• Executive Director
• Senior Job Specialist
• Information Specialist
• Meals on Wheels Driver
• Meals on Wheels Deliverer (Part-time)
• Group Leader & Assistant Group Leader (Part-Time)

Executive Director

Position: President and Executive Director

Mission:  In working with the poor, the isolated and disconnected of all ages, genders, backgrounds and abilities, our mission is to promote social and physical well-being, and encourage growth, self-reliance and dignity throughout every stage of life.

 

SEARCH SUMMARY

The Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center – a highly effective and well respected comprehensive social service agency approaching its 50th anniversary and poised for future growth, is seeking an innovative, entrepreneurial and dedicated leader to build upon its legacy of extraordinary service and to further enhance the visibility of one of New York City’s ‘hidden gems.’  With proven life changing impact, committed staff and supporters, the Isaacs Center is providing a pathway for underserved populations to lead productive lives by helping to ensure their health, independence and dignity.

 

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

The Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center was opened in 1964 and named in memory of former Manhattan Borough President Stanley M. Isaacs who is long remembered as an effective champion for social justice committed to ensuring civil rights and decent housing for low-income families.  Today, the Center is a multi-service settlement house with comprehensive programming for senior citizens, children, youth and families, reaching across generations and ethnic groups.  Serving more than 6,000 people a year, the Isaacs Center is one of 38 settlement houses in New York City.  Located on 93rd Street between First Avenue and the FDR Drive within the Isaacs Houses/Holmes Towers Public Housing Development, the Center is committed to serving the communities of East Harlem and Yorkville.

The Isaacs Center is comprised of two divisions:  Youth and Family Services and Senior Services.  Each of the divisions has two primary programs.  Youth and Family Services two primary programs are:  1) Youth Employment Services; and 2) Afterschool Education.  Senior Services two primary programs are:  3) Meals on Wheels and; 4) Senior Services at our center.

Youth and Family Services
Youth Employment Services – the Center runs one of the leading programs focused on supporting disadvantaged and disconnected youth’s ability to either complete their education or enter the work place.  We believe we are one of the only completely privately funded programs in New York and our program is supported by many of the leading foundations in New York City.  We are committed to supporting all individuals regardless of their challenges and are committed to successful outcomes for our participants.

Afterschool Education – the Center is a leading provider of afterschool services in Yorkville and East Harlem.  We provide a comprehensive afterschool program of supplemental education and youth development services in four local sites, including one of New York City’s Beacon programs. 

Each year, Isaacs provides services to over 3,200 children and families.

Senior Services
Meals on Wheels – the Center is the lead provider of Meals on Wheels for the East side of Manhattan.  Our service area runs from 59th street to 149th Street and Fifth Avenue to the East River.  Our Meals on Wheels program is on track to serve approximately 300,000 meals this fiscal year.  As the lead provider in our catchment area, Isaacs co-ordinates the activities of several other organizations supporting the delivery of these meals.

Senior Services – the Center provides extensive services for seniors at its primary location in Yorkville.  Isaacs places an emphasis on health for seniors throughout its programming.  Our programs address the basic needs of hunger and nutrition, health and wellness, financial security and the management of daily living.  Through our Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) program, Isaac’s staff works to improve seniors’ physical, emotional and financial stability through quality care and counseling.  Annually, over 2,800 seniors are involved in Isaacs’ services.

Given its record of meeting the evolving needs of its diverse community across the spectrum of age, race, ethnicity and socio-economic status, the Isaacs Center finds itself at a significant point in its history.  A passionate leader with foresight, energy, innovation and business savvy is well poised to build upon the Center’s extraordinary success and ensure a future of even greater outreach, impact and awareness.

BASIC FUNCTION

The President and Executive Director will provide the vision and leadership to ensure that the Isaacs Center continues to offer and administer programming of the highest quality while strengthening the reputation of its brand in New York City and beyond.  The President and Executive Director will set a path for organizational growth and continued financial stability, building upon its record of proven life changing impact.

The President and Executive Director will be an experienced manager and will oversee the day-to-day operations, programs and staff.  He/she will oversee an annual operating budget of approximately $7 million and a staff of 82.  Fifty two percent of the agency’s revenue comes from government support and 48 percent from private sources.  The President and Executive Director will implement the mission and goals as set forth by the Board of Directors and provide the strategy and direction to ensure that programs and services are delivered in a cost effective and efficient manner while maintaining the highest level of quality.

