The City of Boston Office of Youth Employment & Opportunity is seeking a Strategic Partnerships & Engagement Manager who will be responsible for supporting the management, day-to-day engagement and partnership functions of the department's programming. This role will oversee the building and implementation of YEO engagement strategies to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders and employers, and connect youth to programs and services such as; the Mayor’s Youth Jobs Program, workforce readiness opportunities, and related programs and initiatives that provide career development and upward mobility.

The position is designed for a mid-career professional who brings experience with linking residents and constituents to services, and also holds the ability to build relationships and partnerships at the national, regional, state and local levels to expand Boston's youth workforce priorities, grow youth job opportunities across industries and sectors and increase access for youth and young adults participants. This role will elevate the employment work of nonprofits, small businesses, city agencies, and private sectors, and higher education institutions; and  engage stakeholders, local organizations, youth serving networks, youth, families and other collaborators. The Manager must be a motivated individual with strong communication and organization skills, a passion for working in an inclusive environment, experience working in a fast-paced atmosphere, and a desire to work on initiatives supporting youth and young adults to accomplish the goals of the department.

The Office of Youth Employment & Opportunity exists to employ, develop, and engage Boston's youth, by; exposing youth to the workforce, and bridging opportunities for personal and professional growth. YEO envisions a future where youth are educated, equipped, and empowered to transition successfully into adulthood.

This position will report directly to the Senior Manager of Engagement & Outreach for the department. Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Partnership Management

• Lead the development of a partnership framework to improve overall YEO partner relationships, communication, outreach and recruitment.
• Design effective ways to provide capacity building and technical assistance to employers to create a supportive and effective work environment for young people.
• Improve strategic partnerships with local organizations and companies, higher Ed, BPS, and other stakeholders who have a role in supporting youth jobs in Boston (e.g. coalition building, etc).
• Collaborates and deepens relationships with city departments, other government agencies, and non-profit service providers to ensure the perspective and needs of youth are considered in employment and workforce related projects, programs, and initiatives. 
• Design and facilitate presentations and training for partners and community members about department and cabinet programs.
• Supports and manages the employer sites visit process.
• Fosters cross team collaboration to increase alignment and coordination around how the department interacts with the following partner types: philanthropic/funding partners, institutional/research-based partners, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies (i.e. city departments, quasi city agencies, state partners, city council and elected officials, etc).
• Coordinate the design of partner orientations and boot-camp that helps support employers partners with program design, recruitment efforts, job descriptions, and on-boarding support.
• Manages weekly department digital marketing campaigns to employer partners that includes important updates on city-wide employment and career development.
• In partnership with the Data, Research and Evaluation Manager - supports and manages the youth and partner evaluation process that gathers feedback and recommendations, and highlights job quality and professional development and growth opportunities.
• Manage and facilitate weekly partner virtual office hours to respond to inquiries and provide partnership support.

Engagement 

• Develop engagement strategies to support the department goals and success in reaching and connecting thousands of Boston youth to jobs and work readiness programs and services.
• Works with Senior Manager of Engagement & Outreach and the Outreach and Communications Coordinator in managing constituent requests and inquiries, and coordinating community-wide engagement,  outreach and awareness of YEO and youth related services. 
• Keeps current of municipal, state and federal programs pertaining to education, youth employment and workforce development – to ensure appropriate referrals can be made. 
• Oversees focus groups, service activities and a department partnership audits.
• Support with coordinating, planning, and executing all department events and external engagement projects. 
• Represent the department and attend community and city-wide events, neighborhood meetings, conduct community outreach at schools, youth-serving agencies, .
• Manage phone calls and correspondence from partners and constituents about youth services.
• Support in establishing relationships with local businesses, media outlets, and city agencies to promote awareness of the department’s mission and objectives.
• Maintain regular contact with Community Engagement Cabinet and Strategic Partnership liaisons across city departments.

General

• Supervise and manage part-time interns and volunteers. 
• Collaborate with YEO staff and other relevant team members to be forward thinking,  problem-solve and address youth and department needs.
• As needed, supports and participates in general youth engagement and employment activities, events, and special projects. 
• Performs related work as determined by the Senior Manager of Engagement & Outreach and/or the Director/Deputy of YEO or delegate. 
• Performs related work as required.

• Five (5) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time professional experience working in the public/private sector or with youth serving institutions in project management, training, program coordination or in an administrative/operations capacity.

• Supervisory experience is preferred. 
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university strongly preferred and may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. 
• Experience with community engagement strategies, partnership development and support, and relationship management.
• Proficiency with Google Suite, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher), Social media, webinar and other database platforms.
• Strong mediation, facilitation, and listening skills required. 
• Ability to be well organized and work on multiple projects simultaneously, while maintaining attention to detail required. 
• Familiarity with Boston youth service providers preferred (e.g. schools, community-based organizations, workforce and social service agencies, etc. 
• Familiarity with education, training, employment, workforce development and web-based interfaces and resources.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with a diverse range of people including constituents, staff, partners, stakeholders, and city personnel. 
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, superiors, and public and private representatives. 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with limited direct supervision and perform assigned duties in an accurate, timely and professional manner.
• Bilingual abilities/Bi-cultural experience is highly desirable.
• Must be able to attend evening and weekend meetings or events as required.
• Massachusetts Driver’s License Required.

Work Environment & Physical Demands: 

Essential functions are performed in both office and community-based settings. Position requires travel to attend meetings, conduct outreach, and coordinate events. 

C.O.R.I. Check Required. S.O.R.I. Check Required

Boston Residency Required

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade:  Nonunion/MO-6 

Hours Per Week: 35