Avenues for Youth provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, collective housing, and host homes housing for youth and young families experiencing housing instability and homelessness. We strive to do that in a safe and nurturing environment through a social justice lens. Avenues seeks to partner with youth and young families while they define their experiences, life dreams and future. Our work takes into account historical trauma, systems of oppression, and intersectionality while being grounded in the power of resiliency, healing, and community.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Minneapolis Avenues is Avenues’ original and oldest program.  Located in North Minneapolis, this program provides emergency shelter, transitional housing and intensive supportive services for 20 youth at a time, ages 18 to 24.  Annually, the program supports 170 to 190 young people.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. 

Overview

Utilizing the Nine Guiding Principles of Youth Work, the Youth Support Specialist plays a crucial role in creating a positive community environment that helps youth heal from trauma and prepare for stable housing. This position requires a balance of practical support and emotional intelligence to foster youth development and independence.

Youth Engagement and Support

• Build genuine professional relationships with youth to meet their basic needs in an engaging and safe environment.
• Provide one-on-one mentoring and guidance, including support for homework and meal preparation.
• Coach youth on Independent Living Skills, helping them establish routines for success in housing, school, work, and relationships.
• Role model positive social interactions and involve youth in constructive conflict resolution opportunities.
• Offer proactive intervention to de-escalate conflicts between youth.
• Assist in providing youth their medications and recording all medications taken as directed by pharmacist/medical provider

Facility Management

• Manage on-site supervision of the House, including answering phones and doors, completing room checks, and following shift checklists.
• Engage youth in completing chores to foster responsibility and community participation.
• Provide crisis counseling and appropriate referrals to callers in need.

Communication and Documentation

• Complete required documentation accurately and promptly.
• Communicate effectively with staff on shared goals and objectives, including comprehensive end-of-shift updates.
• Collaborate with the team to ensure consistent application of the 9 Evidence-Based Guiding Principles to Help Youth Overcome Homelessness.
• Maintain and regularly check work email account, ensuring proper setup including Multi-Factor Authentication, both while on-site and when working remotely.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• BA/BS in social work, human services, education, or related field; three-to-five years of related experience and/or training OR Equivalent combination of education, lived experience, work experience, and training
• Must be at least 24 years of age

Skills & Attributes

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with youth from diverse backgrounds.
• High level of personal and professional integrity, including ability to protect and maintain confidentiality
• Desire to continuously learn for personal and professional growth
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while providing empathetic support.
• Commitment to social justice principles and fostering an inclusive environment.
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills to address various challenges youth may face.

Technical Proficiency

• Ability to set up and manage work email accounts, including configuring Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Comfortable accessing work email both on-site and remotely from home
• Basic troubleshooting skills for common email and account access issues

BACKGROUND CHECK

All Avenues For Youth employees must pass a background check, including a MN Department of Human Services background study.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, bend, twist, kneel, and communicate. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Avenues for Youth is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We embrace diversity, foster inclusion, and do our work through an equitable lens. Persons of color, women, members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, other minorities, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the organization will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

COMPENSATION

$20.77-$22.50, depending on qualifications, and participation in our 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan. Additional benefits for employees regularly scheduled at least 24 hours per week include Health, Dental, Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance. Generous paid-time off including 9 holidays and a floating holiday.

Job Title: Youth Support Specialist

Department:   Shelter and Transitional Living 

Primary Location: Minneapolis Avenues

Reports To:   Program Manager

Employment Status: Full Time Hourly Non-Exempt 

Core Schedule: 10:30pm to 7:00am. 7 days on 7 days off.

Please include your resume, cover letter and references with your application.

Avenues for Youth provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, collective housing, and host homes housing for youth and young families experiencing housing instability and homelessness. We strive to do that in a safe and nurturing environment through a social justice lens. Avenues seeks to partner with youth and young families while they define their experiences, life dreams and future. Our work takes into account historical trauma, systems of oppression, and intersectionality while being grounded in the power of resiliency, healing, and community.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Brooklyn Avenues, opened in early 2015, is an 11-bed shelter and transitional housing program for homeless youth ages 16 to 21 from the northwest suburbs of Hennepin County. This program supports 80 to 100 young people every year.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. 

Overview

Utilizing the Nine Guiding Principles of Youth Work, the Youth Support Specialist plays a crucial role in creating a positive community environment that helps youth heal from trauma and prepare for stable housing. This position requires a balance of practical support and emotional intelligence to foster youth development and independence.

