership on initiatives requiring cross-program coordination, policy and program analysis, research, and organizational problem solving. The position works closely with Executive Directors and organizational leaders to strengthen programs, identify opportunities, and advance priorities that support the mission and respond to evolving community needs.

The Director leads the Community Impact strategy, focusing on initiatives related to public benefits access and retention, Medicaid and social care, economic mobility, and stronger connections to services across Educational Alliance and the broader community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Lead a focused portfolio of major strategic initiatives and special projects that span programs, centers, or organizational functions.
• Lead Community Impact strategies related to public benefits, Medicaid and social care, economic mobility, and service access.
• Collaborate with Executive Directors and leaders to strengthen, expand, and better connect programs and services.
• Provide research, analysis, and recommendations to support organizational decision-making and new initiative development.
• Support strategic partnerships and external relationships that advance programs and EA’s mission.

Policy, Program Development & Organizational Collaboration

• Work with program leadership to evaluate how community, funding, and policy changes affect benefits and should inform services.
• Partner with Development, Finance, Research & Evaluation, Government Relations, and shared services on program and funding opportunities to serve EA’s clients.
• Use data, research, and community insights to assess effectiveness, needs, and impact.
• Represent the EVP & CPO on selected initiatives, partnerships, coalitions, and working groups.
• Supervise, coach, and develop assigned staff.
• Monitor federal, state, and local policy, regulatory, funding, and reimbursement developments and assess implications.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors Degree required,  Master's degree in social work, public policy, public administration, public health, business, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit, human services, public policy, healthcare, government, or a related field.is required.
• Experience leading complex initiatives involving multiple programs, departments, or external partners.
• Strong understanding of public policy and the government, philanthropic, and nonprofit landscape affecting community-based organizations.
• Experience using research, data, and analysis to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Ability to build effective relationships with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

BENEFITS

• Generous PTO Policy
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Pension Plan
• 403b Retirement Plans
• Discount Perks for Movies, Broadway Shows, Amusement Parks, etc.
• Free Gym Membership to our MCC Fitness & 14th Street Y Gym
• Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Reward

Limitations and Disclaimers

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.  

EEO Info

Educational Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

For further information about Educational Alliance, please visit