Title:              Director of school culture, essence community schooL

Reports to:    senior program director, essence community school     

Location:         590 Sheffield Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11207

Hours:             35 Hours, Exempt

Job Summary: The Director of School Culture will work closely with GSS’ Senior Program Director and the school administration of the Essence School to establish a positive culture that creates a school community conducive to youth development and academic success.  The Director of School Culture will develop programming to promote positive student behavior, keep students actively engaged in the school community, and co-lead the implementation of restorative practices with Senior Program Director. 

Major Duties:

·   In partnership with Senior Program Director, co-create and incentivize a uniform policy, in alignment with school principal.

·   Track student attendance progress and collaborate with Youth Development Specialist in monthly attendance incentives.

·   Maintain a safe and respectful student environment with special attention to hallways, cafeteria, and bathrooms.

·   Work with school personnel and GSS team members to identify at risk students and develop action plans to best support students in their social/emotional learning and to help them reach their academic potential.

·   Track student attendance/lateness and outreach to parents as necessary.

·   Support DOE (Department of Education) staff to set positive and clear expectations for students as members of the school community. 

·   Prepare orientation activities for new students and familiarize them with expectations of the school community and resources to help them be successful.

·   Assist students and staff in developing behavioral contracts and tools.

·   Co-lead with Senior Program Director implementation of restorative practices model in the school community.

·   Use the restorative practices model to facilitate mediations to resolve conflicts. 

·   Assist the school administration and GSS team in the organization of school wide initiatives and events.

·   Develop and implement interventions for promoting positive student behavior.

·   Develop and facilitate professional development for DOE (Department of Education) staff relating to youth development principles and restorative practices.

·   Participate in community school meetings and implementation team meetings.

·   Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

·   Bachelor’s degree required. 

·   Minimum of three years in a school setting doing youth development work.

·   Experience working with teachers and school administration to foster a positive school culture.

·   Knowledge of restorative practices and group work methodologies.

·   Experience facilitating trainings.

·   Must have excellent communication skills and enjoy being part of a team.

·   Must have strong administrative and organizational skills.

·   Must have a commitment to work from a strength based and/or youth development perspective.