LifeWise StL
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 leader to serve as the Director of LifeWise Academy. This full-time position is ideal for a Master’s level social worker or an individual with an equivalent degree in Education, Counseling, or related fields. The Director will lead a dedicated team to deliver academic support, enrichment activities, life skills training, job skill development, and social support to high school students, helping them overcome barriers to success.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership and Strategic Oversight: Lead a team of six, driving the vision and strategic goals of LifeWise Academy in close collaboration with the President/CEO.
- Specialized Program Leadership:
- Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools: Act as the Program Director, overseeing the implementation of this empowering educational program that provides summer and after-school enrichment that helps students succeed in school and in life.
- Wyman Teen Outreach Program (TOP): Serve as the Coordinator and Trainer, guiding this nationally recognized program focused on positive youth development, community service, and healthy behaviors.
- Community Engagement and Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment by working closely with staff, volunteers, and community partners. Enhance our holistic, participant-focused services through strategic community partnerships and initiatives.
- Financial and Administrative Management: Manage department budgets, oversee credit card expenditures, and coordinate with the Director of Finance and Accounting for budget compliance. Approve and submit all necessary financial documents.
- Program Development and Evaluation: Coordinate professional development for staff, manage data entry and tracking as an ETO administrator, and stay updated on evidence-based practices in youth development.
- Grant Management: Support grant writing efforts, manage grant reporting for this program, and oversee 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: Master’s Degree in Counseling, Social Work, Education, Public Administration, or Non-Profit Management. Professional licensure is a plus.
- Professional Experience: Minimum of five years in a supervisory role within the youth development field. Extensive experience in program development, facilitation, and administrative management.
- Operational Competence: Strong capability in managing program budgets, preferably with experience overseeing budgets exceeding $600,000.
- Soft Skills: Flexibility, mental agility, strong initiative, creativity, and robust computer proficiency.
- Communication: Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
- Cultural Competence: Proven track record of effectively working with diverse populations.
Preferred Experience:
- Advanced experience in proposal writing and securing funds through grants.
- Significant experience in grant reporting.
- Experience managing federal and/or state-funded programs.
How to Apply:
Please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@lifewisestl.org, with “Director of LifeWise Academy” 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.
