Program and Operational Strategy Specialist, OCSW - 25646

Position Summary: Under the leadership of the Director of Program Planning, Implementation & Evaluation, the Program and Operational Strategy Specialist will play a key role in supporting the effective management of the Office of Community Supports and Wellness (OCSW). This position is responsible for coordinating essential program management functions and contributing to operational planning through a programmatic lens. The Specialist will coordinate and lead all phases of project planning and execution including logistics and program effectiveness monitoring while also contributing to special projects and providing comprehensive support and oversight for the OCSW initiatives. Additional responsibilities include supporting human resources processes, procurement activities, grant applications and reporting, and budget-related planning tasks.

As a core member of the OCSW team, the Specialist will help maintain and strengthen relationships with internal and external partners and support operational decision-making across a diverse portfolio of offices and initiatives. These include Community Schools, Students in Temporary Housing and Foster Care, Attendance Improvement/Dropout Prevention, Extended Learning Time, DYCD partnerships and Student Wellness Programs. Performs related work.

Reports to: Director of Program Planning, Implementation & Evaluation

Direct Reports: Consultant(s)

Key Relationships: Works closely with central and field office leadership, and City agencies. Collaborates with other OCSW leads, Director of Data Analytics, Senior Executive Director Office of Community Schools, Senior Executive Director Office of School Wellness Programs, Senior Executive Director of the Office of Students in Temporary Housing and in Foster Care, Senior Director Attendance Research and Innovation, Superintendent’s Office teams, and other New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) Central divisions.

Responsibilities

Program Coordination

• Facilitate the implementation of a comprehensive program/project management system to optimize efficiency and organization of OCSW.
• Provide targeted support and collaboration across the OCSW to ensure alignment of workflows to office priorities and corresponding communication and action items.
• Work with OCSW staff to deliver projects, reports, and other deliverables in a timely manner, as determined by senior leadership.
• Review OCSW projects and related proposals to determine timeframes, funding limitations, procedures for accomplishing the project, staffing requirements, and allotment of available resources to various phases of projects.
• Coordinate activities of project personnel to ensure that each project progresses on schedule and within the prescribed budget.
• Support with preparing project/initiative reports for OCSW leadership, NYCPS leadership and, as needed, external stakeholders.
  
  

Partnerships

• Maintain a strong relationship and regular communication with external partners of OCSW to ensure effective implementation and high-quality service.
• Serve as a liaison for OCSW central teams; district teams; external partners; and schools.
• Support with professional learning opportunities, coaching, and on-site consultation related to OCSW priorities and initiatives.
• Coordinate with external partners to facilitate training, on-site support, and related functions as indicated in various services contracts.
• Review status reports prepared by project personnel and modify schedules or plans as required.
• Support with communications and general inquiries for the OCSW.
  
  

Operational Support

• Support, manage projects, and organize resource allocation, work scope approval, and vendor contracts for the OCSW.
• Coordinate HR processes for the OCSW in partnership with leadership, including staffing, onboarding, workforce planning, compliance, and maintaining recruitment documentation.
• Partner with senior leadership on operational analyses and planning to improve internal systems and maximize fiscal and human capital resources.
• Partner and engage with OCSW leadership, operations team, and all pertinent NYCPS operations to provide ongoing support with all stages of the contracting and procurement process as it relates to resource acquisition and management for OCSW initiatives and projects.
• Support with technology and technical functions for OCSW.
• Support with the creation and implementation of a plan for increasing office use of market-leading technology to increase the reach, reception, and effectiveness of priority work areas.
  
  

Qualification Requirements

Minimum

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two (2) years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or

• High school graduation or equivalent and six (6) years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to “1” or “2” above. However, all candidates must have at least one (1) year of experience as described in “1” above.
  
  

Preferred

• Strong project management skills and attention to detail, and the ability to proactively identify key issues.
• Proficiency with various NYCPS operational workflows, including procurement, contract management, budget program planning, grant processes, etc.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize in real time and help the group problem-solve through effective questions.
• Excellent written and spoken communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build professional, collaborative, and trusting relationships.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and navigate an environment that is extremely high paced with projects under tight and changing deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize workload.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 applications.
  
  

Salary: $82,000 - $90,200

(Internal candidates who are selected for this position and who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not earn less than their current salary.)

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

NOTE: The filling of all positions is subject to budget availability and/or grant funding.

• New York City Residency is NOT Required *
  
  

We encourage all applicants from the New York City tri-state area to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

DOE Non- Discrimination Policy

The Department of Education of the City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's actual or perceived sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or pregnancy. For more information, please refer to the DOE Non-Discrimination Policy.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.