Executive Director at New Settlement

About the Organization

New Settlement is a community-led, mission-driven settlement house. For more than 30 years, we have partnered with youth and families in the Southwest Bronx to expand access to opportunities and resources that support individual and community well-being. Our work includes award-winning programs in after-school education, workforce development, college readiness, health and fitness, and member-driven community organizing for better housing and safer schools.

Rooted in the Bronx, we stand with community members to break systemic barriers, advance justice, promote leadership, and strengthen neighborhoods. By ensuring agency around education, employment, housing, wellness, and creative expression, we help cultivate an equitable society where individuals and families have the power to use their voice to create the change they wish to see.

Created in 1989, New Settlement has evolved into a robust social service organization offering a range of community-based services in education, college access, youth development, arts, workforce development, community organizing, and wellness. We collaborate closely with educational institutions, housing and community development organizations, businesses, youth development, and social service agencies—locally, Bronx-wide, across New York, and nationally—to support the community's inherent strengths, aspirations, and assets.

About the Role

We are looking for a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on Executive Director committed to driving impact for and in partnership with our community. The Executive Director will serve as the organization's chief executive, implementing an overarching community justice vision, driving organizational excellence, and overseeing strategic priorities, fundraising, and partnerships. Additionally, the ED will champion the New Settlement team and cultivate a collaborative and inclusive culture.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Drive the organization's vision of building equitable futures in the Bronx through programs in education, employment, wellness, and organizing.
• Foster a culture of support, accountability, and impact, enabling and inspiring staff to track and meet goals.
• Oversee the development and retention of staff, ensuring the team has the robust skills and capabilities necessary to deliver outcomes for our community.
• Oversee strategic planning, brand elevation, and program expansion to adapt to evolving neighborhood needs.
• Work closely with the Board Chair, Settlement Housing Fund's President, and New Settlement's Board of Directors on governance, fiduciary oversight, and organizational policies.

Programmatic & Operational Oversight

• Lead assessment, optimization, and implementation of organizational systems to ensure programmatic and operational models reflect high standards for impact and a community service orientation.
• Work with program leads to define, operationalize, and measure programmatic excellence in the following areas:
  • Youth & Family Development: After-school programs, summer programs, Young Men Establishing the Narrative (YMEN), Program for Girls and Young Women (PGYW).
  • Community Organizing: Community Action for Safe Apartments (CASA), Parent Action Committee (PAC).
  • Workforce Development: YouthBuild construction training, Young Adult Opportunity Initiative (YAOI) job readiness training and mentorship.
  • College & Career Access: Community Schools, College Access Center, Student Success Center.
  • Community Services: The New Settlement Community Center, food pantry initiatives, and early childhood education partnerships.
• Identify and pursue strategic partnerships to enhance the impact and reach of key programs.
• Work with outsourced finance lead and in-house contract manager to direct the annual budget, ensure compliance with government/funder mandates, and oversee facilities, HR, and administrative operations.

Fundraising & External Relations

• Lead growth and diversification of revenue streams, including government performance contracts, foundation grants, private philanthropy, and corporate partnerships.
• Represent New Settlement locally and citywide, maintaining strong coalitions and relationships with diverse stakeholders, including local organizers, community leaders, and elected officials.
• Maintain close operational and strategic alignment with partners, including Settlement Housing Fund and local coalitions.

Who You'll Work With

You will report to New Settlement's Board of Directors and to the President of Settlement Housing Fund. You will supervise the New Settlement leadership team, which includes an Associate Executive Director, Senior Division Director for Youth and Family Development, Director of Operations, Director of Human Resources, and Senior Director of Development & Communications.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of serving in a senior leadership role (e.g., Executive Director level) at a non-profit direct service or social justice organization.
• A genuine belief in the strengths and potential of the Southwest Bronx, and an eagerness to partner with community stakeholders to realize that potential.
• An authentic passion and commitment for New Settlement's mission to strengthen neighborhoods through youth and family development, community organizing, workforce training, education, and community service.
• Outstanding organizational leadership skills, with an ability to articulate a clear and inspiring vision while managing, coaching, and developing a high-performing team and engaged board of directors.
• Strong management experience with a demonstrated track record of implementing systems and processes that elevate performance and increase the team's connection to the organization and its mission.
• Ability to achieve strategic clarity and maintain operational velocity during periods of change or incomplete information, pivoting thoughtfully as new intelligence becomes available.
• Ability to maintain energy, enthusiasm, and optimism about work during bright moments and through challenges.
• Collaborative and empathetic approach to team leadership, with a demonstrated capacity to partner well with others and influence leaders.
• Experience overseeing the financial management and financial strategy of an organization (e.g., developing budgets, creating financial reports, reporting financial health to the board).
• Strong appetite to lead fundraising efforts, ideally with a demonstrated track record of success in nonprofit fundraising.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to strengthen teams and serve as a strong external representative for the organization.

Pay

The annual salary range for this role is $225,000 to $250,000.

Location

This position is based in the Bronx, overseeing staff across several community-based locations.