Project New Yorker is seeking to hire multiple Program Directors for its center-based COMPASS Elementary and Middle School after-school programs. Under the supervision of the leadership, the Program Director serves as the strategic and operational leader for our Afterschool initiative. This multifaceted role requires a dynamic professional capable of managing all aspects of a successful, holistic youth development program. Ideal Candidates will be experienced in:
Team Leadership: Supervising, mentoring, and leading a diverse staff team to deliver high-quality programming.
Program Excellence: Designing, creating, and implementing engaging and impactful programming that meets the developmental needs of all participants.
Inclusion and Mental Wellness: Prioritizing and integrating mental health support, case management, and social-emotional learning initiatives for both program participants and staff. Ensuring programming and day-to-day operations are welcoming to children of all abilities.
Operational Management: Meticulously managing program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and maintaining compliance with all contractual agreements and reporting requirements.
Qualifications:
Must have one (1) of the following:
- Associate’s Degree in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field; or
- A New York State Children’s Program Administrator Credential;
- A School-Age Child Care Credential or other Office-recognized credential specific to the school-age developmental period; or
- Two (2) years of college with 18 credits in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field
- Minimum (2) years of direct experience working with children under the age of 13.
- Minimum (1) year of experience in a supervisory capacity in a childcare program or related field of work.
- Current Pediatrics CPR or First Aid certification preferred.
Responsibilities
- Direct programs serving the designated grade level band (K-5 or 6-8), ensuring all activities and services are age-appropriate and aligned with DYCD program requirements.
- Ensure programs and services are deeply integrated into the specific community we serve and meet the diverse needs of all community members.
- Develop and execute effective strategies for recruiting and retaining participants, aiming for consistently high attendance rates and sustained program engagement.
- Develop and utilize quantitative measures, quality monitoring tools, and external evaluations to demonstrate program effectiveness.
- Routinely analyze data and assessment results to identify trends, measure outcomes, and implement adjustments designed to continuously improve program quality and meet or exceed all established program goals.
- Successfully establish, maintain, and leverage connections with local community partners, and external evaluators to enhance program services, increase resource availability, and ensure sustained program success.
- Lead staff in implementation of comprehensive mental wellness support for both participants & families.
- Provide mental wellness resources to kids and families, and ensure staff are well-trained to create a supportive environment and identify participants who may benefit from mental wellness support/referrals.
- Coordinate and implement a crisis plan to support various participant/family needs.
- Oversee the selection of an evidence-based SEL curriculum that is adaptable to a dynamic after-school setting (COMPASS Elementary and/or SONYC).
- Ensure all SEL programming is deliberate and clearly defines the specific social and emotional competencies that staff seek to develop in participants.
- Manage the program budget, order all supplies in a timely manner, and track all expenses.
- Recruit and retain a strong staff team with diverse abilities and backgrounds. Team skills and schedules must ensure that all aspects of the COMPASS program are delivered with an outstanding level of program quality.
- Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with site partners, local school administration, and staff members.
- Proactively coordinate and discuss planned activity schedules, particularly those related to STEAM and Literacy initiatives, to ensure alignment and integration with DYCD requirements and goals.
- Maintain accurate program documentation as required by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD), and Project New Yorker.
- Understand and communicate Project New Yorker’s core values and the goals of its Afterschool Program to participants and families.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians and caregivers through regular communication regarding their child’s strengths and areas for growth.
- Manage communications and keep a log regarding injuries or incidents, as needed.
- Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.
- Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.
- Adhere to all Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of Health (DOH), Project New Yorker, community partner, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required screenings and clearances, which may include:
- Background check
- Fingerprinting
- State Central Register clearance, where applicable
- Reference verification
Employees must successfully complete all required organizational, DYCD, and School Age Child Care (SACC) trainings upon hire and throughout employment.
How To Apply: Please email your resume, a cover letter explaining your interest in the role, and contact information for 3 professional references in ONE PDF to [email protected]
Pay: $30.00 - $33.00 per hour
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- Are you CPR Certified?
- Do You have at least one (1) of the following:
Associate’s Degree in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field; or
A New York State Children’s Program Administrator Credential;
A School-Age Child Care Credential or other Office-recognized credential specific to the school-age developmental period; or
Two (2) years of college with 18 credits in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field.
Work Location: In person
