Program Director

Job Description

Job Description

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW  

 

Urban Resource Institute (URI) is a dynamic, innovative, and well-respected organization founded in 1980 that transforms the lives of domestic violence survivors and homeless families through safe shelter and comprehensive services; delivers prevention and intervention programs that break cycles of violence and poverty; and actively works for sustainable systemic change. URI is the oldest licensed provider of domestic violence (DV) shelter and services in New York State and is the largest provider in the United States of DV shelter services, as well as a leading provider of shelter and services for homeless families. URI has a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion among leadership, staff, and clients at residential and nonresidential sites across New York City.  

 

Innovative Urban Village, opening in Summer 2026, is Urban Resource Institute’s first Supportive Housing program in partnership with Christian Cultural Center and is a comprehensive redevelopment project located in East New York, Brooklyn. Phase 1A includes 376 income-based rental residences, of which 94 units are dedicated to families who have experienced homelessness as a result of domestic violence and who qualify for Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) services. The program provides permanent supportive housing and trauma-informed, culturally competent services designed to promote long-term housing stability and independent living. As URI’s first Supportive Housing program, Innovative Urban Village represents a foundational expansion of the agency’s housing continuum, requiring the development of a comprehensive program model, policies, procedures, and service framework from inception through full implementation. 

 

The Director will be responsible for working with team members and program leaders to develop and implement a vision for Urban Resource Institute’s Innovative Urban Village supportive housing program, including leading the design and development of the program model, service framework, and operational policies and procedures from pre-opening through full program implementation, ensuring the provision of quality and effective services to families who have experienced homelessness as a result of domestic violence that reflect best practices in the field. The Director will also maintain constructive collaborative relationships with partner agencies in the public and private sector as well as funding sources and service providers. 

 

Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 

 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Responsible for assisting with implementing supportive housing programs in NY and maintain general oversight at assigned site(s) 
• Partner with the Senior Vice President of Housing Initiatives to lead the development of the Innovative Urban Village supportive housing program model, including articulation of service philosophy and service delivery approach 
• Design and draft program policies, procedures, and operational protocols in alignment with ESSHI requirements, OTDA regulations, and URI standards 
• Collaborate with executive leadership and cross-functional departments (HR, Finance, Facilities, Compliance, and Evaluation) to operationalize program infrastructure prior to opening 
• Develop onboarding, training, and supervision structures to support program fidelity and consistency from launch forward 
• Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state and local regulations as well as agency and program policies, including ESSHI requirements and supportive housing standards 
• Develop as needed, implement and maintain consistent policies and practices regarding program management, client services and other agency protocols 
• Ensure entry into required data management systems, including NYC CAPS, HMIS, and/or other systems as applicable to supportive housing contracts 
• Maximize bed utilization and achieve optimal occupancy rates 
• Work with the Senior Vice President of Housing Initiatives, other Senior Team members and program leaders to ensure consistency, collaboration and complementary services between sites and programs 
• Work with program leaders and evaluation staff to build and develop services that represent the best practices in working with survivors of domestic violence and families in permanent supportive housing 
• Provide leadership in the development of strong intra- and inter-agency collaborations to improve the systemic response to homeless families and survivors of domestic violence transitioning to permanent housing 
• Represent URI at city and statewide coalitions, task forces and committees to ensure the continuation of solid collaborative approaches 
• Play a leadership role towards achievement of organizational mission and strategic plans 
• Assist in the creation and monitoring of the annual supportive housing services program budget 
• Ensure facilities are maintained at the highest level and facilitate collaboration between facilities and operations staff 
• Ensure that staff receive ongoing training in assessing risks and needs, identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect, effective case management strategies and evidence-based/evidence-informed approaches, such as motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, safety planning, and supportive housing best practices 
• Provide weekly supervision to assigned staff and ensure the provision of regular supervision of all other program staff 

 

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES  

• An advanced degree (MSW, or related field). LMSW, LCSW 

 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• A minimum of five years supervisory experience in a social service capacity, preferably in the field of supportive housing, domestic violence services, or homeless services 
• Familiarity with OTDA regulations, as well as supportive housing and ESSHI guidelines 
• Demonstrated experience launching or significantly scaling a program, including development of policies, procedures, and service models 
• Must be an individual who can relate to people at all levels of the organization and work well on teams. 
• Project management skills and experience, especially in projects requiring significant resources and cross-functional involvement is a must.  
• Must have strong writing and public speaking skills with an ability to manage and organize multiple projects in a busy, pressured work environment. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage crisis and proactively respond to client needs using a client centered approach 
• Demonstrated experience working with and sensitivity to individuals from varying sociodemographic backgrounds including individuals whom identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or HIV-affected, the elderly and individuals with substance use and/or mental health issues. 
• Employee must be computer-literate and must have knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. 
• Ability to multi-task and demonstrated time management skills 
• Demonstrated de-escalation skills through using a client centered approach. 

Urban Resource Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

 

 

Company Description

Founded in 1980, Urban Resource Institute (URI) is the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter and support services and a leading provider of housing and services for families experiencing homelessness. Across 24 shelters in New York City, URI provides safe housing for nearly 4,000 individuals and their pets every night and serves more than 40,000 people annually. 

URI’s work is grounded in survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care. In addition to emergency and transitional housing, URI delivers a robust continuum of Justice Initiatives—including economic empowerment, legal education and advocacy, prevention and youth programming, and abusive partner intervention—designed to break cycles of violence, instability, and poverty. URI also develops permanent affordable and supportive housing, advancing long-term pathways to safety, healing, and stability for families and communities.

Company Description

Founded in 1980, Urban Resource Institute (URI) is the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter and support services and a leading provider of housing and services for families experiencing homelessness. Across 24 shelters in New York City, URI provides safe housing for nearly 4,000 individuals and their pets every night and serves more than 40,000 people annually. URI’s work is grounded in survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care. In addition to emergency and transitional housing, URI delivers a robust continuum of Justice Initiatives—including economic empowerment, legal education and advocacy, prevention and youth programming, and abusive partner intervention—designed to break cycles of violence, instability, and poverty. URI also develops permanent affordable and supportive housing, advancing long-term pathways to safety, healing, and stability for families and communities.