The Choice Program at UMBC

The Choice Program at UMBC provides mentoring and advocacy services to young people, primarily Black and Latinx, throughout Central Maryland. We utilize a community-based, family-centered approach in order to promote quality outcomes for young people and families. We engage in a collaborative process of service, where young people set goals for themselves and are held accountable by supportive adults along the way. Our approach to youth development is grounded in applied critical race theory and culturally responsive, trauma-informed, restorative practices. We strive to be an anti-racist organization grounded in several core values: holistic development, the belief in humans, and youth-centeredness.

The Assistant Director of Intensive Advocacy for Anne Arundel and Harford Counties leads a team of Service Coordinators who mentor and advocate for youth and families in central Maryland. By supervising staff, ensuring program deliverables are met, and strengthening community partnerships, the Assistant Director helps maintain high-quality, high-impact services. This role directly supports The Choice Program’s mission of advancing equity and opportunity for young people through anti-racist, community-based, and family-centered practices

UMBC offers competitive compensation.  This role starts at $62,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

What is it like to work at UMBC?  Check out Glassdoor or Indeed.

For 16 years in a row UMBC has been recognized as a Great College to Work For! 

A hybrid telework schedule may be available.

The Assistant Director supports staff development, occasionally provides direct service to youth, and ensures teams meet grant requirements through regular audits. Success in this role requires strong time management, data oversight, and the ability to guide teams with a solutions-oriented approach. As part of the operational leadership team, the Assistant Director also builds strong relationships with youth, families, and key stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supervise and support a team of Service Coordinators serving youth and families in Anne Arundel and Harford Counties.

• Ensure program goals, deliverables, and compliance requirements are met.

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with community stakeholders and agencies.

• Facilitate onboarding and training for staff and AmeriCorps members.

• Contribute to The Choice Program’s leadership team and advance its mission of equity and youth advocacy.

• Bachelor’s degree.

• At least two years of experience in youth advocacy or youth development programming.

• At least two years of supervisory experience.

Note: A Master's degree or 15 graduate level credits in an accredited graduate program may be substituted for one year of the required two years of experience

• Experience working or volunteering with an organization committed to antiracist practices, equity, and inclusion.

• One year of experience developing and maintaining partnerships.

• Fluency in Spanish.

• Familiarity with Maryland’s youth legal system.

• Experience implementing restorative practices and using evidence-based methods (e.g., motivational interviewing) for engaging youth and families.

• Experience managing both individuals and teams.

A background check will be required. 

Upload a cover letter and a resume. The cover letter is your chance to share why this role and The Choice Program’s mission matter to you.

Please Note: Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

UMBC offers a rich benefits package.

Regular and grant funded regular positions (Full benefits summary click here):

Generous Leave which includes accruing:

• 22 Days of Annual Leave  
• 15 Days of Sick Leave  
• 15 Holidays
• 3 Personal Days

Tuition Remission:

• 8 credit hours per semester
• Tuition remission at UMBC for eligible dependents after two years of FT employment

Additional Benefits:

• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plans (including the choice of joining the pension plan)
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness opportunities
• & Much more

Salary: $62,000 - $70,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations.

The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.