Director of Youth Engagement

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Youth Engagement (OYE) knows that young people have important ideas about how to make the City a better place to live. As part of our work, we support the efforts of the Philadelphia Youth Commission and the Millennial Advisory Committee. By participating in these groups, young people can: Develop leadership skills. Bridge gaps between generations. Suggest ways for City government to better serve its residents. OYE is part of the larger Office of Public Engagement.

Position Summary
The Director of Youth Engagement leads efforts to bridge generational divides, enhance communication between the youth and city government, and empower young residents to become active leaders in their communities. This role is pivotal in fostering collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity within city governance while equipping youth with the skills and opportunities to shape their futures and contribute to the well-being of the city.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, education, youth development, social work, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in youth development, community engagement, or related fields, with demonstrated leadership and project management skills.
• Any additional education and experience may substitute for the bachelor’s degree.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to engage youth in city governance, including identifying barriers to participation, setting goals, and establishing measurable outcomes to gauge success.
• Build relationships with youth-serving organizations, local school districts, community groups, and other stakeholders to promote youth engagement opportunities and gather input on issues affecting young residents.
• Design and oversee programs, events, and initiatives aimed at empowering youth, fostering leadership skills, and providing opportunities for civic involvement, volunteerism, and community service.
• Advocate for policies and programs that address the needs and concerns of youth, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes at the local level. Collaborate with city officials, elected leaders, and advocacy groups to prioritize youth-friendly policies and initiatives.
• Develop educational resources, workshops, and training sessions to equip youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage in civic activities, understand government processes, and advocate for change.
• Provide guidance and support to youth advisory boards, councils, and committees, facilitating meaningful participation, promoting diversity and inclusion, and amplifying youth perspectives in city governance.
• Conduct research, surveys, and assessments to better understand the needs, interests, and priorities of youth in the community. Use data-driven insights to inform decision-making and improve the effectiveness of youth engagement efforts.
• Cultivate partnerships with City departments, local businesses, nonprofits, academic institutions, local school districts and government agencies to leverage resources, expand programming, and create opportunities for collaboration on youth-related initiatives.

Benefits

• City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director