Hi, I’m
Alberto Cruz
Executive
Teaneck,NJ
Work Preference
Summary
Nonprofit Executive Professional
Strategic nonprofit executive with extensive experience, passionate about empowering youth and families through innovative programs fostering leadership and social responsibility. Proficient in securing funding and developing impactful initiatives for youth and community-serving organizations. Influential leader with strategic consulting expertise. Committed to community development and providing hope and direction for the next generation. Adept at navigating complexities through conflict mediation, budgeting analysis, and program development.
Career Highlights
· Exceeded annual revenue target by 300% and gross margin by 210% via strategic market research partnerships.
· Spearheaded the successful launch of the Upper West Side CBO Collective., bringing together the largest youth and family serving organizations on the Upper West Side to share knowledge, resources and to provide continuity of our services.
· Led employee-driven performance initiatives at the YMCA, resulting in cost reductions exceeding $200K annually (over 15%).
· Consistently surpassed funding quotas, averaging S1.25M in new funding each year for over 10 years.
· Secured multiple government grants generating $16M+ in revenue via streamlined team focused approach and tailored innovative solutions.
· Delivered exceptional customer service, achieving a 20% reduction in customer complaints.
· Selected for the American Express Nonprofit Leadership Academy (National) through a competitive application process.
· Served as a New York State Afterschool Ambassador for the Afterschool Alliance (National), advocating for the importance of afterschool programs and promoting best practices.
· Recognized as a PASEsetter Award Winner by the Partnership for Afterschool Education, highlighting my commitment to providing high-quality afterschool experiences for youth.
· Founded a Youth-Serving Nonprofit in Washington Heights, demonstrating initiative, leadership, and a passion for serving the community.
Overview
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood SettlementQueens, NY
Associate Executive Director for Adult and Community Services
07.2024 - Current
Job overview
Strategically liaise between grantors and internal departments, fostering effective communication and collaboration to optimize grant utilization, and achieve organizational objectives. Serving as a member of the organization’s senior leadership team, and ensuring quality performance and outcomes, and fully embody the agency’s mission of building underserved communities and acting as a catalyst for change.
Key Contributions:
• Oversee the planning and execution of the organizations’ strategic plan for adult and community services programs including immigrant services and community engagement.
• Craft and lead external relations, community organizing and engagement strategy with community stake holders, volunteers and community representatives, and elected officials while also developing and spearheading the Community Engagement department.
• Administered and coordinated $3 million budget in support of adult and community services programs and activities in Western Queens.
• Developed comprehensive agency-wide staff development and coaching program enhancing leadership and management skills.
Trinity Church Wall StreetNew York, NY
Director, Family & Community Support
04.2022 - 03.2024
Job overview
Directed a team of outreach specialists, employing a holistic approach to identify and address community needs. Developed and implemented a scalable outreach plan, increasing program impact across NYC. Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders (residents, non-profit/for-profit leaders, policymakers) to drive program success. Managed distribution of 20K clothing items, addressing basic needs within community.
Key Contributions:
• Led a data-driven, place-based community support initiative in Lower Manhattan, resulting in a 35% increase in meals distributed and a 40% expansion of the food pantry network for an additional 3K individuals.
• Secured donations, coordinated with vendors, and implemented a streamlined distribution process, ensuring efficient distribution of over 20,000 clothing items to over 2,500 asylum seekers.
• Secured and managed a $4 million budget to fund neighborhood support and community engagement programs.
• Oversaw the distribution of 3.7 million meals through compassion meals, compassion markets, and street outreach programs.
Bronx House UJA/UNHBronx, NY
Chief Program Officer
09.2017 - 03.2022
Job overview
Led all program compliance operations of a community center serving 18K members across diverse programs (aquatics, fitness, performing arts school, afterschool, early childhood/UPK, special needs). Cultivated a strong leadership pipeline by developing leadership programs, fostering agency-wide professional growth. Developed agency-wide program standards/policies, ensuring alignment with Bronx House mission and vision.
Key Contributions:
• Achieved recognition for program excellence: Best Music Program and Family Favorites Award (2019) by Bronx Riverdale Family Magazine.
• Provided direct supervision to a team of 9 professional directors, overseeing a $6 million budget, including $3.1 million in payroll.
• Secured $13.3 million in funding to support program operations and growth by utilizing strong grant writing and fundraising skills.
• Developed and Facilitated agency-wide development and knowledge sharing via in-service workshops/resource networks, promoting collaboration and best practices.
YMCA of Greater New York-West Side Y/Grosvenor House YNew York, NY
Senior Director of Youth and Family Department
03.2013 - 09.2017
Job overview
Led youth and family program operations serving over 1500 families annually, ensuring a positive and enriching experience for youth participants. Managed a portfolio of Early Childhood, OST, college prep, and career development programs across six locations. Coordinated with the board of directors on strategic initiatives related to outreach, community development, program promotion, and program evaluations.
Key Contributions:
• Improved student academic performance by 15% through development of a new mentorship program.
• Identified and secured $3.1 million in grant funding to support afterschool programming and reduced operation cost by 10%.
• Enhanced parental engagement by 30% by implementing a new communication strategy, resulting in a 20% increase in program enrollment.
• Achieved a 90% staff retention rate through successful staff mentoring and coaching.
Education
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY
Master of Science from Nonprofit Leadership
01.2016
BORICUA COLLEGE
Bachelor of Science from Human Services, Minor in Psychology
01.2012
BORICUA COLLEGE
Associate of Arts from Liberal Arts
01.2011
Skills
- Non-profit Leadership
- Project Management
- Staff Development
- Program Consulting
- Leadership Coaching
- Strategic Planning
- Outreach & Relationship Building
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Community Engagement
Certification
- New York State Notary Public, 2027-12-16
- NYC DOHMH Food Protection Certificate, 2021-03-01
Professional Highlights
- Exceeded annual revenue target by 300% and gross margin by 210% via strategic market research partnerships.
- Spearheaded the successful launch of the Upper West Side CBO Collective, bringing together the largest youth and family serving organizations on the Upper West Side to share knowledge, resources and to provide continuity of our services.
- Led employee-driven performance initiatives at the YMCA, resulting in cost reductions exceeding $200K annually (over 15%).
- Consistently surpassed funding quotas, averaging $1.25M in new funding each year for over 10 years.
- Secured multiple government grants generating $16M+ in revenue via streamlined team focused approach and tailored innovative solutions.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, achieving a 20% reduction in customer complaints.
- Selected for the American Express Nonprofit Leadership Academy (National) through a competitive application process.
- Served as a New York State Afterschool Ambassador for the Afterschool Alliance (National), advocating for the importance of afterschool programs and promoting best practices.
- Recognized as a PASEsetter Award Winner by the Partnership for Afterschool Education, highlighting my commitment to providing high-quality afterschool experiences for youth.
- Founded a Youth-Serving Nonprofit in Washington Heights, demonstrating initiative, leadership, and a passion for serving the community.
Professional Development
- University of South Florida Muma College of Business, Tampa Bay, FL, 2021, Professional Certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace, Professional Certificate in Inclusive and Ethical Leadership
- Fowler International Academy of Professional Coaching, New York, NY, 2020, Certified Professional Coach, Certified Disaster Recovery Coach, Certified Career and Vocation Coach
- W. Edwards Deming Institute and Fordham Gabelli School of Business, New York, NY, 2019, Deming Leadership and Management Method Certificate
- Revive the Dream Institute, New York, NY, 2017-2018, Revive the Dream Fellowship
- Center for Creative Leadership, New York, NY, 2009, American Express Nonprofit Leadership Academy Fellowship
Personal Information
Title: Nonprofit Executive Professional
Awards
- Community Ambassador Council, Rethink Foods, 2025
- BNY Mellon Scholarship, Center for Nonprofit Leaders, 2016
- New York State Afterschool Ambassador, Afterschool Alliance, 2010
- PASEsetter Award for After School Leadership, Partnership for Afterschool Education, 2009
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Associate Executive Director for Adult and Community Services
Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement
07.2024 - Current
Director, Family & Community Support
Trinity Church Wall Street
04.2022 - 03.2024
Chief Program Officer
Bronx House UJA/UNH
09.2017 - 03.2022
Senior Director of Youth and Family Department
YMCA of Greater New York-West Side Y/Grosvenor House Y
03.2013 - 09.2017
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY
Master of Science from Nonprofit Leadership
BORICUA COLLEGE
Bachelor of Science from Human Services, Minor in Psychology
BORICUA COLLEGE
Associate of Arts from Liberal Arts
Accomplishments
Fellowships
Revive the Dream Fellowship
REVIVE THE DREAM INSTITUTE | New York, NY | 2018
High Performing Managers Initiative Fellowship
COMMUNITY RESOURCE EXCHANGE | New York, NY | 2017
Beyond the Basics: Promoting the Positive Fellowship
DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | New York, NY | 2016
American Express Nonprofit Leadership Academy Fellowship
CENTER FOR CREATIVE LEADERSHIP | New York, NY | 2009
Certifications and Accreditations
Certified Professional Coach
FOWLER INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF PROFESSIONAL COACHING | Spokane, WA | 2020
Certified Career and Vocation Coach
FOWLER INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF PROFESSIONAL COACHING | Spokane, WA | 2020
Certified Disaster Recovery Coach
FOWLER INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF PROFESSIONAL COACHING | Spokane, WA | 2020
Persuasive Coaching
INFLUENCE PEOPLE, LLC. | Columbus, OH | 2020
Deming Leadership and Management Method Certificate
W. EDWARDS DEMING INSTITUTE AND FORDHAM GABELLI SCHOOL OF BUSINESS | New York, NY | 2019