Executive Director of Advancement and Enrichment Programs

The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is an integral part of the City’s evolving criminal justice system, participating in reform initiatives and strategies aimed to move the city towards a smaller jail system without compromising public safety.

The DOC is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff, providers, visitors, volunteers, and people in our custody.

Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully re-enter their communities.

The DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with more than 7,500 diverse professionals and knowledge experts.

DOC seeks to recruit an Executive Director of Advancement and Enrichment Programs assigned to the Division of Programs and Community Partnerships. The selected candidate will be assigned to the Office of the Assistant Commissioner of Advancement and Emergent Adult Initiatives. With latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative, and under the guidance of the Assistant Commissioner, the Executive Director will be responsible for supervising the day-to-day operation of the Educational Services Unit, Fine and Performing Arts, Enhanced Recreational Services Unit, and Tablet Operations. Duties for this position include but are not limited to:

• Administering and directing all of the department’s undertakings in the sphere of young adult and adult population educational services;
• Collaborating with the New York City Public Schools to ensure compliance with mandated educational services as outlined and governed by Handberry vs. Thompson
• Implement and support a case management system geared towards providing tools and support to individuals as they create and work towards educational goals.
• Coordinate and manage all DOC compliance related issues that fall under the jurisdiction of numerous mandates, regulations, policies and procedures, including but not limited to the Handberry v. Thompson court orders, Departmental directive 3503R; Local Law that govern Dyslexia Screening; oversee and monitor the performance of partners responsible for the delivery of post-secondary education, educational reentry and skills development for all populations.
• Track, support and justify documentation needed by Legal to respond to the courts
• Act as a liaison between providers and other departmental units/divisions;
• Monitor space related issues relevant to operations for educational providers;
• Ensure and facilitate a strong and positive communication and collaboration among and between providers, vendors and other municipal agencies;
• Ensure the internal coordination and support of the General Education Diploma (GED) Test at Rikers Island as administered by the New York Public Schools and the New York State Education Department;
• Oversee, supervise and expand the operation of educational volunteers including but not limited Post-Secondary Institutions and the Horticultural Society of New York;
• Coordinate, implement and oversee services provided under the Supplemental Education contract with Petey Greene.
• Responsible for the collection, review and approval of education-related statistics as it pertains to the MFMR and monthly indicators reports;
• Supervise and manage staff members assigned to the Educational Services Unit for the Department;
• Perform related duties as required.

Prefrred Skills

• Supervisory experience in a group, community, educational, or institutional setting is preferred.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and experience working with justice involved populations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of correctional staff.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, prepare written reports and documents.
• Knowledge of human development and behavior, counseling techniques, behavior modification and intervention techniques.
• Ability to mentor and provide positive interaction, guidance, and leadership to people in custody.
• Excellent writing, communication, inter-personal, analytical, research, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Qualification Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, and four years of full-time experience in corrections, social work, psychology, law, public administration, law enforcement, or a related field providing direct services to an inmate or detention population within a correctional or related facility, at least one (1) year of which must have been in a responsible supervisory, administrative or consultative capacity; or
• A high school diploma or evidence of having passed a high school equivalency examination and six (6) years of full-time experience as described above; or
• Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" or "2" above. Service as an inmate in correctional or related facility may be substituted for a portion of the required experience up to a maximum of two years on a year for year basis. A graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in social work, psychology, law, criminal justice or public administration which includes a field placement performing duties as described above, may be substituted for up to one year of full-time experience as described in "1" above. However, all candidates must have at least two years of full-time experience as described in "1" above, at least one year of which must have been in a supervisory, administrative or consultative capacity.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance for the employee and his/her spouse or domestic partner and unemancipated children under age 26, union benefits such as dental and vision coverage, paid annual leave and sick leave, paid holidays, a pension, and optional savings and pre-tax programs such as Deferred Compensation, IRA, and a flexible spending account.