The President and Executive Director will be experienced with external constituents and will serve as the primary spokesperson for the Center.  He/she will work to raise the Center’s profile by communicating its mission, its positive impact on its constituents and its commitment to measurable positive outcomes.  The President and Executive Director will actively develop both existing and new supporters (both public and private) to fund the Center’s activities and will develop and implement initiatives to significantly increase support through innovative partnerships, inspiring articulation of outcomes, active cultivation, and high quality events.
Working closely with and reporting to the Board, the President and Executive Director will ensure that the organization remains fiscally and administratively sound and that finances, technology, planning and operations are strategically managed with realistic goals and timelines.

It is of primary importance that the President and Executive Director provides the leadership, management, intellect, energy, conviction and passion necessary to inspire staff, Board members, volunteers, donors, community leaders and the greater public.  The President and Executive Director will develop the confidence of an active Board, such that its programs, policies, service delivery, fundraising and visibility are enhanced and supported.


RESONSIBILITIES & PRIORITIES

INTERNAL MANAGEMENT

• History – Get to know Isaacs’ history, mission, values, culture and constituencies; understand its organizational structure, finances and fundraising efforts.
  
  
• Leadership – Lead with an inspirational strategic vision that fully embraces the mission while keeping a finger on the pulse internally of day-to-day operations, services and activities.
  
  
• Prioritization and Commitment to Outcomes – Effectively organize and prioritize the activities of the Center, both human and financial, to most effectively fulfill its mission and execute its strategy.  Central to this is a commitment to excellence across all activities and a passion for delivering measurable outcomes which positively impact lives.
  
  
• Programs – Know Isaacs’ programs and appreciate the seniors citizens, children, youth and families the agency is serving, how its programs are structured and funded, how performance is measured, how money is being spent, and what it costs to ensure and deliver quality services efficiently; develop and implement new initiatives, staying ahead of the curve in light of anticipated changes in funding streams; ensure existing and new programs are consistent with Isaacs’ goals and financially sustainable; ensure the integration of and collaboration between the Youth and Family Services and the Senior Services Divisions.
  
  
• General Management, Administration and Finance – Understand the elements of Isaacs’ funding and finances; anticipate funding trends and remain ahead of the curve; with the Board Chair, Treasurer, Finance Committee, and CFAO, establish budget and planning strategies and set priorities; evaluate programs with an eye toward balancing fiscal realities with the organizational mission; hold self and the organization to the highest levels of transparency, integrity and accountability; identify and mitigate operational, financial and reputational risks; ensure compliance with government and other regulations.
  
  
• Staff – Attract, build and lead a highly motivated, competent and responsible team with a common vision, sense of purpose and shared objectives; evaluate the talent structure of the organization; manage staff and the overall team; work closely with staff to foster cohesiveness; set benchmarks with staff and hold them accountable; develop appropriate professional development opportunities for staff.

 

EXTERNAL REPRESENTATIVE

• Resource Development – Develop a solid understanding of Isaacs’ funding models and strategies; grow and broaden a sound and diversified funding base from individual donors, foundations, corporations and government; develop and build upon special fundraising events; work closely with the Board to inspire continued and greater participation with fundraising efforts and with the Director of Development to identify, plan and execute new and innovative ways to raise money to enable growth; explore the development of revenue generating vehicles.
  
  
• Public Role – Serve as a highly visible spokesperson and advocate for Isaacs; engage and coalesce stakeholders around the mission and provide leadership at the city wide level and beyond in an effort to raise profile and attract resources; strategically position Isaacs with its external constituents and the media as a leader and a model for effectiveness and life-changing impact; seize opportunities to serve as advocate for legislative reform and the promotion of the Isaacs model; strengthen Isaacs’ reputation as the go-to organization for policy matters and technical assistance.


• Relationship Building – Engage stakeholders around Isaacs’ activities; build upon existing partnerships and seek new strategic alliances to promote Isaacs’ mission and work;

BOARD RELATIONSHIP

• Board Relations – Establish a strong working partnership with the Board of Directors; gain their trust and confidence and forge relationships that will bring forth their best ideas and efforts in support of Isaacs’ programs and fundraising activities; coordinate and support efforts of various Board committees; maintain a regular communications system for informing Board members of the agency’s activities and programs; help attract new Board members.
  
  
• Strategic Planning – Support, manage and implement the strategic plan; incorporate the strategic plan into the organization’s operating and business plans and ensure that the strategic plan is implemented in a timely and cost-effective manner.


• Growth – Build upon Isaacs’ history of success and its strong foundation as the gold standard for community services; develop a vision for excellence and growth; explore and secure additional facilities to accommodate expansion and represent the diverse communities served.
  