Youth Engagement and Support

• Build genuine professional relationships with youth to meet their basic needs in an engaging and safe environment.
• Provide one-on-one mentoring and guidance, including support for homework and meal preparation.
• Coach youth on Independent Living Skills, helping them establish routines for success in housing, school, work, and relationships.
• Role model positive social interactions and involve youth in constructive conflict resolution opportunities.
• Offer proactive intervention to de-escalate conflicts between youth.
• Assist in providing youth their medications and recording all medications taken as directed by pharmacist/medical provider

Facility Management

• Manage on-site supervision of the House, including answering phones and doors, completing room checks, and following shift checklists.
• Engage youth in completing chores to foster responsibility and community participation.
• Provide crisis counseling and appropriate referrals to callers in need.

Communication and Documentation

• Complete required documentation accurately and promptly.
• Communicate effectively with staff on shared goals and objectives, including comprehensive end-of-shift updates.
• Collaborate with the team to ensure consistent application of the 9 Evidence-Based Guiding Principles to Help Youth Overcome Homelessness.
• Maintain and regularly check work email account, ensuring proper setup including Multi-Factor Authentication, both while on-site and when working remotely.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• BA/BS in social work, human services, education, or related field; three-to-five years of related experience and/or training OR Equivalent combination of education, lived experience, work experience, and training
• Must be at least 24 years of age

Skills & Attributes

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with youth from diverse backgrounds.
• High level of personal and professional integrity, including ability to protect and maintain confidentiality
• Desire to continuously learn for personal and professional growth
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while providing empathetic support.
• Commitment to social justice principles and fostering an inclusive environment.
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills to address various challenges youth may face.

Technical Proficiency

• Ability to set up and manage work email accounts, including configuring Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Comfortable accessing work email both on-site and remotely from home
• Basic troubleshooting skills for common email and account access issues

BACKGROUND CHECK

All Avenues For Youth employees must pass a background check, including a MN Department of Human Services background study.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, bend, twist, kneel, and communicate. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

OTHER

Avenues is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Avenues complies with laws relating to discrimination against qualified applicants and employees in hiring or in any decision affecting job status or pay, based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, marital status, disability, familial status, covered veteran status, public assistance status, membership in a local commission, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, or other applicable protected classes.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the organization will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

COMPENSATION

$20.77-$22.50, depending on qualifications, and participation in our 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan. Additional benefits for employees regularly scheduled at least 24 hours per week include Health, Dental, Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance. Generous paid-time off including 9 holidays and a floating holiday.

Job Title: Youth Support Specialist

Department:   Shelter and Transitional Living 

Primary Location: Brooklyn Avenues

Reports To:   Program Manager

Employment Status: Full Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt 

Core Schedule: 8pm to 4am. 7 days on 7 days off.

Please include your resume, cover letter and references with your application.

Department: Development & Communications

Primary Location: Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid role; average of 3–4 days in the office)

Reports To: Director of Development & Communications

Employment Status: Full Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $49,920 – $56,160 annually

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

Avenues for Youth provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, collective housing, and host homes for youth and young families experiencing housing instability and homelessness. The organization operates through a social justice lens in a safe and nurturing environment and partners with youth and young families as they define their experiences, life dreams, and future. Our work centers historical trauma, systems of oppression, and intersectionality, while remaining grounded in resiliency, healing, and community.

BENEFITS AT AVENUES

• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance (employee-paid)
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Opportunity to work from Avenues for Youth’s brand-new headquarters opening Summer 2026

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed are representative of the position and are not intended to be exclusive or all-inclusive.

OVERVIEW

The Database Specialist supports fundraising and community engagement strategies by ensuring accurate and timely gift processing, maintaining clean and reliable donor data, and providing reporting to inform fundraising strategy. This role collaborates across the Development & Communications team and aligns work with the organization’s mission and values.

GIFT PROCESSING & DATA MANAGEMENT

• Serve as the lead administrator for the donor database
• Ensure accurate entry and coding of gifts, pledges, in-kind donations, and contact records
• Prepare and make bank deposits
• Scan checks and donor information received by mail
• Execute timely, personalized donor acknowledgment letters
• Prepare and print acknowledgment letters
• Maintain donor database integrity
• Create standard operating procedures for data collection, entry, and management
• Monitor and ensure database training for development staff

DONOR ENGAGEMENT & TEAMWORK

• Respond promptly to donor and staff inquiries
• Communicate with donors regarding payment updates or corrections
• Support donor stewardship processes
• Prepare and send new donor welcome packets
• Provide donor portfolio management support
• Assist with the annual fundraising event
• Perform additional duties as assigned

