Cornell University, Cornell University Cooperative Extension
Position Description
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">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
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.
EEO Statement:
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.
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.
Application Materials Required:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses
)
Further Info:
570 Lexington Avenue, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10022