  
• Evaluation – Assess and evaluate the organizational structure, staff and functions; make changes where necessary to ensure that programs and operations are effective and that collaboration, communication and accountability are the norm; measure efficacy of service delivery with a clear sense of metrics.

 

IDEAL EXPERIENCE AND CHARACTERISTICS
The President and Executive Director shall be and/or will demonstrate:

• A passion for Isaacs’ mission with a commitment to serving the East Harlem and Yorkville communities; a record as a strong, caring leader and catalyst able to articulate a vision and inspire and engage the Board, staff , donors and stakeholders with a commanding presence;
  
  
• An exemplary reputation for successful leadership and management at a senior level with an entrepreneurial multifaceted organization; experience as a strong force for growth;
  
  
• Proven managerial skills as a leader in government, a nonprofit community based organization or in the private sector, provided the individual has served as a volunteer or nonprofit board member;
  
  
• Proven experience as a dynamic fundraiser and marketer, with the ability to secure financial support from diverse sources – major donors, foundations, corporations and government, particularly in a climate of increasing constraints and shrinking resources; a record of securing government contracts and government funding;
  
  
• A working knowledge of and familiarity with New York City and New York State government policies, leaders and trends as well as a grounding in city and state legislative and funding matters;
  
  
• Able to promote consistent and enduring high-quality programs and services throughout the organization;
  
  
• A clear ability to identify and capitalize on public relations opportunities as they arise;
  
  
• Deep experience working effectively and in partnership with a board of directors;
  
  
• An individual with a naturally collaborative and inclusive management style who can act decisively when necessary; a manager with the ability to attract and nurture high-performing talent and to build strong teams;
  
  
• An ability to respect, listen to and work well with internal and external constituencies from a wide range of culturally diverse groups;
  
  
• Someone with a self-reflective nature coupled with a sense of humor in order to maintain perspective and balance.
  
  
• An advanced degree in business, public administration or other relevant areas is preferred.

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Senior Job Specialist

 

Job Summary: The Senior Job Specialist is responsible for placing youth in jobs, internships, and or advance training opportunities. He/she is also responsible for engaging young people in follow-up activities that lead to successful retention outcomes and strong employer relationships. This position reports directly to the Director Education & Workforce Development

Responsibilities

• Initiate and maintain on-going personal contact with a variety of business and industry professionals via cold calls, visits and other canvassing techniques
• Keep current with trends and maintain an up-to-date knowledge base of current labor market information
• Place a minimum of 10 program participants per month in jobs, internships, and/or vocational training opportunities
• Build relationships with participants in order to construct bridges to future long-term job-retention; conduct weekly employment visits and/or home visits as needed
• Work closely with the Director to maintain the Business Advisory Board
• Work with Director to create and promote advanced training opportunities for participants in follow-up
• Oversight of participant and employer follow-up/retention performed by the Job Specialist
• Oversee the internship component of the hardest to place clients
• Oversees the maintenance, repair and cleaning of vehicle (gas, oil, changing tires)
• Plan and implement the annual Career Fair
•Design and facilitate employment workshops related to the labor market, resume writing, interview skills and the independent job search for YES participants
• Document placement outcomes and milestones in the agency database
• Attend external meetings, conferences, workshops, and other networking opportunities to promote agency visibility.
• Attend, make positive contributions, and actively participate in program and department meetings
• Create a fun, thought provoking program environment developed around a strength-based learning approach grounded in youth development principles
• Report and document noteworthy incidents to the Director of YES
• Foster a physically and emotionally safe environment that adheres to the department non-teasing and bullying policy
• Guide programmatic decisions by adhering to department values and vision

 

Expectations:

• • Conduct weekly off-site field work to enhance and ensure job development outreach
• • Model appropriate professional behavior as outlined in the personnel practices manual
• • Problem solve, using adept reasoning abilities and sound judgment
• • Maintain excellent rapport with diverse personalities and populations
• • Work on completing long-range projects in conjunctions with day-to-day activities
• • Actively seek opportunity for professional growth and development

 

Education and Experience

• • Bachelor’s Degree in business, marketing, psychology, social science or related field; an equivalent combination of related education and experience may substitute educational requirement.
• • Minimum of two years experience in workforce development
• • Knowledge and experience of youth development principles with disconnected youth



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Information Specialist

Responsibilities:


• Greet people with a professional demeanor and provide agency information.
• Answer high volume phone system, route calls and distribute messages.
• Route packages to proper staff/program.
• Collect packages and receipts for special delivery by messenger, UPS, etc.
• Assist general office with overflow of typing, mass mailings, mail, etc.
• Monitor and maintain online room schedule and related details.
• Update sign-in sheets maintain and replenish copier rooms.
• Provide back-up phone coverage as needed.
• Other duties as required.

