Director of FiftyOne Commons

GENERAL SUMMARY: 

The Director of FiftyOne Commons provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Family Service Lincoln’s Northeast Lincoln campus. This role drives community partnership development, facility utilization, and stewardship of the STEAM Center as a resource for the neighborhood and greater Lincoln community. The Director oversees the design and delivery of STEAM-focused programming in alignment with Youth Development initiatives, while also ensuring effective campus operations, grounds oversight, and responsive support for on-site housing residents. 

Location: Lincoln, NE

*Some evening and weekend hours required*

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

Program Development 

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of STEAM and maker-centered programs, curriculum, and activity kits, ensuring alignment across Youth Development initiatives. 
• Develop scalable program models that can be implemented across agency sites. 
• Plan and oversee recurring programs, including summer camps, non-school-day programming, evening and weekend engagement, and special events – working collaboratively with the Youth Development team and other community partners where appropriate. 
• Ensure curriculum is age-appropriate, culturally responsive, and aligned with educational and youth development best practices. 
• Train and support staff and community partners in the effective use of STEAM Center equipment, tools, and curriculum resources. 
• Establish program quality standards and safety protocols for STEAM and maker activities. 
• Oversee inventory, maintenance, and access to STEAM equipment and materials. 
• Monitor and evaluate program outcomes to drive continuous improvement and demonstrate impact. 

Partnership Development and Rentals 

• Identify, cultivate, and maintain STEAM-focused partnerships to enhance programming. 
• Lead community partner development to strengthen facility offerings and provide meaningful opportunities for Northeast Lincoln youth and families. 
• Oversee facility rental operations, including scheduling, access, security, and maintenance, ensuring safe, equitable community use while generating revenue. 
• Work with the COO to establish rental policies, pricing structures, and contractual agreements that balance financial sustainability with mission alignment. 
• Track and evaluate partnership and rental performance, using data to inform strategy, report outcomes, and identify opportunities for growth. 
• Serve as the primary liaison for community partners, ensuring clear communication, expectations, and collaborative problem-solving. 
• Explore new partnership opportunities with schools, nonprofits, businesses, and higher education institutions to expand program reach and resource support. 

Facility Oversight and Rowhouse Rental Support 

• Develop and execute plans for regular maintenance, repair, and lifecycle management of all STEAM Center equipment, tools, activity spaces, and the general grounds. 
• Partner with the COO to manage IT systems, contractors, vendors, and rowhouse rental operations – ensuring compliance, safety, and operational efficiency. 
• Implement preventative maintenance schedules, safety inspections, and inventory tracking to minimize downtime and extend equipment and property longevity. 
• Serve as an on-site point of contact for the FiftyOne Commons rowhouse rentals, working with the COO to address issues as needed. 
• Ensure facilities meet regulatory, safety, and accessibility standards for both program participants and tenants. 

Administration 

• Support the agency’s PQI process to ensure continuous quality improvement. 
• Carry out administrative duties, including recordkeeping, reporting for grants and agency requirements, and timecard review/approval. 
• Serve as a primary point of contact for agency staff, community partners, and families. 
• Ensure compliance with licensing, accreditation, and regulatory standards where applicable. 
• Lead staff meetings, training, and professional development to build team capacity and program quality. 
• Collaborate with the CEO and CFO on program budgets, financial monitoring, and purchasing. 
• Review and analyze program financial performance, ensuring expenditures align with budgets and organizational policy. 
• Work cooperatively in the identification and preparation of program grants. 

Community Relationships 

• Participates in community meetings, task forces, and/or events to build and maintain community relationships. 
• Promotes Family Service Lincoln in the community. 

Agency Involvement and Professional Growth Development 

• Participates in agency committees and activities. 
• Ensures agency operating principles are fully implemented in program practice. 
• Seeks professional growth and development opportunities. 

Interpersonal Relationships 

• Maintains a positive, respectful demeanor in all contact with clients, visitors, and staff. 
• Utilizes supervision to gain guidance in handling difficult situations and establishing priorities. 
• Works to build positive and productive relationships with other staff. 

Cultural Sensitivity 

• Embraces and displays sensitivity relative to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the agency’s service population. 

Mission and Core Values 

• Completes work assignments and expectations within the agency’s mission of “Helping Families Thrive” and 

embodies the agency’s core values by being family-focused, adaptable, passionate, collaborative, accountable, 

and preventative. 

Performs other duties as assigned. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Knowledge of partnership development, including the creation and management of contracts and MOUs. 
• Knowledge of STEAM-related curriculum development and delivery, including equipment and materials. 
• Knowledge of facility management and rental oversight. 
• Ability to manage and maintain statistical reports. 
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret policies, procedures, and regulations. 
• Ability to develop and maintain adequate records. 
• Ability to develop and implement area objectives and performance goals. 
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to schedule, direct, counsel, and evaluate employee work and performance. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; master’s degree preferred. 
• Five years of relevant experience. 

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS: 

Basic Life Support (CPR) and Basic First Aid certification required (training provided). 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Characterized as medium work requiring exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Family Service Lincoln provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.