Director, SAGE Center Harlem

SAGE is the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, and other self-identifying members of the community). Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources for LGBTQ+ older adults and their caregivers, advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBTQ+ older people and provides cultural competency training for aging providers and LGBTQ+ organizations.

Summary:

The Center Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of daily operations at the SAGE Center, including staff supervision, program delivery, budget management, community engagement, and compliance with DFTA and agency requirements. The role provides leadership for center operations, strengthens systems and processes, supports the development and performance of staff, and ensures programs and services are responsive to the needs of LGBTQ+ older adults. The Center Director is accountable for maintaining high-quality service delivery, fostering community partnerships, using data and participant feedback to inform decision-making, and promoting an inclusive, culturally responsive environment that advances SAGE's mission.

Role Details:

• Status: Full-Time, non-exempt
• Work location and schedule: ~35 hours per week, 10:00am to 6:00pm, onsite at SAGE Center Harlem, 220 West 143rd Street, New York NY 10030. Some evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional travel required.

Center Leadership & Operations

• Manage and oversee all daily center operations, including congregate meals, food pantry, and program delivery
• Develop and maintain detailed operational schedules to ensure smooth execution of activities
• Evaluate workflows and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and service quality
• Supervise Program Coordinators, staff, consultants, and volunteers
• Consistently meet with staff to plan and evaluate programming and center operations

Program & Event Management

• Coordinate health, wellness, arts, education, and social programming
• Ensure seamless execution of both in-person and virtual events
• Establish systems to track program logistics, attendance, and outcomes
• Gather participant and staff feedback to improve programming quality

Food Program & Service Delivery

• Review and optimize meal program schedules and food pantry operations
• Ensure timely and safe food distribution aligned with participant needs
• Develop and implement training for staff on food safety and customer service
• Ensure compliance with NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) standards

Staff Supervision & Development

• Conduct regular check-ins, supervision, and formal performance evaluations
• Identify strengths and areas for growth across staff team
• Develop and implement staff training and professional development plans
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Develop and execute outreach strategies across digital, print, and community channels
• Increase participation and visibility of programs
• Partner with community organizations to expand programming and cultural offerings
• Communicate program schedules clearly to participants and stakeholders

Program Development & Cultural Competency

• Assess existing programs to identify gaps in services and cultural responsiveness
• Design culturally competent programming that reflects community needs
• Ensure language access, cultural awareness, and inclusivity across services
• Utilize demographic data and community feedback to inform programming

Compliance, Data & Administration

• Oversee data collection, tracking, and reporting procedures
• Ensure timely submission of all required contract and funder reports
• Monitor program outcomes and performance metrics
• Ensure compliance with agency policies and government regulations

Financial & Administrative Management

• Manage center budget and grant funding
• Monitor expenditures and ensure alignment with funding requirements
• Collaborate with Development on funding opportunities
• Serve as liaison to the participant Advisory Council

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Care Management to ensure effective service delivery
• Work with Communications to promote programming and center presence
• Collaborate with other Center Directors to align practices across sites
• Provide coverage of similar responsibilities while roles are vacant or team members are on leave
• Support SAGE’s participation in the Heritage of Pride Parade and/or other Pride Month events;
• Perform other responsibilities and duties as assigned

Need-to-haves: 

• Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of nonprofit program management experience (including supervision), or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience managing budgets, grants, and program deliverables
• Strong data tracking, reporting, and performance monitoring experience
• Knowledge of nonprofit operations and program management systems
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse communities
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• NYC Food Handler’s License (or ability to obtain early in employment)

Nice-to-haves:

• Experience working with LGBTQ+ and/or BIPOC communities
• Familiarity with NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) guidelines
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred

Values:

Beliefs that matter in this role and which shape and guide our actions and decisions at work:

• Commitment to SAGE’s mission and improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults
• Equity, dignity, and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery
• Cultural humility and responsiveness to diverse communities
• Collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
• A participant-centered approach that prioritizes safety, affirmation, and belonging

SAGE offers a rich benefits package including:

• Two medical insurance plan options in which to enroll – with a very generous HRA contribution by SAGE and premium subsidies
• An annually funded HRA (of up to $5k) for gender affirming care not covered by medical insurance
• Dental and Vision insurance with premium subsidies
• A safe harbor 401(k) plan with a match from SAGE of up to 5%
• Generous PTO and office closures for holidays (including ½ day closures the day before many holidays!)
• 100% SAGE-paid family and medical leave for up to 12 weeks
• 8 weeks of Sabbatical leave after seven years of employment
• 100% SAGE-paid disability and life insurance with the opportunity to elect additional life insurance coverage for the employee and their dependents
• Medical and dependent care FSA and transit pre-tax benefits
• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free and confidential support from licensed counselors on a variety of issues
• A really terrific team! An opportunity to help make a positive impact on SAGE staff and culture!
• A chance to support the LGBTQ+ community and be a part of an organization doing vital work!

Application Instructions: Please apply through our careers page: https://www.sageusa.org/about-us/careers/. Please include both your resume and a cover letter describing your interest in working with us and what you’d bring to the role!

Got questions? Email careers@sageusa.org with questions about the application process.

Just a reminder:

SAGE is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnicity, creed, color, religion, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, alienage or national origin, ancestry, age, citizenship status, marital or family status, family medical history or genetic information, veteran status, HIV serostatus, military or military discharge status, height, weight, disability or handicap, domestic violence victim status, employment status, socioeconomic status, criminal history or arrest record, sexual or other reproductive health decisions, natural hair or hairstyle, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. SAGE is dedicated to this policy, with respect to all matters concerning employment.