Center Director, Modesto Center

Position Type: 100% FTE, Exempt

Compensation Range: $73,000 - 94,000 Annual Salary

Benefits Overview: Medical, vision, dental and life insurance, vacation and sick time off, paid federal holidays, and retirement plan (See full job description for more details).

Organization Size: 50+ Employees

Reports to: VP of Member Engagement

Location: This is an in-person position in Modesto, CA.

JOB OVERVIEW:

Digital NEST provides innovative workforce development centers that have welcomed thousands of youth from working-class, farmworker communities to develop the technical and professional skills they need to achieve their dreams. It is an exciting time for the NEST. We are focused on growth and expansion to five communities across the Monterey Bay (MBR) and San Joaquin Valley (SJVR) Regions in Northern California. Digital NEST has Centers in the heart of Watsonville, Salinas, Gilroy and Modesto and Stockton. 

The Center Director reports directly to the Vice President of Member Engagement and will provide strategic direction for all Center functions with a significant focus on program management and actively recruiting and retaining youth members to ensure robust Centers. Directors should also efficiently manage and operate the Center in accordance to the values and standards of the Digital NEST. The Center Director is to create and maintain a dynamic, welcoming and caring learning environment that attracts and retains members in the NEST community through the delivery of programs and events. We aim to provide a relevant experience to youth so that they view the Centers as their third place to devote their time and energy, only after home and school.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Management (30%)

• Strategic Development
  • Develop and manage center goals aligned to the VP of Member Engagement goals, and the NEST strategic plan to make a positive impact on youth, families and the community. 
  • Responsible for overseeing the recruitment and retention goals for the Center. More specifically, establish, execute and participate in recruitment and retention strategies with their team to meet the Center Director’s goals (school presentations, tabling events, etc.). Collaboration closely with the data and evaluation team will be key to their success.
  • Ensure program and center operational excellence by being highly collaborative and use of tech tools (Asana, Airtable, etc) and resources for optimal operations and execution.
  • Ensure all aspects of the Center’s operations reflect the values of the Digital NEST, especially creating a welcome space for youth and every person that walks through our doors. 
  • Collaborate with the VP of Member Engagement to develop and follow a plan for professional development.
  • Serve as an active member of the Regional Center Leadership Team; contribute meaningfully to strategic conversations and Center best practices and activity. 
• Personnel Management
  • Oversee the hiring, training, professional development of the Center team. Currently the team entails a Member Specialist and a Member Advocate.
  • Establish a high performing  team under your supervision.
  • Create a professional development plan for each direct report. Develop strategies to motivate them to achieve goals.
  • Track direct reports’ KPIs in alignment with your goals and the department.
  • In collaboration with the Human Resources Department, manage any staff performance and conduct issues.   
• Fiscal Management
  • In collaboration with the Finance Department, develop an annual Center budget and monitor expenses to ensure they are kept within budget and all projected revenue goals are met. 
  • Monitor monthly financial variance reports to assure expenses are controlled. Provide explanation of savings/overages in expenses including detailed action plan when savings/expenses fall outside of  +/- 10%. 

Program Management (45%)

• Career Exploration Branch Oversight
  • In close collaboration with the Career Services department, effectively implement the Quest Club program for members ages 14–17. 
  • Manage the implementation of and participate in the Center recruitment and retention plan to meet annual goals. 
  • Collaborate with the Pathway and bizzNEST teams to deliver programming effectively for members.
  • Keep the Asana Annual Programs Calendar for the Center’s programs, events and activities up to date throughout the year. 
  • Identify guest speaker volunteers (and others as needed) to participate in Center events and activities, to share their professional and personal experiences with members.
  • Pilot a family engagement strategy in the fall season to learn what families are interested in to utilize the Center, and implement the strategy in the Spring. 
• Partnership Development
  • Identify and develop strategic external partnerships that support the annual recruitment goals. Key partners include school districts, postsecondary institutions and community based organizations. 
  • Ensure that partnerships are mutually supportive for both entities, where appropriate. 
  • Become deeply integrated in the school districts in the following ways to increase member participation at the Center:
    • Develop Memorandum of understandings with the various partners.
    • Establish satellite spaces in schools or postsecondary institutions (when appropriate) to create greater awareness of our offerings/opportunities and facilitate workshops, presentations and other activities. 
• Center  Operations
  • Responsible for providing an overall amazing Center experience, including excellent service to members, guests and staff,  as well as, a safe and vibrant space for all.  
    • Member and guest services
      •  Instill a positive first impression to all members, volunteers, and guests through the development of a clean, safe and well-maintained facility. Address facility and safety issues in a timely manner as needed.
      • Facility Signage: ensure that the facility is up-to-date, including program flyers, NEST brand signage.
      • Assess and determine center’s availability for external requests for Center space rental  by local community-based groups and for profit entities.
      • Maintain a playbook of local social services available to members and their families (mental health, child care, financial services, etc).
    • Safe and Vibrant  Space
      • In partnership with the Regional Director of Real Estate and Operational Excellence, report any Center issues related to the building and ensure ongoing maintenance of the building as described in the contract.    
      • Ensures Co-working and Program spaces have necessary supplies and equipment needed. Also, understand approved use of various chemicals and cleaning agents and be able to use and follow all SDS materials/precautions and directions associated with them.
      • Maintain accurate maintenance records including all equipment such as fire extinguishers & AED machines. Proactively participate in safety protocols and ensure they are followed.
      • Role model and train staff on facility security, safety and emergency protocols resulting in appropriate activity and use of the NEST facility.  

Cross-Department Collaboration (20%)

• Responsible for effective cross-department collaboration with the following departments to execute department goals and deliverables.

