Economic Empowerment Associate

Job Title: Economic Empowerment Associate 

Reports to:  Director of Economic Empowerment 

Position Type:  Full Time, Non-Exempt

Start Date: August 2026

Organizational Overview:
Footsteps supports, affirms, and advocates for individuals and families who have left, or are contemplating leaving, ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities in their quest to lead self-determined lives, and creates conditions that further their agency and independence. Based in New York City with remote options nationally, Footsteps offers members peer and emotional support groups, educational and career programs, divorce and custody support, social events and celebrations, and referrals to partner organizations for additional resources. Since Footsteps began in 2003, we have served nearly 3,000 individuals as they work to define their own identities, build new connections and communities, and lead meaningful lives on their own terms.

Position Overview:

Footsteps seeks an organized and resourceful individual to serve as the organization’s Economic Empowerment Associate (EEA). The EEA will play a key role in creating a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for Footsteps members. They will provide direct services to Footsteps members, including educational and career services intakes, coaching, and referrals. This role will also provide administrative support, planning, and coordinating events and workshops. 

Job responsibilities include:

Educational Support 

• Conduct education intakes and assess the education needs of members
• Provide one-on-one support to members via coaching and make referrals internally and externally to counseling services, mentorship, and tutoring
• Assist in developing resources for and implementing Footsteps educational programs
• Support the Footsteps scholarship process by organizing application materials, compiling data, and reporting documentation
• Communicate with Footsteps staff members regarding participants’ needs as they arise and ensure that key interactions are documented according to agency guidelines
• Assist with planning and facilitating evening programs and workshops, including coordinating catering and other logistics

Career Services Support 

• Conduct career services intake and pre-assessment interviews to assess member needs
• Refer members for career counseling, job readiness, and training programs internally and externally
• Assist in developing resources for and the implementation of Footsteps’ career advancement programs
• Assist with the coordination of the Footsteps Internship Fund and the Vocational Scholarship Program, including oversight of the application process, organization of application materials, scheduling interviews, tracking and monitoring internship assignments, compiling data for funders, and providing administrative support
• Communicate with Footsteps staff members regarding participants’ needs as they arise and ensure that key interactions are documented according to agency guidelines
• Assist with planning and facilitating evening programs and workshops, including coordinating food, materials, and supplies

Qualifications: 

• Commitment to and passion for Footsteps’ mission and values
• 1-3 years of relevant experience with project management in the areas of  economic empowerment, educational, career support, or other similar fields
• Strong writing, editing, and layout skills
• Experience researching resources and sifting through data
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Experience with database management and the ability to learn Salesforce
• Ability to work occasional late evenings or weekends 
• Ability to travel to our NYC office 1-2 days a week

Desired Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including listening, speaking, and networking 
• Takes initiative, comfortable offering suggestions as well as asking for feedback and guidance
• Flexible and comfortable with shifting priorities
• Keen attention to detail and the ability to manage and juggle multiple tasks at once
• Non-judgmental character and able to set aside personal beliefs in service of member needs
• Sound judgment and the ability to exercise discretion with confidential information
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Skillful communicator with the ability to manage across various parts of the organization 
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate problems and find opportunities with a solutions-oriented mindset, flexibility, and optimism

Location: Greater New York City

Start Date: August 2026

Salary: $55,000-$58,000

This is a hybrid position, with in-office days expected approximately 1-2 days per week. The ideal candidate works well in the office and from home.

How to Apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter to opportunities@footstepsorg.org, indicating your name and “Economic Empowerment Associate” in the subject line. In the cover letter, please include why you are passionate about Footsteps' mission and describe any experience you may have supporting individuals in finding helpful resources or navigating challenging systems. 

Additionally, please provide a work sample that demonstrates your organizational skills. A work sample could include a resource you’ve created, an organizational tool, or a process you’ve designed, for work or your personal life. The application deadline is May 15th. 

Team + Benefits:
You will be joining an amazing team of passionate, mission-driven colleagues. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes: 20 vacation days, 13 paid holidays, unlimited sick days, 5 personal days, summer Fridays, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, paid sabbatical after 7 years of continuous service, health, dental, and vision insurance, 3% match for IRA retirement plan, flexible spending accounts for health care and transit, and a professional development stipend.

We are committed to promoting an equitable, safe, and welcoming environment for our members and staff. Footsteps values a culture of respect and inclusive community: honoring personal choice, different sets of beliefs, and diverse lifestyles that promote individuals’ rights to determine the course of their own lives. Footsteps promotes diversity in the workplace and believes it is critical for our continuing success. We know that women, trans, non-binary, and other structurally marginalized people are more likely to apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We strongly encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement.

Footsteps is an equal-opportunity employer. Immigrants, people of color, formerly ultra-Orthodox individuals, LGBTQIA people, people with disabilities, and people who come from poor and working-class backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Footsteps does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

https://www.footstepsorg.org/about-us/careers/