LEAP Program Manager

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Ali Forney Center (AFC) protects LGBTQ+ youth from homelessness and helps them build the tools needed to live independently. Founded in 2002, AFC provides housing, healthcare, and educational support to thousands of youth each year. AFC creates an affirming, supportive environment where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive.

SCHEDULE: Flexible schedule; must be available on weekends
LOCATION: Ali's Place and other AFC program sites throughout New York City
WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY: In person; One Remote Day; some travel throughout New York City is required

POSITION SUMMARY

The LEAP Program Manager leads life skills and workforce development programming for AFC youth, creating meaningful opportunities that support work readiness and successful transitions. The Manager builds and maintains strong relationships with businesses and service providers to expand affirming education, employment, professional development, and learning opportunities. This role coordinates programming across Ali's Place, Emergency Housing, and Transitional Housing, collaborates closely with program and Development teams, and supervises LEAP staff and volunteers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Develop, coordinate, and schedule group programming that prioritizes life skills and work readiness for AFC youth at Ali's Place, Emergency Housing, and Transitional Housing programs.

- Conduct outreach to businesses and providers to build formal partnerships and create learning and professional development opportunities and programming for AFC youth.

- Provide established partners with Standards of Care/Best Practices training, as needed, to ensure partners are prepared to host and support AFC youth, and facilitate quarterly check-ins with LEAP program partners to retain relationships.

- Collaborate at least monthly with Intake and Case Management teams to understand the employment and education needs and goals of current and incoming clients.

- Collaborate at least monthly with Housing Leadership and staff to understand the life skills training needs of residents in their programs.

- Collaborate with the Development team to coordinate support from volunteers and corporate sponsors.

- Facilitate quarterly meetings with appropriate program and Development team members to review milestone achievements, re-evaluate programming, and troubleshoot challenges.

- Provide relevant LEAP updates in weekly team, leadership, and staff meetings.

- Hire and train LEAP staff and volunteers; provide weekly supervision to LEAP staff and weekly group supervision to volunteers.

- Operate as a shift supervisor to assist with assigning and providing coverage at Ali's Place as needed.

- Travel as required and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

- High School Diploma or vocational training with three or more years of related experience; OR Bachelor's Degree with at least one year of related experience; OR Associate's Degree with two years of related experience preferred.

- Experience working with adolescent and/or young adult populations is required.

- Knowledge of the psychosocial needs of LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness is essential.

- Computer literacy, including knowledge of basic software applications such as Google Suite and familiarity with internet and email communications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Acquaintance with the local employment market, education systems, workforce programs, and community resources.

- Strong accuracy and attention to detail, with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.

- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

- BIPOC transgender and gender non-conforming people are encouraged to apply.

- Bilingual (Spanish+) candidates are encouraged to apply.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

- Work is primarily in person at Ali's Place and other AFC program sites.

- Must be able to work nights and weekends.

- Some travel may be required.

- Role includes shift-supervisor responsibilities and providing program coverage at Ali's Place as needed.

CORE & ROLE-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

AFC Core Competencies
Mission alignment and commitment to affirming, youth-centered practice
Cultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse LGBTQ+ youth populations
Trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to service delivery and collaboration
Clear communication, professionalism, and accountability
Adaptability, sound judgment, and ability to respond calmly in fast-paced environments

Role-Related Competencies
Program development, coordination, and workforce-readiness programming
Staff and volunteer hiring, training, supervision, and support
Partnership development and relationship management with businesses and providers
Cross-departmental collaboration with Intake, Case Management, Housing, and Development teams
Program evaluation, milestone tracking, problem-solving, and continuous improvement
Knowledge of employment markets, education systems, workforce programs, and community resources

BENEFITS & TOTAL REWARDS

- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

- 401(k) with up to a 5% employer match (vested after five years)

- Generous Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, and 12 Paid Holidays

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

- Professional Development Opportunities

- Mission-driven, inclusive workplace culture

Thank you for your interest in the Ali Forney Center. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. We encourage you to apply for any positions for which you meet the qualifications.

Ali Forney Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace where all employees feel respected, supported, and able to thrive. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.