Program Director, Training and Technical Assistance

Research Foundation of The City University of New York•New York, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance (ISLG) is seeking a Program Director of Training and Technical Assistance to provide senior-level program design and implementation leadership, project management, and strategic support across multiple high-priority initiatives aligned with the new NYC Mayoral administration. This role requires a seasoned policy and implementation professional who can cultivate strong relationships with government and community partners; design and implement strategies aligned with NYC government priorities; and manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects. The Program Director will play a key role in advancing ISLG’s training and technical assistance (TTA) vision and strategy across portfolios, particularly with respect to TTA focused on clinical care, peer support, and social services. This includes contributing to the design and refinement of ISLG’s TTA approach, developing curricula and tools, leading interactive trainings, facilitating convenings and cross-sector dialogues, and supporting partners in strengthening program implementation, data use, and continuous improvement. The Program Director may contribute across multiple portfolios; however, their primary responsibility is to lead the development of a cross-portfolio training and technical assistance (TTA) strategy and strengthen ISLG’s position as a leader in the capacity-building field. Accordingly, their work will span a range of projects and initiatives. These portfolios collectively focus on advancing community-centered public safety by targeting high-need areas and populations through coordinated, data-informed, and trauma-informed strategies. This work includes designing and delivering training and technical assistance to strengthen program quality, implementation fidelity, and cross-sector coordination, while also supporting stakeholder engagement, system alignment, and community-led approaches that expand alternatives to traditional justice responses and improve service delivery.

Requirements

Advanced degree in public administration, public policy, social work (LCSW preferred), education, criminology, health policy, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience in community or peer leadership.
Ten or more years of experience in government, nonprofit, academic, foundation, or policy environments leading and managing complex initiatives, including program design and implementation.
At least five years of experience working within or in close partnership with government systems strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience designing and delivering training and technical assistance (TTA), including curriculum development, facilitation of trainings or convenings, and capacity-building support for diverse stakeholders.
Proven ability to contribute to or lead the development of strategic frameworks or approaches, ideally including department or organization-wide TTA vision and implementation.
Strong facilitation skills, with experience leading meetings, cross-sector working groups, advisory bodies, or learning communities and driving toward clear outcomes.
Demonstrated excellence in project management, including managing multiple complex projects simultaneously and using tools to track progress, timelines, and accountability.
Proven ability to synthesize complex information from diverse sources into clear, actionable strategies, recommendations, and implementation plans.
Exceptional written communication skills, including experience producing reports, briefing memos, training materials, manuals, or implementation guides grounded in field-based work.
Strong verbal communication skills and ability to engage effectively with government agencies, nonprofit leaders, and community members.
Experience collaborating with research, evaluation, and communications teams to strengthen program learning, impact, and storytelling.
Strong judgment, emotional intelligence, and ability to build and sustain effective, trust-based relationships across diverse stakeholders.
Commitment to equity-centered, community-informed, and participatory approaches to public policy, training, and program implementation.

Nice To Haves

Experience in restorative justice, participatory approaches, violence prevention, gender-based violence, or community safety and criminal justice initiatives are strongly preferred.
Fluency in a language other than English is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of a department-wide vision and strategy for Training and Technical Assistance (TTA), including frameworks, tools, and approaches that can be applied across ISLG portfolios.
Design and deliver high-quality TTA, including curriculum development, interactive trainings, coaching, and capacity-building supports for government and community partners.
Facilitate meetings, convenings, and cross-sector working sessions, including advisory groups, task forces, and learning communities, ensuring inclusive participation and actionable outcomes.
Develop strategies in partnership with City agencies to respond to NYC policy priorities and support effective program implementation.
Manage project work plans, timelines, and processes to ensure timely completion and high-quality deliverables.
Build and maintain strong relationships across diverse stakeholders, including city agencies and community partners, and coordinate ongoing communication, meetings, and site visits.
Lead or support the development of program materials, including briefing memos, reports, presentations, and other written deliverables for government partners, funders, and external stakeholders.
Represent ISLG in working groups, advisory bodies, task forces, and public- or community-facing engagements.
Supervise and mentor junior staff, contributing to staff development and a collaborative, inclusive team culture.
Conduct policy research and analysis; synthesize complex information for diverse audiences; and develop actionable recommendations.
Identify and conceptualize new opportunities, including developing proposals and supporting fundraising efforts in partnership with ISLG leadership.
Participate in cross-organizational collaboration to generate new ideas, strengthen ISLG’s body of work, and contribute to proposal development and other strategic initiatives.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical/dental/vision insurance
Paid vacation and personal days
Paid sick leave
CUNY tuition reimbursement program
Pre-tax benefits for transit and healthcare costs
Family/parental leave
Life insurance
A retirement plan with employer contribution.
A positive work/life balance.
Opportunities for advancement within the organization.
Engagement with the broader CUNY network.
Working with organizational leadership who have years of significant public sector and policymaking expertise.