Youth Service Director

The Albany Youth Service Director is the driving force behind DREAM’s mission in the region, serving initially as the sole staff member on the ground while remaining deeply connected to the broader DREAM team. They will lead a passionate network of volunteers and partners dedicated to closing the opportunity gap through mentoring and transformative out-of-school experiences, and grow their staff team over time.

The Director will play a central role in launching and growing the organization in the region. This position requires a visionary leader who can balance strategic planning, program development, staff supervision, fundraising, and on-the-ground implementation to achieve the organization’s ambitious goals.

This is a highly collaborative role with substantial support from multiple leaders and departments across the organization. Ongoing collaboration and teamwork across all elements of this role is core to the expectations, as is a close working relationship with other senior leaders and program staff who will help to ensure program quality and sustainability.

Over the first two years, this role will work to launch two program sites, achieve operational sustainability, and build out key systems, resources and partnerships.

If you’re a bold leader ready to make a lasting difference, this is your opportunity to drive meaningful change.

*The DREAM Program is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where all staff, volunteers, youth and families have the opportunity to thrive. We believe in continuous learning and growth, and we encourage members to engage with curiosity, openness, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. Our mission is to close the Opportunity Gap by providing mentorship and enriching experiences that support youth from a wide range of backgrounds. We seek teammates who bring unique and varied perspectives, experiences, and skills. DREAM values individuals who are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered. 

Overview of Responsibilities of the Senior Youth Service Director: 

Expand DREAM’s Reach

As the Youth Service Director, you will drive the expansion of DREAM’s programs, launching and growing sites. This includes cultivating strong partnerships with housing organizations, establishing DREAM as a key volunteer opportunity on local college campuses, and connecting with families in partner housing communities to enroll youth. 

Deliver Excellent Programming

You will ensure the consistent implementation of DREAM’s Village Mentoring Model and Elements of Effective Practice in Mentoring across all sites. Additionally, you will collaborate on and lead the strategic onboarding of volunteers, AmeriCorps members, DREAM families, and other regional stakeholders. You will also oversee the execution of Summer Enrichment Programs at each site within your region, including designing and implementing summer member orientation, ensuring safety and supervision, and leading a regional focus on literacy.

You will manage the logistics that keep DREAM’s programs running smoothly, including enrollment compliance for mentees and mentors through DREAM’s data management and background-checking systems. You will oversee regional budgeting, fund allocation, and financial management to ensure sustainable growth. Additionally, you will be responsible for seasonal hiring to ensure that both academic-year and summer programs are fully staffed and well-supported.

Provide Supervision and Leadership

You will lead a dynamic and growing team, to coordinate local programming, mentor volunteers, and oversee AmeriCorps members. You will provide regular team and one-on-one support while maintaining strong relationships with program sites through consistent visits and partnership management. As part of the All-DREAM Program Leadership team, you will collaborate with leaders across the Northeast in regular virtual meetings. Additionally, you will assess and adapt the region’s strategic plan and goals to align with available resources and evolving community needs.

Preferred qualifications/experience:

• 3+ years of experience in managing a group of employees, service members and/or volunteers.
• Demonstrated practice or education serving and supervising individuals who have a variety of lived experiences in a manner that is respectful and aware of how those experiences impact who they are as individuals and as a community. 
• Experience supervising and leading a strategic visioning and execution process.
• Demonstrated skills in communication and facilitation with and among teams.
• Experience supervising and maintaining an organizational property, office, and/or program space.
• Computer proficiency: comfort with Microsoft Office apps, Google's GSuite and email communication; database experience; accounting software experience.
• Familiarity with AmeriCorps grant requirements and mentoring program requirements as expressed by CNCS and state and local regulations, respectively.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and set priorities while giving consideration to staff, the organization, and the self.

• Creativity, energy, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• A contagious energy for DREAM’s work.
• Comfortable working in an outdoor environment in all seasons.

Type of work/expected commitment: 

This is a full time, salaried, overtime exempt position. The position will average 35-45 hours per week with regular evenings and occasional weekend events over the course of the year. Participation and leadership at regular multi-day retreats is required (typically one each quarter).

Compensation: 

Total compensation value: upwards of $66,000 which includes: 

• Salary range commensurate on experience ($52,995-$57,995), overtime exempt. 
• Group Medical Insurance for the employee paid at 100% of cost the plan (no probationary period - plan is based on our current group offering in Vermont - a “bronze” plan level) 
• five weeks (25 work days) paid time off (PTO) inclusive of vacation, sick and personal days;
• eight (8) paid holidays (including six (6) single days, a winter break from December 24-January 1 and a November break);
• free access to Employee Assistance Program and its corresponding benefits;
• free access to Amazon Prime buying and streaming services;
• paid membership in position-specific professional organization;
• access to professional development opportunities;
• DREAM gear/uniforms;
• access to 3% employer match retirement plan, and
• expanded health benefits (dental and vision) with employee contribution.

Work environment:  This position operates in multiple spaces. The spaces included will often be an indoor environment, in both shared and remote workspaces. You will often travel to other regions, be present on-site with children, families, and volunteers, within the housing communities we serve, or on campus at the colleges we are partnered with. This role routinely uses computers, phones, and a variety of other softwares (design, databases, organization) for communications, systems, and program accountability.

Physical demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee/member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: 

• This position requires comfort working in outdoor environments, regardless of the weather. This position can be active and frequently requires standing, walking, and bending. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to communicate with individuals who talk and hear.  
• The employee/member may occasionally lift and/or move items over 50 pounds.  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to observe and comprehend using vision abilities that include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Travel:  Travel includes local travel during the work hours described. Out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be occasionally expected.

AAP/EEO Statement:  The DREAM Program is an equal opportunity employer and an incorporated 501(c)3 charitable organization. The DREAM Program prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

At will employment:  The DREAM Program is an at will employer. Employment with The DREAM Program is voluntary and is subject to termination by you or The DREAM Program at will, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time. The policy of employment-at-will may not be modified by any officer or employee.