Community Engagement & Education Specialist

The Community Engagement & Education Specialist plays a vital role in advancing Destination Tomorrow’s mission through culturally responsive education, re-entry support, and community-based engagement. This position integrates the goals of our Senior BIPOC LGBTQ+ Day Program, GED Learning Lab, and Gender-Affirming Re-Entry initiative.

The role is ideal for a passionate educator and facilitator who thrives on connecting with diverse communities, coordinating inclusive programming, and empowering participants across various life stages.

This position’s responsibilities are divided between:

• 50% Educational Facilitation – Delivering GED instruction and co-facilitating gender-affirming re-entry workshops.
• 50% Community Engagement & Program Coordination – Leading day programming for senior participants and developing events, workshops, and outreach strategies that strengthen community connection and participant retention.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Facilitation (50%)

• Co-facilitate twice-weekly re-entry education and personal development workshops at Rikers Island focused on life skills, self-advocacy, and employment readiness for TGNCB justice-impacted individuals.
• Develop and deliver GED-aligned instruction in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies to BIPOC LGBTQ+ adults in the Bronx-based Learning Lab.
• Create a trauma-informed, inclusive, and affirming learning environment for all participants.
• Collaborate with partners, correctional education staff, and re-entry specialists to align educational content with participants’ post-release and academic goals.
• Maintain attendance records, progress notes, and program documentation.

Community Engagement & Program Coordination (50%)

• Facilitate the Senior BIPOC LGBTQ+ Day Program daily, leading recreational, cultural, and wellness-based activities.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase participant engagement, retention, and outreach across programs.
• Curate and coordinate workshops, community-building activities, and special events.
• Conduct outreach to recruit new participants and strengthen community and partner relationships.
• Support event logistics, including setup, coordination, and follow-up.
• Contribute to the creation and distribution of promotional materials such as flyers, newsletters, and social media content.

General Responsibilities

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Model gender-affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally competent behavior in all interactions.
• Support data collection and reporting to evaluate program outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in program facilitation, adult education, community engagement, or re-entry services.
• Experience working with TGNCB, BIPOC, justice-impacted, and/or senior populations.
• Strong facilitation, classroom management, and community-building skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to travel to Rikers Island twice per week (security clearance required).
• Must be based in New York City and available for in-person programming in the Bronx.
• Fluency in Spanish or another language commonly spoken in NYC is a plus.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you comfortable traveling to Rikers Island twice per week (security clearance required)?
• Are you comfortable with the posted salary?

Ability to Commute:

• Bronx, NY 10455 (Required)

Work Location: In person