 

Qualifications:

• Associates Degree strongly preferred.
• Proficient computer skills; MS Office, database and internet.
• Bilingual Spanish is a plus.
• Prior office experience a plus.
• Ability to accomplish multiple tasks in a busy office.
• Initiative to complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Responsible, polished, professional, mature and punctual is key



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Meals on Wheels Driver

Job Summary: Drives and maintains a vehicle used to deliver meals to homebound elders. Works with a team of delivers to complete all meal deliveries for their assigned routes. May also be responsible for completion of a delivery route themselves. This position reports to the Director of Meals on Wheels

Responsibilities:

• Reports any issues with meal delivery or change in client status, (i.e., vacations, clinic appointments, hospitalization, etc.) 
• Maintains accurate daily log of meal deliveries and contributions collected 
• Assists in scheduling meal deliveries to minimize time and distance between delivery points. 
• Signs daily log for Nextel phones; keeps phones on during meal delivery and re-charges phones at the end of shift. 
• Drives safely at all times. 
• Keeps vehicles clean and in good operating condition. 
• Inspects vehicles daily and reports any operational or structural defects immediately. 
• Oversees the maintenance, repair and cleaning of vehicle (gas, oil, changing tires) 
• Keeps daily gasoline and mileage records. 
• Reviews vehicle documentation to ensure inspections, registration and insurance information is up-to-date. 
• Picks-up and returns vehicles to garage or parking place daily.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A valid NYS Driver’s License – Class 4 if the vehicle driven seats 14 passengers or less, or, Class 2 if the vehicle driven seats 15 passengers or more. 
• Ability to read write and communicate in English
• No more than 1 moving violation in 24 months, no DWI convictions
• High School Diploma or GED. 
• Able to move up to 50 pounds.

Other Qualifications

• 3 years of driving experience in NYC or congested areas. . 
• Demonstrated sensitivity to seniors. 
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

Other Requirements

• This is a part-time position Monday to Friday, 20-27 hours per week
• May be required to work either Thanksgiving of Christmas Day



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Meals on Wheels Deliverer (Part-time)

Job Summary: Responsible for the delivery of a daily meal to all clients on their assigned route. In addition, the deliverer will provide basic visual monitoring of their clients and report any significant changes to their direct supervisor for follow up.

Responsibilities:


• Delivers meals to assigned clients.
• Ensures that bags are properly packed.
• Reports to office staff whenever a client is not at home to receive meals.
• Observes participant's appearance and appearance of home and reports any concerns to driver and office staff.
• Reports to driver and office staff any request for supportive services and needs by participants.
• Maintains accurate log of meal deliveries
• Delivers envelopes for participant contributions and collects contributions.
• Performs duties that will assist clients such as shopping and pick-ups.
• Delivers program materials and information to conference call participants.
• Attends all in-service training and monthly meetings.
• Meal Deliverers with driver's license may be asked to drive when needed
• Performs other duties as requested.

Minimum Qualifications:



• Valid Drivers License
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Demonstrated sensitivity to seniors.
  

Other Qualifications:



• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish a plus.

Other Requirements :



• This is a part-time position Monday to Friday, 20-27 hours per week .
• May be required to work either Thanksgiving or Christmas Day .



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Group Leader & Assistant Group Leader (Part-Time)

The Isaacs Center is looking for dynamic individuals to work with our children in our award winning Afterschool Programs. Group Leaders will be required to plan activities that provide a safe and engaging learning environment in programs located at our school-based and community sites. Our program integrates educational enrichment, visual and performing arts, clubs and sport, within a theme-based framework.

Responsibilities:


• Plan and implement fun and engaging theme-based and recreational activities
• Manage behavioral problems and conflicts using mediation technique
• Exhibit compassion for program participant
• Assist children in prioritizing and completing homework
• Document and monitor daily activities in class to include recording attendance and incidents, and lesson plans
• Supervise children at all times
• Inform supervisor of noteworthy incidents occurring during program time, providing written documentation when necessary
• Attend and actively participate in professional development, meetings, and trainings offered
• Supervise and escort children to all program at all times
  

Expectations:


• Exhibit positive behavior to co-workers, parents, and participants
• Ability to laugh, and have a must
• Possess ability to work in a team-oriented setting
• Possess a commitment to being reflective and working towards positive self improvement
  

Qualifications:


• Upper-classman High School student, H.S. Graduate or working toward a degree
• Minimum of two years working with children in a recreations or educational program setting
  
  
  

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