Job Title: Director of Education Strategy & Partnerships
Status: Full-Time
Location: Queens, NY
Schedule: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Compensation: $95,000 - $115,000 annually (commensurate with experience)

Position Overview

Queens Community House is seeking a Director of Education Strategy & Partnerships to lead innovative, cross-sector efforts that expand learning opportunities for children and youth across New York City.

With 70% of NYC third graders reading below grade level-and rates rising to 76% among low-income families- QCH is advancing a citywide education strategy to strengthen access to meaningful learning experiences from early childhood through college.

The Director of Education Strategy & Partnerships will play a key role in shaping and advancing this work. While the CDF Freedom Schools initiative serves as a cornerstone of the strategy, this role extends well beyond a single program. It is designed for a leader who can think across systems, cultivate strong partnerships, and develop initiatives that build a more connected and supportive educational ecosystem.

Working closely with the Chief Program Officer, CEO, and the Associate Executive Director of Youth Services, the Director will collaborate with community-based organizations (CBOs), NYC school districts, and city agencies including the Department of Education (DOE) and the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).

A substantial portion of this role will focus on technical assistance and coaching for CBO partners, ensuring that new program sites launch successfully, continuously improve, and deliver high-quality learning experiences for young people across neighborhoods.

Key Responsibilities

Program Strategy & Implementation

• Drive education strategy, systems design, and change management across a multi-initiative portfolio-from concept through piloting, scaling, and evaluation.
• Partner with the CPO and CEO to build and mentor a network of community-based organizations replicating the CDF Freedom Schools model, ensuring quality, consistency, and long-term impact.
• Collaborate with the CPO, CEO, DOE, and DYCD to develop a long-term sustainability and funding strategy for this evidence-based work.
• Lead cross-agency collaboration and coordinate with city partners to strengthen alignment across initiatives.
• Work with leadership and funders to advance a multi-year, philanthropy-backed strategy to design, launch, and scale Freedom Schools initiatives over three years.
• Represent QCH in citywide advocacy efforts and coalitions advancing education and youth development from early childhood through postsecondary pathways.

Education Policy & Systems Leadership

• Interpret local, state, and national education policy to inform program strategy.
• Translate complex policy insights into clear, actionable strategies for program implementation.
• Monitor the evolving policy landscape to anticipate opportunities, risks, and emerging needs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with NYC agencies, DOE staff, and education stakeholders.
• Represent QCH on coalitions and partnerships advancing education equity and systems change.

Nonprofit & Education Sector Leadership

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with community organizations, educators, and stakeholders to advance shared goals.
• Apply knowledge of district, network, and central office structures and decision-making processes.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of what drives success in schools and youth programs, particularly in under-resourced communities.
• Adapt program models effectively across diverse school and community contexts.

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent QCH externally and steward relationships with district leaders, educators, DYCD, funders, CBO partners, and elected officials.
• Lead project launches and systems setup, managing timelines, logistics, and collaboration across teams.
• Communicate clearly and inclusively with stakeholders while ensuring strong follow-through.
• Coordinate across internal departments and external partners to align strategy and execution.
• Engage families and community voices in program design, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

Data-Informed Decision Making

• Establish a data-driven improvement cycle to strengthen site quality and improve outcomes citywide.
• Develop dashboards, reporting systems, and communication routines that make data actionable.
• Share insights with leadership and funders to demonstrate program impact and guide strategic decisions.
• Test innovative ideas, gather feedback, and adapt based on qualitative and quantitative learning.
• Define and track metrics that measure program quality, equity, and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience in education policy, school district operations, and cross-agency collaboration.
• Demonstrated experience in interpreting education policy and translating it into program implementation strategies.
• Proven expertise in cultivating and sustaining strategic partnerships across educational institutions, youth development organizations, community organizations, and industry partners.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong, trust-based relationships with diverse stakeholders across sectors.

Key Leadership Traits

• Deep commitment to educational equity and community voice.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity with creativity and confidence.
• Curious, flexible, and collaborative leadership style.
• Communicates with humility, clarity, and strategic purpose.
• Strong focus on achieving meaningful, lasting outcomes for children, families, and communities.

What Youll Get

Queens Community House offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Contribution
• Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days)
• Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development and Training Opportunities