Director of NYC Programs

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW  

STRIVE is a national leader in workforce development solutions, empowering individuals to discover their best future selves through innovative, evidence-based career training and holistic, lifelong support. STRIVE partners with employers, funders and community organizations to close gaps in workforce needs and help local economies thrive.  Founded in East Harlem, NY, in 1984, STRIVE has grown from its roots to now offer programs in locations across the country. 

For more than 40 years, STRIVE has been a catalyst for economic change and prosperity in underserved communities. Our tuition-free skills and job readiness training, one-on-one support and lifetime personal coaching prepare students for careers in high-growth industries such as healthcare, construction and logistics. With a proven pathway to possible, 80% of STRIVE students graduate, 76% attain employment and 70% retain employment long-term.  

Looking to the future, STRIVE has embarked on an ambitious ten-year growth plan to increase its impact in more locations nationwide, aiming to serve up to 10,000 individuals each year by 2033. 

We meet individuals where they are, providing free programs tailored to adults 18+, including those impacted by the justice system. At STRIVE, there is always a path forward.  

See why STRIVE has been the pathway to possible for more than 40 years in our 3-minute mission video. 

POSITION SUMMARY

STRIVE is seeking a results-driven, social justice–minded Director of NYC Programs (Program Directo) to lead our New York Program operations. This role is responsible for providing strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight across three key program teams, as well as the business development and  student recruitment teams. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in workforce development and a strong track record of working with justice-impacted youth, the reentry population, and sector-based employment programs.

The Program Director will be accountable for strategic planning, program implementation and oversight, budget and resource management, performance monitoring and evaluation, compliance and risk management, and funder engagement. This individual will play a critical role in ensuring the sustainability and impact of our New York programs, while also supporting the continued growth and alignment of our broader national efforts.

We are looking for a dynamic leader who can drive program excellence, foster high-performing teams, and build strong partnerships to support New Yorkers in achieving long-term economic mobility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all      STRIVE New York programs, including Career Path, Future Leaders, and Fresh      Start, ensuring program effectiveness, alignment with STRIVE’s mission,      and achievement of performance outcomes.
• Hire, train, supervise, and support a diverse, high-performing      staff across the program, business development, and recruitment teams,      fostering a culture of accountability, equity, collaboration, and      professional development.
• Oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of      program models, including career readiness, sector-based training, job      placement, and long-term retention strategies using disciplined data      analysis, coaching, and staff development.
• Manage      program budgets and resources effectively to meet STRIVE’s overall  performance targets of 80% graduation,      75% placement and ensure sustainability, working closely with the finance      team and senior leadership. 
• Lead      strategic planning efforts in collaboration with STRIVE’s leadership team      to identify opportunities for program expansion, innovation, and      integration across service areas.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with workforce      development stakeholders, including employers, funders, government      agencies, community-based organizations, and referral partners, to enhance      program reach and impact.
• Utilize labor market data and employer feedback to design and      refine sectoral training pathways and identify and manage relationships      with third-party training providers.
• Oversee and ensure the accuracy of data systems (e.g.,      Apricot), performance tracking, contract compliance, and funder reporting;      generate reports and analysis for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Work with PANDI to in the development and maintenance of      program materials, including flowcharts, manuals, systems, and      policies/procedures to ensure high-quality, consistent service delivery.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to execute funder and      stakeholder communication strategies.
• Identify risks and address operational and compliance      challenges proactively to minimize disruptions and ensure the integrity of      STRIVE’s programming.
• Drive innovation and responsive program design to meet the      evolving needs of New York’s justice-impacted youth, reentry population,      and low-income job seekers.
• Ensure effective student recruitment and enrollment strategies      are implemented to meet or exceed contractual obligations across programs,      with attention to equity and access.

  Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in public administration, social work, education, or related field strongly      preferred or a Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in workforce development, sector-based training, or employment services, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership or program management role.
• Deep understanding of and commitment to social justice, equity, and workforce practices that support justice-impacted youth, reentry populations, and economically marginalized communities.
• Demonstrated experience leading high-performing teams across multiple departments or program areas, including business development, recruitment, and direct service delivery.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, program design and implementation, performance management, and continuous quality improvement.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience managing program budgets, forecasting, and resource planning.
• Experience developing and maintaining partnerships with employers, community-based organizations, government agencies, and funders.
• Knowledge of labor market trends, sector-based training models, and best practices in employment pathways for system-impacted individuals.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organizational  skills, with the ability to lead diverse teams, build consensus, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in data systems and performance tracking tools (e.g., Apricot or similar case management systems); strong data analysis and reporting skills.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and adapting quickly in a mission-driven, outcomes-oriented organization.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience launching or scaling new programs or initiatives in a startup or evolving environment strongly preferred.

STRIVE offers a rich benefits package that includes:  · Health insurance · Dental insurance · Life insurance · Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) · Pre-tax Commuter Benefits Program · 401k with employer match · 20 days of PTO (pro-rated for part-time employees) · Sick leave · Up to $500 annual professional development reimbursement  · Paid holidays (including week of Christmas) · Early closing each Friday during the Summers  · And numerous additional benefits!Location: In person Monday-Friday in STRIVE’s New York office. STRIVE considers applicants for all positions without regard to: race; color; religion; gender; national origin; age; sexual orientation; marital or veteran status; the presence of a medical condition, genetic information or handicap, unrelated to performing the tasks of the job; or any other legally protected status.