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Rochester Out of School Time Intermediary

Seeks Executive Director

About Rochester Out-of-School Time ("ROST")

Rochester is a city that is deeply committed to supporting its young people, and its out-of-school time programming is delivered through many strong, committed youth-based programs and organizations which collective have substantial untapped potential. However, since the infrastructure, coordination, and shared leadership needed to function as a true out-of-school time system is lacking, the current ROST landscape is a collection of individual programs rather than a coherent system. Even so, despite this fragmented system, there is significant passion, expertise, and goodwill among providers, funders, and youth-serving organizations to offer the highest quality programming to Rochester's youth.

A New ROST Intermediary

For several decades, the Greater Rochester Afterschool & Summer Alliance (GRASA) served as the the out-of-school time intermediary to support safe, high-quality programs in service to the children and youth of Monroe County. Due to changes in its leadership, operations, and funding, GRASA ended its operations in 2024. In 2025, the ROST Funders Group (most of whom previously supported GRASA) commissioned a study to determine the need for a new intermediary. Informed by that study and interviews in advance of this search, it was determined that a new ROST intermediary should be established. Also, the ROST Funders Group has committed to providing three years of start-up funding and to serve as an incubator for the organization. Although the Executive Director will be tasked with developing a comprehensive business plan to codify the specific programs, services, and staffing model for the organization, following are some of the focus areas that can be considered in the plan:

• System Coordination and Convening – Serve as a neutral "air traffic controller" to bring together providers, schools, funders, and city agencies to create a common operating language and shared vision for the ROST system; facilitate collaboration, joint problem-solving, and alignment with related initiatives such as community schools; help stakeholders identify efficiencies and avoid duplicating existing efforts; and build a strong, yet independent, relationship with the school district.

• Advocacy, Funding, and Public Awareness – Be the unified voice for OST at the local and state level to mobilize providers and community members around a common policy and funding agenda; identify and secure new state, federal, philanthropic, and collaborative funding opportunities; use data and stakeholder experiences to support funding requests and policy advocacy; and raise public awareness of the value of OST and the barriers facing youth and providers.

• Capacity Building and Quality Improvement – Support overall quality, professionalism, and sustainability of the OST field by providing meaningful professional development, leadership training, and certification opportunities; promoting common standards around program quality, trauma-informed care, mental health, and youth development; supporting providers through shared resources and technical assistance; and developing common tools, pilot initiatives, and quality improvement practices across programs.

• Expanding Access and Youth Opportunities – Improve awareness of and equitable access to programs by engaging providers, parents, youth, and community members in shaping priorities and solutions; addressing system-wide barriers to participation, particularly transportation and cost; and expanding opportunities for middle- and high-school youth, including workforce development and employment readiness.

The Executive Director Opportunity

Most young people's lives are shaped not only by what happens during the school day, but more importantly what happens before school, after school, during summers, and throughout their communities. This Executive Director role offers the opportunity to strengthen those critical out-of-school hours and help thousands of Rochester's children and youth thrive. The Executive Director will work alongside exceptional providers, the Rochester City School District ("RCSD"), individual schools, families, and community partners to expand opportunities for learning, connection, exploration, workforce readiness, and personal growth.

As the intermediary leader, the Executive Director can help improve academic outcomes, close opportunity gaps, support mental health, reduce risky behaviors, and ensure that more young people in Rochester have access to the experiences and relationships they need to succeed. This is both head and heart work. It is an opportunity to build a web of support around children, help great organizations do even more, and create conditions where every young person can discover their strengths and realize their potential. Priorities ahead for the Executive Director includes:

• Networking with providers, schools, funders, and City agencies to understand their programs and how ROST can be most useful to them.
• Developing and implementing a business plan that defines the programs, service delivery, infrastructure needs, staffing, and long-term funding for the intermediary.
• Creating a mutually beneficial and respectful relationship with the RCSD, charter, and other school systems.
• Creating measurable goals that will demonstrate ROST's impact and effectiveness.
• Determining and implementing the long-term governance model for the organization.
• Implementing the ideal staffing model to deliver ROST's programs and services.

Profile of the Ideal Candidate

Credentials:

• A minimum of four years of senior leadership, or equivalent experience, preferably at a networked or membership organization.
• Knowledge of and passion for youth development and/or out-of-school time programming.
• Prior experience engaging with diverse communities akin to Rochester with specific exposure to Rochester being a plus.

Skills and Qualities:

Strategic Network Leader

• Has confidence to lead the out-of-school time field while also knowing when to lead and when to defer to others, particularly providers and collaborators.
• Appreciates the wide spectrum, experiences, interests, and needs of program providers and is diplomatic and capable of building trust to balance an individual program's interest with the interest of the entire field.
• Sees the big picture while navigating complexity, ambiguity, and shifting conditions.
• Challenges the status quo, refusing to accept system dysfunction as inevitable, and demonstrating courage, integrity, and a willingness to speak truth to power.
• Identifies opportunities and can align stakeholders around a common agenda to drive coordinated action.
• A planner with a growth mindset and openness to best practices from elsewhere.
• Remains resilient, flexible, and patient amid competing interests and changing circumstances.

Trusted and Courageous Relationship Builder

• Builds authentic relationships grounded in trust, respect, and active listening.
• Makes diverse stakeholders-from youth and families to providers, funders, district leadership, and elected officials-feel heard and valued.
• Understands community history, dynamics, and racial equity issues while honoring provider expertise.
• Leads through influence rather than authority and can navigate complex partnerships.
• Is comfortable having difficult conversations and advocating for OST even when standing alone.

Skilled Convener with Strong Communication Skills

• Convenes groups, facilitates discussions, and moves stakeholders toward action.
• Communicates effectively across diverse audiences and perspectives.
• Generates energy, excitement, and momentum around a shared vision for ROST.
• Engages deeply with providers, schools, youth, and communities through outreach, visibility, community organizing, and advocacy.

Savvy Administrator with Financial and Fundraising Acumen

• Understands nonprofit management including board development and management.
• Able to develop and implement a business plan to ensure ROST's long-term impact and sustainability.
• Has experience managing nonprofit finances, reporting, and compliance.
• Brings fundraising expertise to broaden access to funding opportunities for the field and its providers as well as to sustain ROST.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position with a starting salary range of $125,000 to $150,000. The ROST Funders Group will negotiate a benefits package with the hired candidate.

Application Process and Additional Information

ROST seeks applicants who can bring a variety of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds to the team. ROST provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Candidate must include a resume and a cover letter, both in PDF format, which describe how qualifications and experience match the needs and mission of ROST. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Upload required documents to: https://eostransitions.applicantpool.com/jobs/.

This executive search is being conducted by Eos Transition Partners consultant, John Tarvin. All submissions will be acknowledged and are confidential, and any questions can be submitted to John at: jtarvin@eostransitions.com.