Career Access Program Director

Met Council is America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy. We fight poverty through comprehensive social services and by treating each client with compassion, integrity, and respect. Our programs are staffed by experts who help over 350,000 clients each year and advocate on behalf of all needy New Yorkers. Our services include 100% affordable housing at 21 locations, family violence services, Holocaust survivor assistance, geriatric social work, crisis intervention and the largest free kosher food distribution program in the world. Our network of 101 food pantries, affordable housing sites, and affiliated JCCs provide services directly in neighborhoods across New York City.

Position Summary:

The Career Access Program Director will oversee the Career Access Program, leading program planning, development, and partnership-building for Met Council’s workforce development initiatives in Boro Park, Brooklyn. The director will collaborate closely with the Managing Director of Social Services, the Managing Director of the Brooklyn Hub, current program staff and participants, community members, and funders. The ideal candidate brings experience in program design, workforce development, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. This role offers an exciting opportunity to drive meaningful change through innovation, collaboration, and strategic thinking.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a plan to expand Met Council’s Career Access suite of workforce development programs, collaborating closely with staff, program participants, funders, partner agencies, and building upon existing pilot initiatives.
• Oversee, supervise, and support all Career Access Program staff members in Brooklyn.
• Lead agency-facing workforce-related meetings and produce funder reports.
• Collaborate with contracted instructors, educational institutions, and seminar presenters on creating and implementing career courses and educational seminars.
• Represent Met Council to external partners and stakeholders.
• Build relationships with Boro Park and Bensonhurst community members, regularly assessing demand and gathering further input from community on workforce development needs.
• Build partnerships with other workforce development, job training, and related organizations/agencies/institutions in New York City.
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers, government and philanthropic players in the field (e.g. NYC EDC).
• Document program progress, lessons learned, and future steps, preparing reports and presentations for Met Council leadership, funders, and stakeholders as required.
• Coordinate internally with Met Council staff on data collection, analysis, evaluation, and development of pilot programs.
• Participate in relevant external meetings and/or seminars as necessary.
• Hire appropriate staff members as needed in collaboration with HR and supervisor.
• Additional responsibilities as required.

Competencies:

• Experience in designing and planning new programs within nonprofit or community-based agencies.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships with organizations, potential employers, community groups, and religious institutions
• Knowledgeable of workforce development field, its best practices, and key institutional players
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strategic thinker who can put ideas into practice
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with others both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization
• Ability to manage schedule, priorities, and resources to achieve goals

Skill and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience (required)
• 5+ years of work experience in non-profit, community-based, program planning, or workforce development industries (required)
• Excellent communication skills (required); must be fluent in English (both written and verbal).
• Bilingual English/Yiddish (preferred). Familiarity with Boro Park community (preferred).

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to travel on public transportation to offices and meetings as determined by Met Council administration and grants.

Compensation: $75,000 to $90,000 per year.

Benefits: Major medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; pre-tax commuter benefits; FSA; 403(b) with employer contribution; plus generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.