REPORTING

• Create reports and donor lists for appeals, donor segmentation, stewardship, fundraising progress, and reconciliation with  Finance
• Track and manage donor pledges and receivables, reconciling donor records with Finance

INTERNAL COLLABORATION & SUPPORT

• Partner with the Individual Giving Manager on appeal segmentation and mid-level analysis
• Support the Corporate & Community Engagement Manager with acknowledgment letter review, volunteer tracking, and partner giving
• Coordinate with the Communications Specialist on acknowledgment letter templates
• Collaborate with Finance on gift reconciliation
• Partner with the Director of Development & Communications on monthly fundraising reports, major donor reports, and acknowledgment letter review

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree or Associate's degree with at least two years of donor database management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience using donor databases and giving platforms required; familiarity with DonorPerfect Online preferred. Proficient in Excel, Word, Outlook, and Office 365. Commitment to community-centered practices.

BACKGROUND CHECK

Must pass a Minnesota Department of Human Services background study.

OTHER

Avenues for Youth is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations provided in accordance with the ADA.

Department: Programs

Primary Location: Brooklyn Park,MN and Minneapolis,MN (all Avenues programs and shelter oversight)

Reports To: Associate Director

Employment Status: Full Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $85,000 – $93,500 annually

Work Schedule: Standard business hours, Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm. This role is primarily onsite, with limited opportunities to work from home based on operational needs.

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

Avenues for Youth provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, collective housing, and host homes housing for youth and young families experiencing housing instability and homelessness. We strive to do this in a safe and nurturing environment through a social justice lens. Avenues seeks to partner with youth and young families while they define their experiences, life dreams, and future. Our work takes into account historical trauma, systems of oppression, and intersectionality while being grounded in the power of resiliency, healing, and community.

BENEFITS AT AVENUES

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance (employee-paid)

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

403(b) retirement plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Opportunity to work from Avenues for Youth’s brand-new headquarters opening Summer 2026

PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Director of Programs oversees all Avenues programs, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, host homes, and collective housing, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of youth and families. This role supervises Program Managers, supports direct service staff, and serves as a key member of the leadership team, shaping program vision and strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are representative of this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive.

Overview

The Director of Programs provides strategic and operational leadership across all Avenues programs, ensuring high-quality, youth-centered services. This role is responsible for coaching and holding Program Managers accountable, fostering a culture of accountability, equity, and learning, and ensuring programs align with organizational values and goals. The Director balances hands-on management with big-picture leadership, focusing on outcomes, staff development, and continuous improvement.

Leadership & Vision

• Set and communicate a clear vision for program quality, growth, and alignment with Avenues’ mission and values.
• Model and promote the 9 Guiding Principles across all programs, integrating them into daily practice and decision-making.
• Lead strategic planning and program development, identifying opportunities for new services and program enhancements.
• Serve as a visible and positive representative of Avenues in the community and with partners.

Staff Development, Supervision & Accountability

• Directly supervise Program Managers, providing ongoing coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations.
• Hold Program Managers accountable for staff supervision, documentation compliance, and program outcomes.
• Foster a culture of accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement, addressing performance concerns through coaching and support.
• Ensure strong onboarding and ongoing training for program staff in collaboration with the Assistant Executive Director and training committee.
• Oversee hiring processes for program staff, ensuring equity, inclusion, and diversity in recruitment and selection.
• Support Program Managers in building strong, empowered teams that collaborate effectively and problem-solve efficiently.

Program Operations & Compliance

• Ensure all programs operate in compliance with agency policies, regulatory requirements, licensing standards, and funder expectations.
• Oversee program budgets in collaboration with Finance and Operations to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Monitor and report on program outcomes, using data to inform decision-making and drive improvements.
• Ensure programs are fully staffed and scheduling supports 24-hour coverage where required.
• Lead or support implementation of new initiatives, including system improvements and new program models.

Youth Engagement & Outcomes

• Ensure youth voice is central to program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Oversee youth leadership opportunities, independent living skills development, and social enrichment activities.
• Monitor progress toward key youth outcomes, including stable housing exits and employment.

Collaboration & Communication

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with community agencies, funders, and stakeholders.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration across programs and within the leadership team.
• Keep leadership informed of significant program developments, challenges, and successes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, management/leadership, or a related field required.
• Minimum of five years of successful experience managing programs serving youth facing systemic barriers and trauma.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff, developing teams, managing budgets, and holding others accountable.
• Lived experience and cross-transferable skills will be considered.

