Director of Youth 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.

Essential Functions

Strategic Planning: 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.

Community Outreach: 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.

Program Development: Design and oversee programs events and initiatives aimed at empowering youth fostering leadership skills and providing opportunities for civic involvement volunteerism and community service.

Advocacy and Policy Development: 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.

Education and Training: 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.

Youth Council Support: 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.

Research and Evaluation: 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.

Partnership Development: 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.

Required

Competencies Knowledge Skills and Abilities Knowledge: Youth Development: Understanding of developmental stages needs and challenges faced by youth including issues related to identity education employment mental health and civic engagement.

Community Engagement: Knowledge of community organizing principles participatory approaches and strategies for engaging diverse stakeholders including youth families schools nonprofits and local businesses.

Government and Public Policy: Familiarity with local government structures functions and decision-making processes as well as relevant policies laws and regulations impacting youth services programs and initiatives.

Leadership Development: Understanding of leadership theories practices and competencies including communication skills problem-solving abilities emotional intelligence and ethical decision-making.

Social Justice and Equity: Awareness of social justice issues systemic inequities and disparities affecting youth with a commitment to advancing equity diversity and inclusion in all aspects of youth engagement work.

Job Description 3 Data Analysis and Evaluation: Proficiency in data collection methods survey design qualitative and quantitative analysis and program evaluation techniques to assess the effectiveness and impact of youth engagement initiatives.

Skills:

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate ideas clearly listen actively and adapt communication styles to engage diverse audiences including youth parents educators and policymakers.

Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust establish rapport and foster positive relationships with youth community partners city officials and other stakeholders through collaborative and inclusive approaches.

Program Development: Skill in designing implementing and evaluating youth-centered programs events and activities that promote leadership development civic participation community service and social-emotional learning.

Facilitation and Training: Ability to facilitate group discussions workshops and training sessions for youth and adults creating safe and inclusive spaces for dialogue learning and skill-building around civic engagement and social change.

Strategic Planning: Capacity to develop and implement strategic plans goals and objectives for youth engagement initiatives aligning activities with organizational priorities community needs and desired outcomes.

Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex issues identify root causes and develop innovative solutions in collaboration with youth and community stakeholders.

Project Management: Proficiency in project planning budgeting resource allocation and timeline management to ensure the successful execution of youth engagement initiatives within established deadlines and budget constraints.

Abilities: Empathy and Cultural Competence: Ability to empathize with the experiences perspectives and aspirations of youth from diverse cultural socioeconomic and demographic backgrounds demonstrating cultural humility and sensitivity in all interactions.

Adaptability and Flexibility: Capacity to adapt to changing circumstances priorities and stakeholder needs with resilience and creativity adjusting strategies and approaches as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.

Innovation and Creativity: Aptitude for generating new ideas approaches and solutions to address complex challenges and opportunities facing youth and the community fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Job Description 4 Collaboration and Teamwork: Skill in building and sustaining effective partnerships coalitions and networks with internal and external stakeholders leveraging collective expertise resources and influence to advance shared goals and objectives. Influence and Advocacy:

Ability to advocate for the needs and interests of youth using persuasive communication evidence-based arguments and storytelling to mobilize support build consensus and effect positive change at the policy and systemic levels.

Resilience and Self-Care: Capacity to maintain personal well-being manage stress and cope with challenges inherent in youth engagement work practicing self-care seeking support and prioritizing health and balance in work and life.

Qualifications :

Bachelors degree in public administration education youth development social work or a related field required. Masters degree preferred.

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 bachelors degree.

Additional Information :

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter resume and references.

Salary: $90000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTAs Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses subways trolleys and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer 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
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - 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!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22 2023 vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses doctors emergency medical personnel) must be fully vaccinated.

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No

Employment Type :

Full-time