Outreach Liaison

Note: Please view the application instructions at the bottom of the post. We require both a resume and a cover letter.

About The Children’s Storefront

The science is clear: back-and-forth interactions between caregivers and children in the first three years of life build the strongest foundation for brain growth and lifelong success, and responsive play is the best tool we have to build babies’ brains. Yet this research often doesn’t reach the parents who could use this information to support their children’s growth and healthy development.

The Children's Storefront has partnered with families in Harlem to educate children for over fifty years and is now laser-focused on bringing the power of interactive play to families. Our newly launched playspace model allows parents and children to learn together, with caregivers practicing the skills that spur brain development while receiving immediate feedback and support from early childhood specialists.

Our program has a lasting impact on children, families, and communities. After only a few sessions, the bond between caregiver and child is strengthened, and a healthy attachment is encouraged. In the long term, children who participate will have stronger language development, improved mental and physical health outcomes, better self-regulation, and greater success in school. Communities are transformed as the root cause of later-in-life issues such as homelessness, poverty, and substance use is addressed.

Just as The Children’s Storefront was on the cutting edge of tuition-free private education in Harlem for decades, our commitment to the science of early childhood brain building places us at the forefront of the next revolution in childhood development. Join us in this important work!

Outreach Liaison - Job DescriptionReports to: Program Manager

The Outreach Liaison reports directly to the Program Manager. The Outreach Liaison builds awareness in the community about The Children’s Storefront’s early childhood program and recruits families to participate.

The Outreach Liaison serves as an ambassador for The Children’s Storefront, engaging in outreach activities such as canvassing, tabling, leading info sessions, establishing partnerships, and attending community events in order to promote the program and connect with new families. They will build direct connections with caregivers and guide them through the process to register and sign up for sessions.

The Outreach Liaison schedule will typically be flexible, though it may include nights and weekends in order to accommodate family schedules and events. Exact schedules and responsibilities will be defined in consultation with the Program Manager. This part-time role will be 14 hours each week. The Outreach Liaison must be based in New York City and will spend the majority of their time in Harlem.

Primary Responsibilities (In addition to other projects, as required)Community OutreachThe Outreach Liaison leads our efforts to bring our program to as many families as possible in the community.Engage in outreach activities – including tabling, canvassing, presentations, digital outreach, and other tactics – in order to boost attendance for all sessionsServe as an ambassador for The Children’s Storefront, sharing the value of our program with local caregivers and answering their questions Collaborate with Program Manager to establish new partnerships with local community organizations, including hosting info sessions, meeting with professionals, and sharing information on program registration

Administrative Work The Outreach Liaison is responsible for the administrative work necessary in order to increase access to our high-quality, community-centered programming to families.Maintain accurate, up-to-date calendar, inclusive of all required tasks, events, and meetingsComplete data entry, including registering caregivers, updating profiles, and working within our databaseSupport communications to caregivers, including follow-up after community events and outreach efforts, via email or phoneRegularly run reports of newly registered caregivers to ensure they are able to engage in our program; serve as liaison and support as new families begin attending programPerform other duties as assigned, including occasional special projects related to the growth of the program

Supervision and Professional GrowthThe Outreach Liaison is responsible for maintaining strong performance in service to families.Prepare for and actively participate in both individual supervision with Program Manager and team meetingsEngage in reflective practice, raising challenges and questions to supervisors, seeking feedback, and pursuing professional development to ensure high-quality and culturally sensitive outreach to familiesParticipate in mandatory trainings and meetings to build and maintain current knowledge baseThe Outreach Liaison contributes to a strong organizational culture that is manifested through intentional daily practices.Model an approach to work that demonstrates continuous learning, a desire to grow and improve, a community-centered and anti-racist practice, integrity, and dedicationDevelop respectful and cooperative relationships with all staff; address conflict with compassion and respect; seek to problem solve together when challenges ariseMaintain an organizational mindset, always centering the needs of families and the community first and considering organizational and team needs when making decisions

QualificationsA minimum of a high school diploma or GED is required, along with at least one year of professional experience in community engagement work. Candidates must be bilingual (English/Spanish).

As The Children’s Storefront is in the start-up phase, the Outreach Liaison should be a creative problem-solver, adaptive and flexible, and highly organized. We seek candidates who are self-motivated and are strategic in their time management. Candidates should be outgoing and get energy and joy from meeting new people and being out and about in the neighborhood. Above all, the Outreach Liaison should be deeply invested in the community and should approach their work with a passion for supporting families.

The Children’s Storefront serves a diverse and evolving neighborhood. The Outreach Liaison should view this as a source of strength, and should enjoy building authentic, trusting relationships with those who may hold identities or have lived experiences that differ from their own. Further, as an organization centering justice and racial equity, candidates must be committed to the ongoing individual work that anti-racist practice requires of us.

Interested candidates may apply by emailing a cover letter and resume to hr@thechildrensstorefront.org. In the subject line, please include your name and position of interest. Applicants who do not submit a cover letter will not be considered.

The Children’s Storefront recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes team members without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. All are encouraged to apply.