Skills & Attributes

• Leadership & Accountability
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, coach, and hold others accountable.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.
• Comfort addressing performance issues with curiosity, empathy, and follow-through.

Communication & Collaboration

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and positive working relationships with staff, youth, and partners.
• Skilled in facilitating meetings, trainings, and difficult conversations.

Program Management

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with data-informed decision-making and program evaluation.
• Proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Office and standard workplace systems.

Commitment to Equity

• Deep commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for staff and youth from diverse backgrounds.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS
• This role requires the ability to sit, stand, bend, twist, kneel, and communicate regularly. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Avenues for Youth is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We embrace diversity, foster inclusion, and approach our work through an equitable lens. Individuals from historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities, and both prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss accommodation needs.

• Job Title: Director of Advancement
• Department: Development & Communications 
• Primary Location: Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid role; average of 3 days in the office) 
• Reports To: Executive Director
• Employment Status: Full Time, Exempt
• Salary Range: $90,000–$97,000 annually

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

Avenues for Youth provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, collective housing, and host homes for youth and young families experiencing housing instability and homelessness. The organization operates through a social justice lens in a safe and nurturing environment and partners with youth and young families as they define their experiences, life dreams, and future.

Our work centers historical trauma, systems of oppression, and intersectionality, while remaining grounded in resiliency, healing, and community.

BENEFITS AT AVENUES

• Health insurance 
• Vision insurance 
• Dental insurance (employee-paid) 
• Life insurance• Disability insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• 403(b) retirement plan 
• Paid time off (PTO) 
• Opportunity to work from Avenues for Youth’s brand-new headquarters, opening Summer 2026

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed are representative of the position and are not intended to be exclusive or all-inclusive.

OVERVIEW

This is an exciting opportunity to join Avenues for Youth as the organization is in the process of wrapping up a highly successful capacity campaign and building momentum for its next phase of growth. The Director of Advancement provides senior-level leadership over all fundraising, development, and external engagement efforts, guiding a passionate and committed team in cementing the progress made through the campaign while continuing to grow annual revenue streams that support ongoing program growth and impact.

The Director of Advancement is responsible for designing and overseeing a comprehensive advancement strategy that increases philanthropic support and elevates organizational visibility through annual fundraising and special campaigns. As a key member of the leadership team, this role works closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop and execute organizational strategies, leverage board and volunteer relationships, and represent the organization in the community. The Director provides high-level oversight of all fundraising and external communications efforts, ensures alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and values, and actively fosters a strong, organization-wide culture of philanthropy. In this role, the Director mentors and empowers the development team to successfully carry out the comprehensive advancement strategy.

FUNDRAISING STRATEGY & LEADERSHIP

• Develop and oversee a strategic fundraising plan that includes individual giving, major gifts, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, events, and special campaigns 
• Guide the planning and execution of donor appeals, campaigns, and fundraising events 
• Analyze fundraising performance metrics and use data to inform strategy, decision-making, and resource allocation• Oversee the grant pipeline, including prospecting, proposal development, and reporting 
• Develop and oversee strategic fundraising plans for special initiatives, including capacity campaigns, endowment campaigns, and other major projects

DONOR AND FUNDER RELATIONS

• Partner with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors 
• Oversee and grow major donor portfolios with tailored engagement and stewardship plans 
• Build and steward strong relationships with foundation and institutional funders 
• Represent the organization within the community and with external partners

COMMUNICATIONS & Brand Management

• Oversee a strategic communications plan that builds awareness, engagement, and support among stakeholders and the broader community 
• Guide the creation of newsletters, annual reports, social media content, press releases, and other collateral

TEAM LEADERSHIP & INTERNAL COLLABORATION

• • Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate Development & Communications staff and consultants 
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and professional growth within the team 
• Collaborate with program, finance, and operations teams to align fundraising priorities and messaging. 
• Provide staff support to the Advancement Committee

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science preferred 
• Minimum of five years of nonprofit development experience, including major gifts, foundation relations, corporate partnerships, and fundraising events 
• Demonstrated experience developing and leading comprehensive fundraising strategies 
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills 
• Experience managing, mentoring, and empowering staff 
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered fundraising practices 
• Comfort using donor databases, reporting tools, and digital communications platforms

BACKGROUND CHECK

• Must pass a Minnesota Department of Human Services background study

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

• Avenues for Youth is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer 
• Reasonable accommodations are provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 
• Individuals from historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply