Associate Director of College and Career Services

ABOUT US

Apex for Youth empowers underserved Asian and immigrant youth from low-income families in NYC to unlock their potential and a world of possibility. Through programming focusing on health and well-being, education, and community engagement, Apex for Youth creates transformative social connections and celebrates cultural identity to build the confidence and self-efficacy of future generations.

Apex serves approximately 2,900 youth annually from elementary through young adulthood. We provide children and young adults with opportunities to develop strong relationships with adults who volunteer as consistent and caring mentors and role models.

JOB OVERVIEW

Apex's Associate Director of College and Career Success (CCS) oversees all college and career focused high school and post-high school programming, including the Career Exploration Program, High School Opportunities Program, and Alumni Programs. Together with their team, the Associate Director helps Apex youth achieve college and career success through a combined support system of mentorship, college access, and career exploration.

The Associate Director will shape the department's long-term strategy and structure, expand toward innovative, future-focused college and career pathways, and broaden the department's reach to more Apex high school and alumni-aged youth, as well as to partner organizations and the wider network of individuals, companies, and organizations eager to engage in this work.

The Associate Director oversees three program managers (Career Exploration, High School Opportunities, and Alumni) and reports to the Director of Programs. The ideal candidate has a strong background in working with high school and college-aged youth, managing a team, and developing innovative programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Program Innovation (20%)

• Develop and oversee all aspects of college and career programs at Apex, including high-level program design, partnership development and management, curriculum development, and staff supervision and training;
• Set and execute a multi-year strategic plan for the department, including the structural growth needed (staffing, systems, and partnerships) to scale programming and sustain impact;
• Expand and diversify college and career exploration offerings, identifying and piloting future-focused and innovative options (such as emerging industries, entrepreneurship, technology, and new models of work-based learning) that prepare youth for the evolving workforce;
• Lead the development and expansion of CCS programming within Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens;

Team Supervision and Program Management (55%)

• Supervise a team of three program managers: the Career Exploration Program Manager, the High School Opportunities Program Manager, and the Alumni Program Manager, part time staff and interns;
• Provide ongoing coaching, professional development, and training to program managers and their teams;
• Oversee the recruitment, enrollment, and support of all students in the College and Career Success programs, with a focus on reaching a wider audience of both current high school students and alumni-aged Apex youth;
• Develop strategies to increase access to and awareness of CCS programming, ensuring Apex youth and youth from the community can easily navigate and benefit from the full continuum of opportunities;
• Oversee the recruitment, matching, and training processes for all program volunteers;
• Create and manage the CCS department budget in collaboration with the Operations Department;
• Manage the CCS relationship with the Development department, including strategizing on funding priorities, collaborating with corporate partners, and supporting reporting needs for funders;
• Oversee collection and analysis of program data with support of program managers and the Research and Evaluation department, using findings to inform program innovation and strategic decisions;

External Partnerships and Capacity Building (15%)

• Build the capacity of external partner organizations by developing shared resources, training, and collaborative models that extend the reach and quality of college and career programming beyond Apex;
• Cultivate and steward relationships with the broader network of individuals, companies, and organizations interested in supporting Apex's college and career work, creating meaningful pathways for their engagement (e.g., employer partnerships, speakers, internships, mentorship, and in-kind support);

Cross-Departmental Collaboration and Leadership (10%)

• Actively participate as a vocal member of the program leadership team, leading the vision and development for College and Career Success programming at Apex;
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Mentoring to streamline programs between departments;
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Mental Health to address any mental health needs of youth enrolled in College and Career Success programs;
• Attend all program and leadership meetings, as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

• BA or BS required.
• At least 5 years program management experience with 2 years direct report supervision.
• Demonstrated experience building or growing programs that serve youth.
• Experience working with High School and College- aged youth.
• Highly organized with experience managing program budgets.
• Ability to take direction, incorporate feedback, and execute consistently.
• Availability to work nights to oversee program events as needed, with flexibility for days off.
• Candidates are expected to be able to commute to the Apex office in Manhattan at least 1-2 days a week;
• Ability to work Saturdays as needed, and take Sunday and Monday as the weekend.