Deputy Director Youth and Family Services

Position overview

The Deputy Director of Youth and Family Services supports the Director in leading the department’s programs, day-to-day operations, and service delivery. This role helps steer assigned program areas, strengthens performance management, and keeps work aligned with approved goals, policies, and budget limits.

As a senior operational leader, the Deputy Director converts the Director’s strategy into practical program execution and helps ensure dependable service delivery across city-run programs and contracted nonprofit partners.

This role is an unclassified at-will position. The job description provides a general outline of duties and does not capture every task that may be assigned.

Key duties

• Support the Director in managing departmental operations, programs, and service delivery.
• Oversee assigned divisions, initiatives, and program areas, including both City-operated services and contracted providers.
• Help create, implement, and track departmental goals, work plans, policies, and procedures.
• Monitor daily operations so services are delivered efficiently, effectively, and in line with applicable laws, contracts, and funding rules.
• Review program results, outcomes, and service measures; flag operational issues and recommend improvements or corrective actions.
• Assist with budget administration by tracking spending, projecting resource needs, and ensuring work stays within approved funding.
• Guide and supervise managers and supervisory staff while supporting workforce development, performance management, and accountability.
• Work with nonprofit partners to maintain contract compliance, service quality, and alignment with department priorities.
• Represent the department in meetings, workgroups, and community settings as assigned.
• Act as Director when required in the Director’s absence.
• Build productive relationships with City teams, community partners, and outside stakeholders to support coordinated service delivery.

Additional duties

• Participate in professional meetings and stay current on new trends and practices in the assigned areas.
• Carry out other related responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications and requirements

Education and experience that directly relate to the minimum qualifications may be considered on a year-for-year basis.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, social work, human services, education, business administration, or a closely related field is preferred. Also preferred are nine years of experience in human services program management, public administration, or nonprofit leadership, including six years of supervisory experience.

Candidates must have a valid New Mexico Driver’s License, or be able to obtain one by the hire date. A City Operator’s Permit (COP) must be obtained within six months of hire.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Understanding of human services administration, including youth, family, housing, health, and community-based programs.
• Knowledge of complex operational structures, services, and activities.
• Strong grasp of program development and administrative practices.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and policies.
• Ability to research, analyze, and interpret information effectively.
• Ability to prepare business correspondence and basic reports.
• Knowledge of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Experience with supervision, staff training, and performance evaluation.
• Comfort using modern office systems, tools, computers, and standard equipment.
• Knowledge of performance measurement and assessment practices.
• Ability to interpret, explain, and enforce policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to select, supervise, coach, train, and assess staff.
• Ability to coordinate programs and activities with outside agencies and internal divisions.
• Ability to meet program, compliance, and regulatory deadlines.
• Ability to evaluate programs, policies, and operational needs and make sound adjustments.
• Ability to respond appropriately to sensitive community and organizational issues.
• Ability to help develop and administer department goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Ability to prepare and manage large, complex budgets.
• Ability to prepare administrative and financial reports.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of lower-level staff.
• Ability to analyze problems, compare alternatives, assess likely outcomes, and implement recommendations.
• Ability to research and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies and regulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to answer questions and address concerns from City employees and the public.
• Ability to perform essential and supplemental duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of contacts.

Employment notes

This position is full-time and based onsite in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is an at-will, unclassified role within the City organization.

Experience and compliance expectations

The role calls for substantial leadership experience in public administration, human services, or nonprofit management, along with prior supervision of staff. The selected candidate must be able to work within legal, contractual, budgetary, and performance requirements while supporting coordinated service delivery across multiple partners.

Licensing and timing

A valid New Mexico driver’s license is required or must be obtainable by the start date. The City Operator’s Permit must be secured within six months after hire.