Director of Education Strategy & Partnerships at FOREST HILLS COMMUNITY HOUSE – Forest Hills, New York

Job Title: Director of Education Strategy & Partnerships
Status: Full-Time
Location: Queens, NY
Schedule: 35 hours per week, Monday–Friday
Compensation: $95,000 – $115,000 annually (commensurate with experience)

Queens Community House (QCH) strengthens neighborhoods and inspires change. We are a community-based organization serving neighbors through a broad network of overlapping and interlocking programs while also supporting the viability of the borough. Our goal is to support Queens residents across the life cycle by providing programs that engage, teach, empower, and create a sense of inclusion and purpose.

QCH is a cornerstone of the community, serving thousands of families every year through programs that promote stability, opportunity, and belonging. Our Youth Services division plays a central role in this mission, helping young people discover their potential and access meaningful educational opportunities.

Queens Community House is seeking a Director of Education Strategy & Partnerships to lead innovative, cross-sector efforts that expand learning opportunities for children and youth across New York City.

With 70% of NYC third graders reading below grade level—and rates rising to 76% among low-income families— QCH is advancing a citywide education strategy to strengthen access to meaningful learning experiences from early childhood through college.

The Director of Education Strategy & Partnerships will play a key role in shaping and advancing this work. While the CDF Freedom Schools initiative serves as a cornerstone of the strategy, this role extends well beyond a single program. It is designed for a leader who can think across systems, cultivate strong partnerships, and develop initiatives that build a more connected and supportive educational ecosystem.

Working closely with the Chief Program Officer, CEO, and the Associate Executive Director of Youth Services, the Director will collaborate with community-based organizations (CBOs), NYC school districts, and city agencies including the Department of Education (DOE) and the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).

A substantial portion of this role will focus on technical assistance and coaching for CBO partners, ensuring that new program sites launch successfully, continuously improve, and deliver high-quality learning experiences for young people across neighborhoods.

• Drive education strategy, systems design, and change management across a multi-initiative portfolio—from concept through piloting, scaling, and evaluation.
• Partner with the CPO and CEO to build and mentor a network of community-based organizations replicating the CDF Freedom Schools model, ensuring quality, consistency, and long-term impact.
• Collaborate with the CPO, CEO, DOE, and DYCD to develop a long-term sustainability and funding strategy for this evidence-based work.
• Lead cross-agency collaboration and coordinate with city partners to strengthen alignment across initiatives.
• Work with leadership and funders to advance a multi-year, philanthropy-backed strategy to design, launch, and scale Freedom Schools initiatives over three years.
• Represent QCH in citywide advocacy efforts and coalitions advancing education and youth development from early childhood through postsecondary pathways.

• Interpret local, state, and national education policy to inform program strategy.
• Translate complex policy insights into clear, actionable strategies for program implementation.
• Monitor the evolving policy landscape to anticipate opportunities, risks, and emerging needs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with NYC agencies, DOE staff, and education stakeholders.
• Represent QCH on coalitions and partnerships advancing education equity and systems change.

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with community organizations, educators, and stakeholders to advance shared goals.
• Apply knowledge of district, network, and central office structures and decision-making processes.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of what drives success in schools and youth programs, particularly in under-resourced communities.
• Adapt program models effectively across diverse school and community contexts.

• Represent QCH externally and steward relationships with district leaders, educators, DYCD, funders, CBO partners, and elected officials.
• Lead project launches and systems setup, managing timelines, logistics, and collaboration across teams.
• Communicate clearly and inclusively with stakeholders while ensuring strong follow-through.
• Coordinate across internal departments and external partners to align strategy and execution.
• Engage families and community voices in program design, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

• Establish a data-driven improvement cycle to strengthen site quality and improve outcomes citywide.
• Develop dashboards, reporting systems, and communication routines that make data actionable.
• Share insights with leadership and funders to demonstrate program impact and guide strategic decisions.
• Test innovative ideas, gather feedback, and adapt based on qualitative and quantitative learning.
• Define and track metrics that measure program quality, equity, and outcomes.

• Experience in education policy, school district operations, and cross-agency collaboration.
• Demonstrated experience in interpreting education policy and translating it into program implementation strategies.
• Proven expertise in cultivating and sustaining strategic partnerships across educational institutions, youth development organizations, community organizations, and industry partners.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong, trust-based relationships with diverse stakeholders across sectors.

• Deep commitment to educational equity and community voice.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity with creativity and confidence.
• Curious, flexible, and collaborative leadership style.
• Communicates with humility, clarity, and strategic purpose.
• Strong focus on achieving meaningful, lasting outcomes for children, families, and communities.

Queens Community House offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Contribution
• Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days)
• Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development and Training Opportunities

Queens Community House is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.