Nurus Safa Salam
Glen Oaks
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, driving youth workforce initiatives. Expert in program management and partnership development, expanded SYEP enrollment by 33%. Skilled in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, recognized for creating national models and integrating academic programs to enhance career readiness.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Director, In-School Youth Workforce Programs
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)
New York
11.2022 - Current
- Lead high-priority youth workforce initiatives, including SYEP, the largest youth employment program in the U.S.
- Manage $270M+ budget and a team of 30 full-time staff delivering programs that prepare NYC youth for long-term career and economic success.
- Expanded SYEP enrollment from 75,000 → 100,000 participants annually for three consecutive years.
- Scaled CareerReady SYEP from 55 → 250+ schools, serving 23,000 students annually.
- Partnered with NYC Public Schools and CUNY to integrate College Now classes, enabling 5,000+ students annually to earn college credits.
- Standardized SYEP orientation with Hats & Ladders, training youth in job readiness, financial literacy, and mindfulness.
- Built partnerships with 66+ nonprofits across 300 contracts to enhance program quality and policy guidance.
- Spearheaded citywide workforce initiatives recognized as national models: Ladders for Leaders, CreditPilot, CareerReady CUNY REACH, Work, Learn & Grow, Learn & Earn, SYEP Pride.
- Represent DYCD in TV, print, and digital media, promoting programs and strengthening public engagement.
Director, CareerReady SYEP
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)
New York
09.2020 - 11.2022
- Expanded CareerReady SYEP from 55 → 250+ schools, serving 23,000 students annually.
- Launched CreditPilot, awarding 6,000+ academic credits annually to students participating in SYEP.
- Collaborated with school and CBO staff to align SYEP experiences with academic and career readiness goals.
Deputy Director, NYC Ladders for Leaders
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)
New York
03.2019 - 09.2020
- Led program expansion from 461 → 1,855 youth (2014–2017); recognized as a national model for internships by U.S. Department of Labor.
- Managed high-level employer partnerships with Tishman Speyer, KPMG, Bank of America, and NYC agencies.
Workforce Analyst
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development
New York
05.2015 - 03.2019
· Managed operations of youth workforce programming, including process management and online data systems.
· Developed written, visual, and digital communications for the workforce portfolio, including marketing and social media.
· Conducted program evaluation, monitoring, and data analysis.
SYEP Field Supervisor
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development
New York
07.2014 - 05.2015
- Conducted fieldwork in all five boroughs to ensure compliance with contract requirements and performance standards.
Education
Master of Arts - Government and Politics, Public Administration
St. John’s University
Queens, NYBachelor of Arts - Government and Politics, Asian Studies
St. John’s University
Queens, NYSkills
- Youth Workforce Development
- Program Management
- Team Leadership
- Partnership Development
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Program Scaling
- Impact Evaluation
- Strategic planning
- Problem solving
- Public Relations
- Academic Integration Programs
- Career Integration Programs
- Budget oversight
- Policy development
Fellowships And Leadership
- St. John’s College Dean’s International Fellowship, France, Participated in a global identity seminar; volunteered with a local nonprofit serving homeless individuals.
- GLOBE Student Fellowship, Nicaragua, Conducted fieldwork on social entrepreneurship and microfinance; presented findings to the university community.
- Diversity Peer Educator, Queens, NY, Developed and facilitated diversity workshops; coordinated Diversity Week with student organizations.
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Bengali
Native/ Bilingual
Certification
- Public Administration
- International Law and Diplomacy
Timeline
Senior Director, In-School Youth Workforce Programs
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)
11.2022 - Current
Director, CareerReady SYEP
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)
09.2020 - 11.2022
Deputy Director, NYC Ladders for Leaders
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)
03.2019 - 09.2020
Workforce Analyst
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development
05.2015 - 03.2019
SYEP Field Supervisor
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development
07.2014 - 05.2015
Master of Arts - Government and Politics, Public Administration
St. John’s University
Bachelor of Arts - Government and Politics, Asian Studies
St. John’s University
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