Full Time

Position Description 

The Program Director is part of Ariva’s management team and has lead responsibility for the management and performance of two year-round VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) tax sites and up to six seasonal tax sites. The Program Director directly supervises three permanent staff and approximately 12 seasonal employees. The director is responsible for ensuring that the sites within their portfolio meet all internal and external contract goals.

Ariva is one of the most established non-profit free tax assistance organizations in the Bronx. We are an IRS-sponsored VITA program and a Certified Acceptance Agent for ITINs. The program serves over 8,000 New Yorkers each year at about 10 seasonal and three year-round locations.

The tax team is composed of 5 full-time, year-round staff; 20-25 seasonal staff; and about 100 volunteers. This position involves frequent local travel to sites around NYC and requires some evenings and weekend hours over the course of the year. During the main filing season (January-April), the Program Director can expect to work most evenings and Saturdays.

Face-to-face, in-person service is an essential component of this position.  All staff must follow the health and safety procedures in our offices.

This position is 100% in person. The average work week is about 45 hours but can be more during the income tax filing season.

Ariva is a growing organization, and this position offers the opportunity to grow with us.

Responsibilities

The Program Director has full responsibility for six tax sites in their portfolio.  The Program Director directly oversees projects and tax sites and supervises line staff. They also provide coverage as needed in the absence of site staff to ensure seamless and efficient operations of the tax sites.

The Tax Program is a VITA program highly regulated by the IRS.   The Program Director ensures that all aspects of  the tax sites in their portfolio are fully compliant with all IRS VITA program requirements.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Primary Responsibilities

• Tax site performance monitoring and reporting on the tax program. Ensuring the tax sites at all times meet all IRS and local funder requirements, including but not limited to the 10 IRS Quality Site Requirements.
• Recruiting, mentoring, retention, and supervision of site coordinators and seasonal staff at assigned sites.
• Overseeing community outreach campaigns and marketing to support a client pipeline at assigned sites, including facilitating and maintaining an up-to-date client story bank.
• Cultivation and engagement of community partners, financial services partners, and other host partners in the communities where the tax sites are located.
• Overseeing Ariva’s tax time savings and asset building initiatives. The assigned manager has lead responsibility in identifying, implementing, and monitoring tax time savings efforts at our sites.
• Coordinating program integration activities with Ariva’s financial counseling program.
• Ensuring a highly professional and client-centered environment at all Ariva’s tax sites.
• Ensuring the tax sites have at all times adequate equipment, technology and supplies, and safeguards in place to preserve the privacy and safety of client data. Duties include securely maintaining an equipment inventory of laptops and peripherals, and ensuring the software is up to date, including security and antiviral software.
• Participating in weekly Ariva management team meetings.

Additional Responsibilities

The Program Director will also have lead responsibility for the following initiatives:

• Direct Ariva’s ITIN program. Ensure that Ariva’s ITIN program is fully compliant with all IRS requirements.
• Oversee Ariva’s Senior Citizen Tax Initiative, a program focused exclusively on the tax needs of seniors in our communities.

Supportive Responsibilities

In addition to the above lead responsibilities, the Program Director will work closely with and provide support to the Senior Program Director in the following areas:

• Contract management
• Reviewing and approving communications content, including website information and social media content related to the tax programs
• Grant writing and reporting

Core Competencies:

• Minimum five years’ experience in income tax preparation, preferably at least at some in VITA sites. Multiyear seasonal site experience is acceptable.
• Minimum three years’ experience in project management, which must include staff supervision.
• A demonstrated commitment to and experience working with low-income people and in low-income communities.
• Extraordinary customer service skills and high standards of professionalism.
• Skilled in managing, motivating, and supporting staff and volunteers.
• Strong project management skills; ability to simultaneously manage several busy tax sites.
• Cultural competence to provide services to the diverse members of our community.
• Ability to identify and build new relationships and manage existing ones with community partners.
• Computer literate; comfortable with data management, data entry, and reporting.
• Very strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with CRMs, especially Salesforce and tax software (currently TaxSlayer)
• Contract or grant management experience and skills.
• Ability to work in person and engage in frequent local travel to visit multiple tax sites, primarily in the Bronx.
• Willing and able to have a flexible work schedule; able to accommodate evening and weekend hours to support the tax sites during tax season

Salary: $80,000 to $90,000/year, depending on experience. Ariva offers full-time employees subsidized health and dental insurance, generous paid time off and other benefits.

To apply: Interested applicants should email their resume and cover letter to Maribel Montilla at mmontilla@ariva.org.  This posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Ariva is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Position Description

As part of the Youth Financial Empowerment Initiative, the Financial Educator will serve a designated school district in the Bronx, working in partnership with schools and communities to deliver 2Gen financial and consumer education workshops to students, their families, and communities. Additionally, the Financial Educator will help to build the capacity of schools and educators to integrate 2Gen financial and consumer education into classroom and school-wide activities. The Financial Educator will also provide one-on-one financial counseling for adults, school staff, and community members using the NYC Financial Empowerment Center Model. Lastly, the Financial Educator will partner with DCWP and local financial institutions to support the availability of in-school banking services at designated public schools. Face-to-face in-person service is an essential component of this position. This job requires some evenings and weekend hours over the course of the year. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Responsibilities

To ensure the successful implementation of the Financial Educators Program at public schools, the Financial Educator will have the role of supporting assigned districts and schools in the integration of financial education and will carry out the following responsibilities:

• Work with District staff, school leadership, teachers, parent coordinators and other school staff to support financial and consumer protection education programming, events, activities, and non-traditional learning opportunities for students in and outside of the classroom, including:
  • Attend planning meetings with assigned staff at district offices and schools to identify ideas for programming and activities that promote the integration of financial education in public schools.
  • Collaborate with teachers and other support staff at assigned schools to implement strategies that promote traditional and non-traditional learning opportunities for students.
  • Support teacher professional development activities to build knowledge and confidence in financial literacy and delivering financial education content.

• Lead the delivery of financial and consumer protection education workshops to public school students, both in and outside the classroom, and their families, including:
  • Support teachers, parent coordinators, and other school staff, as well as after-school and out-of-school program providers at assigned schools, with the scheduling of workshops.
  • Assist teachers, parent coordinators, and other school staff at assigned schools with the promotion of and recruitment of participants for workshops.
  • Lead the delivery of workshops using the DCWP-provided workshop content and curriculum for students and parents in and outside of the classroom and in other settings as requested by the schools and community partners or directed by DCWP.
  • Collect data on workshop participants in DCWP designated database, including recording number of workshops, number of participants, conducting workshop assessments and/or surveys, and sharing qualitative insights to inform future workshop development.
  • Enter data on workshop participants in DCWP designated database, if needed.

• Promote the Financial Education Resource Hub to support the integration of financial education in and outside of the classroom.
  • Assist with the vetting of financial education resources to create a repository of recommended materials and activities on key financial and consumer protection concepts, materials, and resources.
  • Assist staff of assigned district(s) and school(s) in using materials in the Hub.
  • Support teachers in the integration of financial education in and outside of the classroom.
  • Provide feedback and insights on the development and maintenance of content within the Hub.

• Provide free one-on-one financial counseling and coaching sessions to parents, teachers, parent coordinators and other school staff at public schools or anyone who lives or works in the City, who are over eighteen (18) years of age, including:
  • Promote financial counseling and coaching services in collaboration with teachers, parent coordinators and other support staff at assigned schools.
  • Schedule financial counseling and coaching sessions using the designated client portal.
  • Conduct in-person or remote financial counseling and coaching sessions in and outside of public schools or at approved locations.
    • May provide financial counseling to students aged sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) with written approval of service delivery to this age group from DCWP.
  • Collect and record client data and outcomes in designated database in a timely manner.

• Support the integration of in-school banking, facilitate connections between participating schools and financial institutions, and ensure that financial education workshops create a foundation of knowledge and awareness of the banking system.
  • Assist assigned bank or credit union representative with the promotion of in-school banking services.
  • Refer students to in-school banking program staff opportunities.
  • Support and facilitate banking activities, such as participant enrollment in student accounts offered through in-school banking program.
  • Co-lead banking presentations and/or banking workshops with assigned bank or credit union representatives.
  • Connect all eligible students and families to opportunities to build financial health and assets, such as the NYC Kids RISE Save for College program and NYC Free Tax Prep for access to poverty-fighting tax credits.

Additional Responsibilities include:

• Maintain ongoing contact with clients to encourage a sustained relationship with the program.
• Protect client privacy in compliance with contract requirements and Ariva’s policies.
• Help unbanked and underbanked clients access safe and affordable bank accounts.
• Help clients with thin credit files establish a credit score and support clients with a credit score to increase their scores.
• Support clients in managing and ultimately reducing their debt, including student loans.
• Provide clients with information and resources about savings for short- and long-term financial goals.
• Connect clients in need with resources and public benefits.
• Participate in workshops and other live streaming events to promote financial counseling.
• Serve as an advocate for financial counseling and build a referral system for clients, providing information to individuals who call in, walk in, or express interest in learning more at community events.
• Serve as lead agency liaison with community partners who host project.
• Develop new community partnerships with stakeholders, including residents, financial institutions, financial services providers, and community-based organizations.
• Promote program integration with Ariva’s free tax preparation program.
• Monitor performance to ensure the project is on target with project goals, aligned with Ariva’s mission and strategy, and compliant with funder, regulatory, and internal requirements.

