Director of Community Initiatives & Services

The Educational Alliance•New York, NY

About The Position

Educational Alliance brings together and partners with diverse communities in Lower Manhattan, offering individuals and families high-quality, multi-generational programs and services that enhance their well-being and socioeconomic opportunities. We are a place where everyone is welcome and where progress is powered one relationship at a time. We are proud of our legacy as a Jewish organization, and we provide high-quality, transformational services and programs to all New Yorkers through our network of community centers on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and East Village. As we have for 135+ years, we offer best-in-class programming across multiple sites, focusing on a mix of education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and civic engagement. Reporting to the Executive Vice President & Chief Program Officer, the Director of Community Initiatives & Services serves as a strategic partner to the EVP & CPO and leads a focused portfolio of major initiatives and emerging priorities across Educational Alliance. Working across Educational Alliance centers and shared services, this role provides leadership on initiatives requiring cross-program coordination, policy and program analysis, research, and organizational problem solving. The position works closely with Executive Directors and organizational leaders to strengthen programs, identify opportunities, and advance priorities that support the mission and respond to evolving community needs. The Director leads the Community Impact strategy, focusing on initiatives related to public benefits access and retention, Medicaid and social care, economic mobility, and stronger connections to services across Educational Alliance and the broader community.

Requirements

Bachelors Degree required
10+ years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit, human services, public policy, healthcare, government, or a related field.is required.
Experience leading complex initiatives involving multiple programs, departments, or external partners.
Strong understanding of public policy and the government, philanthropic, and nonprofit landscape affecting community-based organizations.
Experience using research, data, and analysis to inform strategy and decision-making.
Ability to build effective relationships with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.
Excellent written, verbal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in social work, public policy, public administration, public health, business, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead a focused portfolio of major strategic initiatives and special projects that span programs, centers, or organizational functions.
Lead Community Impact strategies related to public benefits, Medicaid and social care, economic mobility, and service access.
Collaborate with Executive Directors and leaders to strengthen, expand, and better connect programs and services.
Provide research, analysis, and recommendations to support organizational decision-making and new initiative development.
Support strategic partnerships and external relationships that advance programs and EA’s mission.
Work with program leadership to evaluate how community, funding, and policy changes affect benefits and should inform services.
Partner with Development, Finance, Research & Evaluation, Government Relations, and shared services on program and funding opportunities to serve EA’s clients.
Use data, research, and community insights to assess effectiveness, needs, and impact.
Represent the EVP & CPO on selected initiatives, partnerships, coalitions, and working groups.
Supervise, coach, and develop assigned staff.
Monitor federal, state, and local policy, regulatory, funding, and reimbursement developments and assess implications.