• Career Services
  • Collaborate with the Career services team to ensure Center teams receive training to facilitate  effective Quest Club workshops.
• Marketing and Communications
  • Implement effective Center communication and marketing strategies to raise the awareness and the profile of the Center in the community. 
  • Work closely with the team to develop collateral and social media material that relate to youth recruitment, and any other audience we are pursuing.   
  • Assess the marketing and communications strategies to determine their effectiveness. It is an iterative process, therefore, adjusted based on results. 
  • Support the team in providing youth stories and event highlights.
• Development
  • Collaborate closely with the development team liaison to identify donor prospects and funding sources to leverage in the community. 
  • Contribute to the establishment of a compelling localized “Case for Support,” including uplifting local success stories.
  • Strengthen and cultivate relationships with local philanthropy (e.g. community foundations, local government, high net worth individuals, and business) to assist with local center’s fundraising goals.
  • Work closely with the team during the Annual Digital NEST Campaign to drive the local center specific fundraising. 
  • Engage center staff to participate in fundraising activities and campaigns  (Thank-a-Thons, writing letters, etc.) to thank local donors and supporters. 
• Data and Evaluation 
  • Provide data leadership to Center staff, including overseeing the progress of the recruitment and retention goals via Membership dashboards and reports. Utilize data to inform strategy success or to make changes to the recruitment and retention strategies and plan.  
  • Ensure clear roles and responsibilities for all Center team members - Center Director, Member Specialist and Member Advocate - related to data collection,  analysis, monitoring and reporting  to understand trends, progress and drive decision making.
  • Create a monthly progress report to discuss with the VP Member Engagement & the President/COO. Reports will include membership numbers as well as composed narratives highlighting successes and areas for improvement. 
• IT
  • Coordinate with the Senior IT Systems Manager to ensure the Center is equipped with the proper technological equipment and tools for staff and members as needed.
  • Work with the IT department to address technology needs via the ticketing system.  
  • Work with the department to roll out technology projects relevant to the Centers (new texting platform, etc.) 

Community Relations (5%)

• Identify and develop key relationships with key community groups that represent a large group of nonprofits to build awareness about the NEST/Center programs and Services:
  • For example, represent Digital NEST in local communities through civic and service involvement (i.e. Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, city government).
• Foster relationships with local business leaders, public officials, external youth serving organizations, and community leaders, resulting in the elevation of Digital NEST’s image.
• Communicate any external opportunities such as jobs, internships, apprenticeships, conferences, training, etc. to appropriate colleagues.  
• Provide the VP Member Engagement with Community Relations reports on a monthly basis to ensure continued benefit.

QUALIFICATIONS:    

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Sciences, Business from an accredited college or university or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 12 years of experience in a management role.
• At least 7 years in a supervisory role with a focus in the following:
  • Fundraising principles, recruitment and leading fundraising volunteers.
  • Direct supervision of multiple levels of an operational diversified workforce.    
  • Senior leadership of operational aspects of youth programs serving a vulnerable population, 
  • Budget development and management of fiscal control systems.
• Accountable for performance outcomes/KPI attainment at the regional/organizational level.
• Ability to direct total operations through supervision of staff, volunteer development, marketing and public relations. Including building and sustaining trust with staff,  volunteer boards and community partnerships.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills and experience overseeing complex projects.
• Advanced knowledge of strategies to engage community leaders regarding diverse, under-represented and vulnerable youth populations in technology learning and career development. 
• Ability to support the ideals of social equity, inclusivity and career development.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, team building experience, comfortable working in a fast-paced work environment and the ability to multi-task multiple operational areas with varying needs.
• Advanced knowledge of positive youth development and emotional and physical safety standards and practices in youth work.
• Strong public speaking ability and excellent oral communication skills in both English and Spanish.
• Computer knowledge: Reports, Management software, CRM and Google Suite. 

• Demonstrated resourcefulness and problem-solving skills.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Passion for the mission of Digital NEST and belief in upholding organization’s core values.
• Understanding of and sensitivity to issues of culture/ethnicity/race, gender, sexual identity, class/SES and immigration status. 
• Ability to be an ally to people of color, women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer, questioning and intersex individuals and their allies (LGBTQIA). 
• Candidates must have a valid CA driver's license, pass a background check, and be able to travel and work evenings or weekends occasionally, or as needed.
• Maintain dexterity and coordination, sufficient to perform essential functions.
• Ability to perform administrative, computer-based tasks, to be mobile (including, but not limited to walking, bending, squatting, crouching, twisting, kneeling, reaching, etc.), and lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 35 pounds as needed.

NOTE: The job offer will be contingent upon the successful completion and passing of a 

background check.

ABOUT OUR BENEFITS: We take a holistic approach to wellness, physical, emotional, and financial. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 100% Agency Paid Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance for the employee
• SIMPLE IRA Retirement Benefit with up to 3% employer match
• 15 Paid Vacation Days for Full-time Employees (Director and Chief positions)
• 13 Paid Holidays Annually Plus Business closure/holiday the week between Christmas Day and New Years Day
• Paid Sick Time Off
• Annual Parking Permit
• Professional Development
• Flexible Work Schedule

We understand that no candidate is perfectly qualified for any job. Experience comes in different forms; many skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. Even more important than your resume is a clear demonstration of dedication, impact, and the ability to thrive in a fluid and collaborative environment. We want you to learn new things in this role and encourage you to apply if your experience is close to what we’re looking for. We also know that diversity of background and thought makes for better problem-solving and more creative thinking, so we're dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team. We look forward to hearing from you.

Digital NEST, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Digital NEST is committed to an inclusive experience for all applicants and will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations in the interview process, to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified employees with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.  

Please refer to our career page for more information on how to apply for reasonable accommodations.