Assistant Director of Youth Development & Socio-Emotional Learning

Assistant Director of Youth Development & Socio-Emotional Learning

Join Red Hook Initiative
, a community‑based nonprofit working to improve the lives of more than 6,500 residents of Red Hook Houses in Brooklyn. RHI believes that social change begins with empowered youth and that community transformation comes from within. In partnership with community adults, we nurture young people to be inspired, resilient, and healthy, and to envision themselves as co‑creators of their lives, community, and society.

RHI seeks a dynamic and mission‑driven Assistant Director of Youth Development & Socio‑Emotional Learning (YD & SEL) to lead high‑quality programming that fosters academic success, emotional wellness, and leadership among Red Hook youth ages 11‑18. Reporting to the Senior Director of YD & SEL, the Assistant Director oversees after‑school, summer, and Freedom Schools initiatives and ensures alignment with RHI’s broader youth development goals.

• Oversee daily operations of after‑school, holiday, and summer programs for up to 150 youth, ensuring responsive and engaging experiences.
• Design, implement, and evaluate curriculum and programming aligned with RHI’s mission and funder expectations.
• Lead youth recruitment, intake, and retention strategies to maintain consistent participation.
• Co‑develop annual program goals and assessment tools to evaluate outcomes and support continuous improvement.
• Plan and execute trips, events, and family engagement opportunities that expand learning and exposure.
• Promote trauma‑informed, healing‑centered, and positive youth development practices throughout all programming.
• Serve as Site Coordinator for the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools program, overseeing all planning, staffing, and implementation.
• Supervise, coach, and support program staff to ensure performance excellence, professional growth, and alignment with RHI’s values.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, goal setting, and performance monitoring for Youth Workers and interns.
• Facilitate regular team meetings and foster a collaborative, accountable work culture.
• Identify staff training needs and coordinate with HR and senior leadership to implement solutions.
• Lead crisis response and conflict resolution using trauma‑informed and restorative approaches.
• Ensure accurate and timely attendance, participation, and outcome data; manage reporting and documentation for funders and internal use.
• Oversee staff schedules and timekeeping to ensure payroll accuracy and program coverage.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director on budgeting decisions, program resources, and inventory management.
• Ensure compliance with SACC and Department of Health regulations, including safety drills, training, and reporting requirements.
• Lead policy enforcement to ensure staff and youth adhere to program expectations and protocols.
• Represent RHI in external partnerships and meetings, cultivating relationships that enhance youth opportunities and program visibility.
• Collaborate with counselors and case managers to support youth referrals, behavioral health needs, and case conferencing.
• Participate in professional development and capacity‑building opportunities to strengthen program delivery.

• Experience working with middle school and high school youth from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of youth development principles, including Social Emotional Learning (SEL).
• Proven ability to motivate participants in areas such as Academic Support, STEAM, Leadership Development, and Healthy Living.

• Flexibility to attend occasional morning, evening, or weekend meetings and training.
• Commitment to a strength‑based and youth development approach.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Successful completion of all required background checks and clearances.

• Strong leadership, management, and supervisory skills; able to lead intergenerational staff, manage change, and motivate teams toward shared goals.
• Deep commitment to the success, development, and well‑being of young people, with knowledge of strengths‑based and socio‑emotional learning approaches.
• Proven ability to design, implement,…