Assistant Director of Intensive Advocacy

Department : The mission of The Choice Program is to strengthen communities through innovative, family-focused strategies that connect youth to opportunities for positive choices.

The mission is accomplished using a culturally responsive, trauma-responsive, community-based approach that identifies and links the youth and families with social supports;

fosters caring relationships; develops high expectations; and provides meaningful participation in youth-centered, community-based activities. Position Overview :

The manages a team of five Service Coordinators to ensure that The Choice Program provides high quality, high impact services to youth and families in central Maryland.

The Assistant Director oversees the successful meeting of service deliverables within the intensive advocacy program, with a primary focus on youth and families residing in Baltimore and Howard counties.

Why Work at UMBC?

UMBC offers competitive compensation. This role starts at $58,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles.

Tuition remission is also available.

What is it like to work at UMBC? Check out or And read about our recent award,.

Telework :

A hybrid telework schedule may be available.

Responsibilities :

The position works within The Choice Program to ensure Service Coordinators provide mentoring and advocacy services to young people throughout central Maryland.

The Choice Program utilizes an anti-racist, community-based, family-centered approach to promote high-quality outcomes for young people and families.

The Choice Program engages in a collaborative process of service where young people set goals for themselves and are held accountable by supportive adults along the way.

The program’s approach to youth development is grounded in applied critical race theory and culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices.

The Choice Program employees strive to build an anti-racist organization grounded in several core values, including holistic development, belief in humans and youth-centeredness.

The Assistant Director will support the development of individual staff, assist with and occasionally provide direct service activities for youth, and complete regular audits to ensure teams are meeting grant-funding requirements.

Success for the Assistant Director requires excellent time-management, organized data and record keeping, a drive to support teams and individuals as they seek to meet and exceed program goals, and the ability to navigate difficult conversations with an asset-based, solutions-oriented approach.

This is a mid-level management staff position, where the Assistant Director is a part of the operational leadership team.

This position is responsible for building strong interpersonal relationships with youth, their families, and a wide array of internal and external stakeholders.

Specific responsibilities include :

• Directly supervising and supporting the work and development of up to five Service Coordinators
• Meeting program goals and grant requirements through regular audits
• Ensuring confidentiality and compliance with funding mandates
• Building and strengthening relationships with external stakeholders and partners, including the Department of Juvenile Services
• Supporting the hiring, onboarding, and training of direct reports and AmeriCorps members
• Serving as a member of the operational leadership team, facilitating and attending organizational and regular team meetings

Required Minimum Qualifications :

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree and two years of experience working with youth advocacy or youth development programing, plus two years of supervisory experience.

Note : A Master's Degree or 15 graduate level credits in an accredited graduate program may be substituted for one year of required experience.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Experience working or volunteering for an organization, institution or company with a commitment to anti-racist practices, equity and inclusion
• One or more years of service / employment in an AmeriCorps organization

Background Screening Statement :

A background check will be required.