Deputy Director

Company Description

Newark Emergency Services for Families (NESF) is a not-for-profit organization that has served the Greater Essex County community for over 47 years. NESF provides critical assistance to individuals and families facing crises, including support with emergency food, clothing, shelter, utilities, rent, and other basic needs. The organization focuses on supporting people experiencing homelessness, the working poor, seniors, individuals with HIV/AIDS, and those impacted by fire, eviction, or domestic violence. NESF offers a broad range of services, including centralized intake and data management, emergency and homeless services, self-sufficiency programs, health and senior services, food and clothing pantries, and family and youth development. The team is dedicated to stabilizing households and helping clients move toward greater independence and long-term well-being.

Deputy Director (Chief Operating Leader)

Newark Emergency Services for Families (NESF)

Location: Newark, NJ (On-site)

Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 annually

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Newark Emergency Services for Families (NESF)

Since 1977, Newark Emergency Services for Families (NESF) has been a cornerstone of support for residents of Newark and Essex County who face homelessness, food insecurity, financial crisis, and housing instability. As a multifaceted human services organization, NESF delivers emergency assistance, workforce development, housing stabilization services, and family support programs through an integrated, client-centered model. NESF empowers individuals and families to overcome crisis so they can move toward stability and long-term success. Our mission is simple: help residents survive today so they can thrive tomorrow.

About the Role

NESF is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Deputy Director to serve as the organization’s chief operating leader and a key partner to the Executive Director (ED). This is a high-impact, senior leadership role responsible for strengthening organizational operations, leading program teams, modernizing systems, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to the community. The Deputy Director is a full-time, on-site leadership role based in Newark, NJ, responsible for supporting the Executive Director in overseeing daily operations and program delivery across NESF’s service areas. This role helps manage staff, ensures service quality, and coordinates program implementation for emergency, homeless, self-sufficiency, health, senior, and family and youth services. The Deputy Director collaborates with program managers to monitor performance metrics, maintain compliance with funder and regulatory requirements, and support continuous improvement. Responsibilities include assisting with budget management, grant and contract reporting, and contributing to strategic planning and community partnerships. The role also involves representing NESF at meetings and community events, supporting a positive organizational culture, and stepping in for the Executive Director as needed.

The Deputy Director will oversee day-to-day agency operations, supervise Program Directors and senior staff, manage compliance and performance systems, and represent NESF in the community. This role requires exceptional leadership ability, strong ethical judgment, a commitment to operational excellence, and the relationship-building skills necessary to work with funders, government partners, and community stakeholders in Newark and Essex County. This is a mission-critical role with potential for expanded leadership responsibilities over time.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Organizational Strategy

• Partner with the Executive Director to shape organizational strategy, priorities, and growth plans.
• Serve as second-in-command, providing leadership continuity and high-level decision-making.
• Lead modernization efforts across systems, technology, and workflow to improve efficiency and the client experience.

Program Oversight & Operational Management

• Oversee daily operations across all agency departments to ensure effective, compliant service delivery.
• Supervise Program Directors, Grants/Compliance staff, and operational teams.
• Implement systems and tools to measure performance, track data, and support continuous improvement.
• Align programs with mission, funder requirements, regulatory obligations, and community needs.

Staff Development & Culture Leadership

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development for program leadership.
• Coach and mentor department heads, building leadership capacity and accountability.
• Foster a culture grounded in ethical conduct, collaboration, excellence, and respect.

Community, Government & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with municipal, county, state, and federal partners—especially within Newark and Essex County.
• Represent NESF at public meetings, coalitions, community events, and professional associations.
• Strengthen NESF’s visibility and position as a trusted anchor institution.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Human Services, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive leadership experience, including management of programs, operations, or human services teams.
• Demonstrated experience supervising senior staff and overseeing multi-department programs.
• Strong understanding of community-based services, public assistance systems, and social service delivery.
• Experience navigating relationships with government agencies, funders, and community partners.
• Proven ability to lead organizational change, strengthen systems, or modernize operations.
• Commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, and sound judgment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities, including supervising multidisciplinary teams, coordinating cross-program activities, and supporting professional development.
• Experience in nonprofit or human services operations, with knowledge of program administration, funding compliance, and community-based service delivery.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including prioritizing multiple programs, meeting deadlines, and tracking program outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for internal coordination, reporting, and external stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, economic hardship, or crisis, using a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach.
• Experience with data management, reporting, and basic analysis to support decision-making and program improvement.
• Proficiency with common office software and comfort learning client tracking or case management systems.

Preferred

• Prior experience in the Newark/Essex County social services landscape or similar urban communities is an asset.
• Strong existing relationships within Newark or Essex County, OR demonstrated ability to build them quickly.
• Experience with grants management, compliance reporting, or government-funded programs.
• Familiarity with HR practices, budgeting, and operational planning.

Why NESF?

• You will have a significant leadership platform in a respected community organization.
• You will help shape the future of a growing nonprofit serving thousands each year.
• You will work closely with an Executive Director and Board committed to innovation and operational excellence.
• Your leadership will directly strengthen the systems and programs that help Newark residents move from crisis to stability.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• Resume
• Cover letter describing their leadership experience and interest in the role

Please send application materials to: Amina Bey, Executive Director, ***email_hidden***

NESF is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and lived experience in the communities we serve. Candidates from Newark and Essex County are strongly encouraged to apply.