Content Specialist/Program Coordinator - COMPASS Elementary Program, P.S. 146
BACKGROUND
The "I Have A Dream" Foundation (IHDF) is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to motivate and empower children living in low-income communities to reach their educational and career potential. IHDF partners with families, schools, and communities to advance equitable outcomes through a long-term, culturally responsive, whole-child approach that includes mentoring, tutoring, cultural enrichment, family engagement, and post-secondary support.
Position Summary
The Content Specialist / Program Coordinator supports the planning, coordination, and implementation of high-quality program content for the COMPASS Elementary Program at P.S. 146. This role is responsible for selecting, organizing, and supporting program content across required content areas; assisting with curriculum and lesson planning; supporting staff in activity implementation; and helping ensure program quality, compliance, and participant engagement.
The Content Specialist / Program Coordinator works closely with the Program Director, Activity Specialists, Group Leaders, Youth Workers, AmeriCorps members, volunteers, and other program staff to ensure that activities are age-appropriate, culturally responsive, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with IHDF's mission, DYCD COMPASS requirements, and NYS OCFS SACC regulations.
Level of Work: Full Time based on program needs. The Content Specialist must provide at least nine (9) hours of service per week to each assigned COMPASS program and may support up to a maximum of three (3) COMPASS programs. The Content Specialist may not also serve as the Program Director.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Content, Curriculum, and Activity Support
- Select, coordinate, and support program content across required COMPASS content areas, including academic enrichment, literacy, STEAM, arts, recreation, wellness, leadership, social-emotional learning, and cultural enrichment.
- Assist with developing curricula, lesson plans, and instructional materials aligned with Dreamer Scholars' needs, strengths, and interests.
- Support staff in implementing structured, engaging activities and assist with planning daily, weekly, and seasonal schedules. Staff Support, Coaching, and Professional Development
- Observe program activities and provide coaching and feedback to strengthen delivery and participant engagement.
- Support staff onboarding, training, and professional development, including behavior management and social-emotional learning.
- Participate in staff meetings to review progress, reinforce protocols, and share instructional strategies.
Program Quality, Compliance, and Administration
- Support the Program Director in maintaining program quality in alignment with DYCD COMPASS, NYS OCFS SACC, IHDF policies, and grant requirements.
- Track activity implementation, lesson plans, and staff professional development participation; maintain organized records for audit and monitoring readiness.
- Support quality assurance efforts, safety procedure adherence, and corrective action steps as assigned.
Collaboration and Communication
- Work with the Program Director and program team to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Communicate regularly with Activity Specialists, Group Leaders, Youth Workers, and AmeriCorps members regarding activity plans and participant needs.
- Build positive relationships with Dreamer Scholars, families, school staff, and community partners to support a collaborative, youth-centered culture.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree required.
- At least one year of experience in a supervisory or oversight position, including management and development of program content, staff supervision, training, and coaching.
- Experience working with children under age 13, youth development programs, after-school programs, summer programs, school-based programs, nonprofit programs, or community-based programs.
- Experience developing, selecting, or adapting curricula, lesson plans, or structured activities preferred.
- Prior COMPASS, DYCD-funded, SACC-licensed, OCFS-regulated, school-based, or nonprofit youth development experience preferred.
Required Credential, Clearances, Certifications, and Trainings
- NYS State Central Register clearance, fingerprint clearance, and NYS Sex Offender Registry check
required.
- CPR/First Aid, Mandated Reporter Training, Elijah's Law/anaphylaxis training, and any additional DYCD, OCFS, SACC, or IHDF required training may be required.
- Participation in required professional development, staff meetings, and training sessions is required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of youth development, age-appropriate programming, positive behavior support, and culturally responsive practice.
- Strong organizational, communication, coaching, facilitation, and staff support skills.
- Ability to create, review, and support lesson plans, curricula, and activity schedules.
- Ability to provide constructive feedback to staff and support continuous improvement.
- Ability to maintain accurate records, follow compliance requirements, maintain confidentiality, and manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to work collaboratively with youth, families, school staff, community partners, and internal teams while supporting safe, inclusive spaces for youth and families to learn and thrive.
Physical and Cognitive Requirements necessary to perform this job
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, analytical, and communication skills; ability to stand, sit, walk, move throughout program spaces, observe activities, conduct oral presentations, read, write, and communicate effectively.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Content Specialist / Program Coordinator reports to the Program Director. This role may provide guidance, coaching, and support to Activity Specialists, Group Leaders, Youth Workers, AmeriCorps members, volunteers, interns, and other program staff as assigned.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
IHDF offers competitive compensation based on the organization's compensation philosophy, which is grounded in market data. The salary range for this position is $50,000-$60,000 depending on qualifications. IHDF offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, vision and dental insurance, mileage, paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays.
IHDF is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and people who identify as LGBTQ+.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
