Division Head for Community Schools

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP’s extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior citizens, from school-aged children to homeless families, from non-profit organizations to local employers.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) seeks a Division Head with the vision and experience to lead the Community School Program in providing high-quality out-of-school-time programs to children in grades K-5. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Children, Youth and Families, the Division Head for Community Schools is a senior leadership position within the Department with overall responsibility for 10 Community Schools located within the Cambridge Public Schools’ buildings. Working with the leadership of the other Departmental programs serving children, youth, and families, the position is responsible for helping to plan, implement and oversee programs to meet the needs of Cambridge’s diverse residents.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Provide programmatic direction and oversight to the Community School Programs located in different school buildings throughout the City.

• Directly supervise the Administrative Assistant and Program Managers and, through them, the Community School staff of approximately 35 full-time and 120 Part-time staff.

• Provide fiscal oversight for the division, with an annual budget of approximately $3.5 million, including managing contracts for services over $500k.

• Provide leadership to the programs in family engagement, professional development, quality improvement, and data collection.

• Oversee regulatory requirements for programs including summer camp licensing.

• Support the DHSP enrollment lottery process and oversee revenue collection from families.

• Work with the Department’s Inclusion staff to support the inclusion of children with special needs in community school programs.

• Work with the Agenda for Children Out of School Time Initiative to support program quality improvement efforts and professional development for staff.

• Work with Departmental leadership and appropriate committees to provide support to the Department’s shared goals.

• Stay current with local and national research on child and youth program development and trends to inform program development.

• Actively support the Department’s Race & Equity Initiative and support DHSP divisions and leadership to meet the Department’s equity goals by effectively collecting and using data

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred. 

• Ten years of progressively responsible and successful management experience of human services, education or related fields. 

• Experience working with diverse populations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent planning and program management skills

•  Successful track record as a senior level manager and administrator in a community-based or public sector setting.

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through change management and to work collaboratively

• Strong ability to communicate orally and in writing with staff from a wide variety of backgrounds

• 5+ years of supervisory