Counseling In Schools (CIS) is a dynamic community-based organization founded in 1986 with a mission to promote the emotional and social growth of children so that they can thrive in school and succeed in life. Counseling In Schools has created and fostered relationships with local schools, shelters, and communities to enable New York City’s children to thrive – academically, socially, and emotionally. Our expert team includes licensed mental health and youth development professionals who fully integrate into the community, providing programs that equip children, families, teachers, and administrators with the right tools for preventing and coping with the challenges they face. We envision and work toward a bright future, full of possibilities, where each child can flourish and reach their full potential.
Position OverviewCIS seeks a dynamic, highly organized Community School Director to lead our community school partnership in a Flatlands/Canarsie area High School. The Director serves as the primary link between CIS, school leadership, families, and community partners, driving a coordinated approach to student support that elevates the whole child. This is a role for someone who can hold vision and detail at once. You will build relationships, manage a team, steward data and budgets, and keep programming aligned with school priorities.
Key ResponsibilitiesCommunity Partnerships- Serve as the primary liaison between Counseling In Schools, the NYCPS Office of Community Schools, and the school community.
- Maintain and strengthen relationships with community-based organizations, subcontractors, vendors, and local stakeholders.
- Create meaningful opportunities for family involvement through workshops, orientations, celebrations, volunteer opportunities, and community events.
- Oversee daily operations of the school’s emergency resource systems, including the Food Pantry and clothing closet.
- Support school-wide operations related to attendance initiatives, chronic absenteeism reduction, student engagement, school culture, and wellness programming.
- Facilitate school support teams and support school leadership meetings to coordinate student interventions, tiered supports, and crisis response efforts.
- Serve as a key thought partner to the Principal and School Leadership Team to advance school priorities and strategic initiatives.
- Lead planning and implementation of school-wide projects, events, and partnerships while managing follow-up on action items, adhering to timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communication.
- Supervise and support on-site CIS staff.
- Monitor team compliance with agency data systems and documentation requirements.
- Oversee program budgets, purchasing, invoice processing, expense tracking, and fiscal reporting requirements.
- Collect and analyze data including attendance, program participation, and community surveys to inform strategic decision-making and improve student outcomes.
- Prepare high-level deliverables including presentations, data reports, spreadsheets, and strategic planning materials for school and CIS leadership.
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in education, youth development, community schools, nonprofit leadership, school operations, project management, or a related field.
- Experience managing budgets
- Experience working in a school setting is strongly preferred.
- Experience supervising staff and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with school leaders, educators, families, community partners, and external stakeholders.
- Strong relationship-building, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Excel/Google Sheets, Canva, and presentation development tools.
- Commitment to educational equity, youth development, family engagement, and community partnership.
30+ days of PTO annually, in addition to paid holidays.
Health Care CoverageComprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, including a fully company-sponsored health insurance option.
Transit Check ProgramPre-tax transportation benefits.
401(k) PlanRetirement savings plan available
Referral BonusesEmployee referral bonus program.
Benefits are subject to change.
Reports To: Senior Program Director or Chief Program Officer
Compensation: $75,000–$85,000 annually, commensurate with experience
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- At least 3 years of experience in education, youth development, community schools, nonprofit leadership, school operations, project management, or a related field
- Experience managing budgets
- Experience working in a school setting
- Experience supervising staff and managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to work effectively with school leaders, educators, families, community partners, and external stakeholders
- Strong relationship-building, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Excel or Google Sheets, Canva, and presentation development tools
- Commitment to educational equity, youth development, family engagement, and community partnership
- Master's degree
What We Do
Counseling In Schools is a New York City nonprofit that supports the emotional and social well-being of school communities. It embeds mental-health professionals and youth-development specialists in public schools and homeless shelters, providing school-based social and emotional learning interventions, counseling, and developmental support. Its programs equip children, families, teachers, and administrators with practical tools to flourish while strengthening the positive impact of education.
