Director of LifeWise Academy & Young Scholars Program

About LifeWise StL:
Rooted in our foundation as Kingdom House since 1902, our mission is to help individuals and families achieve economic well-being by providing high-impact, relationship-based programming and by addressing systemic barriers to their success.

Position Description:
LifeWise StL is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director to lead our LifeWise Academy and Young Scholars Program. Ideal for candidates with a Master’s degree in Social Work, Education, Counseling, or a related field (though a Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience is acceptable), this full-time role involves overseeing a team dedicated to delivering academic support, enrichment activities, life skills, and job skill development.
 
The Director will manage both the LifeWise Academy and Young Scholars After School Programs, working closely with the President/CEO to set and refine strategic objectives. This role is crucial in enhancing the academic and personal development of a diverse range of students, especially those from underserved communities.
 
Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Strategic Oversight: Lead a dedicated team in both LifeWise Academy (serving 9^th through 12^th grade scholars) and the Young Scholars Program (serving Kindergarten through 8^th grade scholars), driving the vision and operational goals in close collaboration with the President/CEO. This includes setting strategic objectives and ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission.

• Specialized Program Leadership:

  • Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools: Act as the Program Director, overseeing the implementation of summer program.

  • Young Scholars After School Program: Manage and enhance after-school programming during the school year.

• Community Engagement and Collaboration: Develop and maintain strong relationships with staff, volunteers, and community partners to foster an environment that supports holistic, participant-focused services. Enhance these services through strategic community partnerships and initiatives.

• Financial and Administrative Management: Oversee program budgets for all educational initiatives, manage financial resources, and ensure compliance with financial protocols, licensing guidelines, and requirements. Coordinate with the Director of Finance and Accounting to ensure budget compliance and approve and submit all necessary financial documents.

• Program Development and Evaluation: Coordinate professional development for staff across all programs, manage data entry and tracking as an ETO administrator, and stay updated on evidence-based practices in educational programming and youth development. Experience in tracking outputs and outcomes to ensure program effectiveness and adaptability is essential.

• Grant Management: Lead grant writing efforts, manage grant reporting for all educational programs, and oversee compliance for federal programs such as the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Required Experience and Skills:

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Counseling, or Social Work is required; a Master’s Degree in Counseling, Social Work, Education, Public Administration, or Non-Profit Management is strongly preferred. Professional licensure is a plus.

• Professional Experience: Minimum of five years of leadership and supervisory experience in the youth development sector, with a strong background in program management, development, facilitation, and administrative management.

• Operational Competence: Demonstrated ability to manage significant program budgets, with preference for experience overseeing budgets exceeding $600,000.

• Soft Skills: High degree of flexibility, mental agility, strong initiative, creativity, and robust computer proficiency.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional communication abilities, both written and verbal, essential for effective leadership and collaboration.

• Cultural Competence: Proven track record of effectively working with and understanding the unique needs of diverse populations.

How to Apply:
Please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@lifewisestl.org, with "Director of LifeWise Academy & Young Scholars Program" in the subject line.

LifeWise StL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.