Core Competencies:

• Desire to work collaboratively with staff, partners, and clients a must.
• Desire and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Experience with lesson planning and classroom management.
• Experience with creating or delivering workshops and educational materials.
• Ability to teach financial skills in one-on-one or group settings
• Strong networking and outreach skills, with the ability to engage community members, recruit participants, and conduct outreach/canvassing activities.
• Proven ability to build and maintain lasting partnerships with community organizations, financial institutions, and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and training facilitation.
• Very well-organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable.
• Computer-literate; comfortable with data management, entry, and reporting.
• Flexible, patient, with a sense of humor and a strong work ethic.
• Fluency in Spanish and English required to serve community members in their preferred language.
• A demonstrated commitment to and experience working with low-income people and in low-income communities.

Education Requirement

• A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two (2) years of full-time work experience with a preferred background in finance, financial education, counseling/coaching, education or social or youth service delivery;
• or Four (4) to eight (8) years of full-time work experience in financial education, counseling/coaching, education or social or youth service delivery.

Salary: $65,000 to 75,000/year.  Ariva offers full-time employees subsidized health and dental insurance, generous paid time off and other benefits.

Contact: Please e-mail cover letter and resume to Melissa Toonkel at mtoonkel@ariva.org. This posting will remain open until September 30, 2025, or until the position is filled.

Ariva, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Ariva seeks a Public Benefits Coordinator to help New Yorkers access and maintain critical benefits while strengthening their financial health. The role provides direct client services, coordinates outreach at partner sites and community events, and tracks outcomes in alignment with Ariva’s mission.

We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you are passionate about advancing economic justice and have strong leadership skills, we want to hear from you.

Position Description

Ariva seeks a high-energy, self-directed Public Benefits Coordinator to help New Yorkers access and maintain critical public benefits while enhancing their financial well-being. The Coordinator provides direct client services, including screening for eligibility, completing applications and recertifications, navigating benefits systems (SNAP, Medicaid/Medicare, HEAP, housing subsidies), and connecting clients to safe banking and credit products. The Coordinator also supports outreach at partner sites, maintains relationships with host organizations, and tracks outcomes to ensure high-quality services.

This job involves frequent local travel to sites around the Bronx and other communities in New York City. The position requires some evening and weekend availability to support community-based programs and events. Face-to-face in-person service is an essential component of this position.

Responsibilities

Client Services & Benefits Navigation

• Conduct eligibility screenings and assist clients with applications, recertifications, and case follow-up for public benefits, including SNAP, Medicaid/Medicare, HEAP, housing subsidies, and Social Security–related benefits.
• Troubleshoot barriers with agencies and advocate for clients to ensure they receive their entitled benefits and resolve any issues that may arise.
• Provide one-on-one financial counseling with emphasis on asset-building and accessing safe and affordable banking and credit products.
• Maintain regular contact with clients to support retention and positive outcomes.

Project Coordination

• Provide training and ongoing support to financial counselors on benefits screening and application procedures.
• Ensure all financial counselors are equipped to screen for and assist with benefits applications and recertifications.
• Coordinate with the tax program team to integrate benefits screening and applications for tax clients.
• Monitor staff implementation of benefits screening and applications to ensure consistency and quality across sites.

Outreach & Community Engagement

• Conduct outreach at assigned sites and community events to recruit clients and raise awareness of services.
• Serve as a point of contact for host partners; coordinate referrals and direct services.
• Participate in community events and meetings to promote awareness of public benefits and connect with potential clients.

Data, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate records of applications and outcomes, including approvals, denials, and other relevant information.
• Protect client privacy in compliance with contract requirements and Ariva’s policies.
• Contribute information for internal/external reports as needed.

Core Competencies:

• Minimum three years of direct experience in benefits eligibility screenings and assisting clients with applications and recertifications.
• Comprehensive understanding of NYC, state, and federal public benefits and how to assist others in applying.
• Strong networking and outreach skills, with the ability to engage community members, recruit participants, and conduct outreach activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, presentations, and training facilitation.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Computer-literate; comfortable with data management and entry.
• Flexible, patient, with a sense of humor and a strong work ethic.
• Fluency in Spanish and English required to serve community members in their preferred language.
• A demonstrated commitment to, and experience working with, low-income people and in low-income communities.

In addition to the above competencies, any of the additional skills and experience listed below are desirable:

• Experience with public benefits and public benefits applications for seniors and people with disabilities.
• Experience with financial counseling and adult education and familiarity with consumer banking products a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience with community canvassing, outreach, or client acquisition activities.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other data management systems.

 Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $55,000 – $60,000 annually, commensurate with experience
• Subsidized health and dental insurance
• Generous paid time off
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Additional employee benefits

Interested applicants should email their resume and cover letter to Melissa Toonkel at mtoonkel@ariva.org.  This posting will be open until filled.

Ariva Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer