H. Lingaire Njie, MSW
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Nonprofit executive with 20+ years of experience leading systems-level change across public education and nonprofit sectors. Proven ability to guide cross-functional teams, steward public funding, build strategic partnerships, and implement data-informed initiatives that improve outcomes for communities. Skilled at working alongside diverse stakeholders to co-create solutions, strengthen implementation discipline, and shift organizational culture toward measurable impact.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operations Officer
Catapult Greater Pittsburgh
01.2023 - Current
- Provide executive operational leadership for a countywide economic mobility organization serving families across Allegheny County.
- Lead and develop a 21-member cross-functional team, fostering accountability, innovation, and performance alignment
- Translate strategic priorities into structured implementation plans with clear milestones and ownership
- Oversee annual operating budget, financial controls, and performance monitoring systems
- Design and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to strengthen infrastructure and scalability
- Guide data-informed decision-making processes to improve service delivery and measurable impact
- Partner with funders, public agencies, and community stakeholders to align organizational strategy with regional economic mobility goals
- Strengthen internal systems to support sustainable growth and long-term community outcomes
Manager, Out-of-School Time Community Partnerships
Pittsburgh Public Schools
02.2022 - 01.2023
- Led districtwide strategy and execution of out-of-school-time partnerships across a large urban school system.
- Directed ESSER III After School funding allocation and competitive RFP process
- Collaborated with senior district leadership and school administrators to align programming with district priorities
- Oversaw implementation of Cityspan external program management system to enhance data tracking and performance oversight
- Managed partner data-sharing agreements and compliance protocols
- Convened cross-sector stakeholders to co-create solutions responsive to student and family needs
- Built capacity of community-based organizations through technical assistance, professional development, and peer learning networks
- Ensured effective stewardship and impact monitoring of federal funding streams
Community School Site Manager
Pittsburgh Public Schools
08.2017 - 02.2022
- Led full implementation of a Community Schools strategy integrating academic, behavioral, and community-based supports.
- Conducted root cause analysis of attendance, engagement, and service gaps using school and community data
- Built and managed strategic partnerships aligned to School Improvement Plan priorities
- Served on MTSS, Student Assistance Program (SAP), and School Leadership teams
- Designed coordinated service delivery frameworks aligning school and external partner goals
- Facilitated professional development to strengthen collaboration and shared accountability
- Advanced equity-focused practices to address systemic barriers impacting students and families
Project Specialist, Family & Community Engagement
Pittsburgh Public Schools
05.2015 - 08.2017
- Managed districtwide Annual Parent Survey to inform policy and strategic decision-making
- Directed Parent Advisory Council operations and facilitated structured stakeholder engagement processes
- Supervised Family & Community Engagement Coordinators
- Strengthened systems for customer service and parent issue resolution
Parent Organizer
A+ Schools
Pittsburgh, PA
- Built and managed an engaged base of parents at various schools in the Pittsburgh Public School District.
- Recruited community members to act on issues through petition drives, canvassing, public testimony and letter writing campaigns.
- Developed relationships with community organizations.
Social Work Director
Caroline Friess Center, Inc.
Baltimore, MD
- Developed course content for Life Skills and Professionalism classes and provided weekly instruction for adult learners enrolled in various training programs.
- Performed extensive case management duties and assisted adult learners with gaining access to needed resources.
Family Advocate
East Baltimore Development, Inc.
Baltimore, MD
- Served as intermediary and first point of contact between the organization and community residents being displaced by the East Baltimore Redevelopment Project.
- Advocated for and conveyed the needs and concerns of community members to EBDI administration and stakeholders.
- Performed extensive case management duties.
- Engaged residents in the areas of housing stability, employment and financial literacy.
Education
Master of Social Work - MSW
Washington University in St. Louis
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology & African American Studies
Washington University in St. Louis
Skills
- Cross-Sector Leadership
- Operational Infrastructure & Systems Development
- Strategic Implementation & Change Management
- Organizational Culture Transformation
- Complex Project Management (Design → Delivery)
- Performance Measurement & Continuous Improvement
- Stakeholder Engagement & Co-Creation
- Public & Grant Funding Oversight
- Team Leadership & Talent Development
Affiliations
- Chairperson, Educational Development Committee — Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
- Former Field Instructor — University of Pittsburgh & University of Maryland Schools of Social Work
Timeline
Chief Operations Officer
Catapult Greater Pittsburgh
01.2023 - Current
Manager, Out-of-School Time Community Partnerships
Pittsburgh Public Schools
02.2022 - 01.2023
Community School Site Manager
Pittsburgh Public Schools
08.2017 - 02.2022
Project Specialist, Family & Community Engagement
Pittsburgh Public Schools
05.2015 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology & African American Studies
Washington University in St. Louis
Parent Organizer
A+ Schools
Social Work Director
Caroline Friess Center, Inc.
Family Advocate
East Baltimore Development, Inc.
Master of Social Work - MSW
Washington University in St. Louis