Program Director, CRED

Title: Program Director, CRED

Unit: Employment Services

Reports to: Senior Director, Workforce Development

Status: Full Time; Regular, Exempt

Salary: $80,000 annually

Location: Third Avenue, Bronx, NY 10451

Days/Hours: Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm; Some evenings and weekends may be required

Organization Overview:

The Fortune Society, Inc. (Fortune)  supports successful reentry from incarceration and promotes alternatives to incarceration, thus strengthening the fabric of our communities. The organization has evolved over 58 years into one of the nation's preeminent reentry and criminal legal-informed service organizations, providing formerly incarcerated people with the skills and wrap-around services needed to  reenter their communities and build productive lives .

Fortune has grown steadily over the years to an agency with close to $100 million in annual budget with just under 600 staff. Fortune is dedicated to supporting its mission through both services and advocacy . Our advocacy focuses on building a  just criminal legal system and reducing the barriers to reentry . The service side of Fortune has evolved to encompass a broad range of programs that started with employment and education and now includes a robust array of services, among them: alternatives to incarceration, supervised release, court advocacy, discharge planning within correctional facilities, licensed substance use and mental health treatment, a housing continuum ranging from emergency and transitional through permanent congregate and scattered site housing, assistance in obtaining benefits, a care management unit, HIV services, a food and nutrition program, and an arts program. Each service we provide is informed by the needs of the population we serve. Fortune currently serves approximately 18,000 people a year. We have locations in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens.

Position Summary:

The Program Director (PD) will oversee operations and staffing under Fortune's contract with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development's Community Resources for Employment and Development (CRED) program, which is designed to provide pathways to employment and economic mobility for people who reside in communities where community violence is most prevalent and address the system feedback loop by offering job readiness, training for sustainable and emerging industries, and supported job placement for continued success, coupled with strong wraparound supports and follow up services tailored towards these communities.

Mission and Fit: Embodies Fortune's mission and values and will be an effective member of the team in furthering both. The candidate should exhibit compassion and understanding for our participants (wherever they are in their re-entry process) and embrace Fortune's core value that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done.

Leadership: The PD will set the vision and direction for the program, ensuring it provides the necessary support and resources to empower participants to achieve success during and after program participation. The PDs strong leadership will be instrumental in fostering a positive and supportive environment where participants can develop the skills and confidence they need to build a brighter future.

Supervision: The PD should be able to communicate vision to direct reports and ensures that the team understands and strives towards defined performance goals. The PD carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding, coaching, and mentoring employees; addressing employee relations and resolving problems.

Attention to Detail: The PD must demonstrate competency to develop systems and processes to organize and keep track of information or work progress; is routinely conscientious, thorough, accurate and reliable when performing and completing job tasks; and recognizes trends, detects inconsistencies, and determines essential details.

Collaboration: The PD must work closely with their team to use informed program trends to enhance the program's services. The PD will build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, employers, and stakeholders to expand program reach and impact.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Leadership

• Supervise program components, ensuring cohesive operation and alignment with the goals set forth in the CRED contract and quality, day-to-day program operations. 

• Recruit, train, and oversee program staff, ensuring alignment with program goals.

• Promote a continuous learning and adaptation culture to meet evolving program needs.

• Act as a primary liaison with community organizations, government agencies, and funders.

• Foster collaborative relationships to enhance program reach and impact.

Outreach and Retention

• Oversee and develop outreach engagement strategies to recruit participants at elevated risk of violence.

• Ensure the Outreach and Retention Specialist effectively engages and supports participants to promote their continued and consistent engagement.

• Direct the provision of facilitation, training, and case management throughout the full program cycle.

• Oversee the development and progress of individualized plans for participants, connecting them to needed wrap-around services to reduce engagement barriers and support goal achievement.

Data Management and Reporting

• Oversee data collection and analysis to assess program effectiveness and inform strategic adjustments.

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to stakeholders and funders.

Budget and Resources Management

• Administer the program budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.

• Monitor expenditure against budgetary allocations and program objectives.

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Sociology/Social Work/Criminal Justice/Public Administration or other life/professional experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree;

• A minimum of three years of experience in management capacity, with at least five years working in social service, criminal justice or workforce programming;

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred;

• Skilled communicator who is able to liaise interdepartmentally as well as with community partners and stakeholders;

• Ability to work a flexible schedule;

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Excel, Outlook and Office 365;

• Ability to work independently and on a team;

• Experience working with the community in the South Bronx, a plus;

• Experience and/or desire to work with a diverse population. 

We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission.  Relevant personal experience is a plus.

Travel Requirements: Travel to Long Island City office, other Fortune offices, conferences and other relevant events.

Physical Demands:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities and requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensing, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of conviction history, race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.