Director of Family & Youth Development

Cornell University Cooperative Extension – New York City (CUCE-NYC)

Cornell University Cooperative Extension–New York City (CUCE-NYC) invites applications for a Director of Family and Youth Development, a senior leadership role for an innovative, equity-centered scholar-practitioner eager to drive meaningful change for children, youth, and families across New York City’s five boroughs.

CUCE-NYC is part of Cornell University’s land-grant mission and a vital hub for research-based, non-formal education, engaging more than 30,000 New Yorkers annually in programs focused on youth development, parenting education, nutrition and health, urban agriculture, and STEM learning. With program offices in the South Bronx and Queens, a Brooklyn presence, and close ties to Cornell’s Manhattan site and Ithaca campus, CUCE-NYC operates at the dynamic intersection of university research and community impact.

An Opportunity at a Pivotal Moment

The Family and Youth Development (FYD) program area is entering a period of intentional transition and reimagining. The incoming Director will join at a formative moment—actively participating in a structured onboarding process that includes strategic visioning, community input, and collaboration with a newly established FYD Advisory Committee. This role offers a rare opportunity to co-create the future direction of youth and family programming in one of the most complex and vibrant urban environments in the world.

About the Role

Reporting to the Executive Director and serving on the CUCE-NYC Program Leadership Team, the Director of Family and Youth Development provides strategic, programmatic, and administrative leadership across areas such as 4-H/Youth Development, Parenting Education, and related initiatives.

The Director will:

• Lead the vision, design, implementation, and evaluation of research-informed, community-responsive programming
• Serve as Principal Investigator on funded projects and drive new grant development
• Build and sustain partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, elected officials, Cornell faculty, and Extension colleagues statewide
• Supervise and mentor program staff while strengthening organizational capacity
• Represent CUCE-NYC locally, statewide, and nationally
• Contribute to broader organizational leadership, belonging, equity, and inclusion efforts
• The position is based full-time in New York City, with periodic travel to Cornell’s Ithaca campus, Albany, and professional conferences.

Who We’re Looking For

We seek a collaborative, forward-thinking leader who combines academic rigor with deep community engagement and who thrives in complex, team-based environments.

Required qualifications include:

• A Master’s degree in family and youth development, education, human development, social work, public health, or a related field
• 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience designing and leading non-formal education programs
• Demonstrated success in grant writing, program evaluation, and staff supervision
• Strong partnership-building skills across community and institutional contexts

Preferred qualifications include:

• An earned Doctorate (PhD or EdD)
• Experience in university-based Extension or outreach systems
• Familiarity with New York City communities and culturally responsive practice
• Experience serving as PI or Co-PI on externally funded projects
• Advanced proficiency in Spanish or other locally spoken languages
• A demonstrated commitment to belonging, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and community wellbeing

Why Join CUCE-NYC?

• Lead programs with real-world impact at scale
• Work within a mission-driven, deeply collaborative organization
• Access the intellectual resources of Cornell University
• Help shape the future of family and youth development in NYC
• Competitive salary and excellent Cornell University benefits

Compensation:

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Academic rank (Extension Associate or Senior Extension Associate) will be determined based on credentials and experience.

How to Apply: Click the link to submit your application and requested application materials to be fully considered for this position: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/32047

Please submit:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and email addresses of three professional references

No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance are provided for this position.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Anticipated start date: July 2, 2026

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor.

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
• Unique applicable skills.

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “… any person … any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.