About ASPIRA of New York
ASPIRA of New York is a mission-driven, progressive nonprofit organization founded in 1961 to advance the educational and social development of Puerto Rican, Latino, and other historically underserved communities. Rooted in cultural pride and community commitment, ASPIRA empowers youth through leadership development, academic enrichment, and civic engagement.
While grounded in Latino and Puerto Rican heritage, ASPIRA proudly serves all students—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Our inclusive approach creates equitable access to high-quality opportunities for New York City youth, with a strong focus on leadership cultivation and educational excellence.
For over six decades, ASPIRA of New York has been a powerful advocate for youth and education, impacting thousands of children, families, schools, and community organizations through transformative, culturally responsive programming across the five boroughs.
Position Overview: Program Director – Afterschool Programs (SONYC/COMPASS)
ASPIRA of New York currently operates more than 15 afterschool programs in NYC public schools, reaching nearly 6,000 students—many from low-to-moderate income households. These programs are designed to extend learning beyond the school day and close opportunity gaps for youth by providing safe, engaging, and enriching environments.
The Program Director will serve as the strategic and operational leader of a school-based afterschool program under the SONYC or COMPASS initiative. Reporting to the Managing Director, the Program Director will oversee all aspects of program implementation—including staff leadership, youth and family engagement, partner collaboration, fiscal management, compliance, and program quality assurance.
This role is ideal for a results-driven, equity-centered leader with a passion for youth development, education, and community empowerment. The successful candidate will be someone who models ASPIRA’s values of cultural pride, service, and excellence, and who leads with vision, empathy, and a deep commitment to educational justice.
Key Focus Areas:
- Lead the design and execution of high-impact afterschool programming that integrates Academic Enrichment, Service Learning, Arts, Physical Education, and Social Emotional Learning.
- Inspire, supervise, and develop a dynamic team of youth development professionals.
- Foster strong partnerships with schools, families, and community stakeholders to ensure alignment and responsiveness to youth needs.
- Drive programmatic outcomes through thoughtful planning, data-informed decision-making, and ongoing evaluation.
- Ensure full compliance with Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), NYC Department of Education (DOE), and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) regulations.
Responsibilities:
- Curriculum Alignment & Enrichment: Collaborate with school-day leadership to ensure ASPIRA’s afterschool curriculum complements and reinforces daytime instruction while incorporating youth development principles. Design engaging, age-appropriate, and culturally responsive programming that supports academic growth, creativity, and personal development.
- Innovative Program Design & Leadership: Lead the development and implementation of high-quality afterschool curriculum that reflects ASPIRA’s mission and the needs of the school community. Ensure programming provides a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and leadership among students.
- Holistic Student Development: Provide and sustain enriching programming that balances academic support with opportunities for physical activity, social-emotional learning, arts, STEM, civic engagement, and leadership development. Prioritize inclusive, empowering experiences that resonate with students’ identities and lived experiences.
- Data-Driven Program Management: Collect, track, and analyze data related to program attendance, participation, student progress, and outcomes. Use data to make informed decisions, assess program impact, and drive continuous improvement. Maintain proper student-to-staff ratios in compliance with NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) standards.
- Activity Planning & Cultural Engagement: Develop and execute engaging activities that spark student interest and enhance learning beyond the classroom. Organize community-building experiences such as performances, family nights, special events, service learning projects, and field trips that deepen student connection and broaden exposure.
- Family & Community Partnership: Build trusting relationships with families, caregivers, and community members to support student success and increase engagement. Serve as a key connector between families, the school, and ASPIRA’s broader mission and resources.
- School & Stakeholder Collaboration: Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with the school Principal, teachers, and support staff. Attend regular planning meetings to ensure alignment, responsiveness to student needs, and shared accountability. Foster connections with subcontractors and external partners to enhance program offerings.
- Staff Leadership & Development: Recruit, onboard, train, and supervise a high-performing afterschool team. Provide ongoing feedback and support through regular staff meetings and one-on-one supervision. Create individualized professional development plans that promote growth, engagement, and long-term retention. Submit bi-weekly payroll and communicate staffing needs to the Managing Director.
- Operational Oversight & Compliance: Ensure timely and accurate maintenance of all records, including attendance, program schedules, and activity documentation, in compliance with DYCD requirements. Oversee the safe and effective daily operation of the afterschool program.
- Professional Growth & Representation: Attend and contribute to all DYCD-mandated meetings and organizational professional development sessions. Represent ASPIRA and the program at school-based and community events, fostering a positive presence and commitment to excellence.
- Additional Duties: Carry out additional responsibilities or special projects as assigned by the Managing Director, contributing to the growth and success of the program and the organization.
Requirements:
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field required; Master’s Degree preferred, especially in education, youth development, social work, or related areas.
- Experience in Supervision: Minimum of 3 years of experience in supervising program staff, with a proven ability to foster collaboration, drive results, and cultivate a positive team culture.
- Youth Development Expertise: At least 5 years of experience working in youth development, academic enrichment, or recreational programming—preferably in an elementary or middle school setting. Demonstrated commitment to the social, emotional, and academic growth of young people.
- Mission Alignment: A deep dedication to ASPIRA of New York’s mission and educational goals, with a passion for empowering youth and supporting their development as future leaders.
- Program Innovation: Extensive experience in program planning and development. Must be open to learning and implementing new, evidence-based strategies to engage students, promote creativity, and encourage perseverance, critical thinking, and positive risk-taking.
- Project & Contract Management: Proven ability to manage complex projects and contracts. Must be organized, detail-oriented, and able to effectively prioritize and meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative Leadership: Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire, support, and work collaboratively with diverse teams. Must demonstrate initiative and accountability, while also valuing teamwork, open communication, and shared success.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) School-Age Child Care (SACC) policies and procedures is a strong plus.
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be able to engage effectively with youth, families, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
- Administrative & Technical Proficiency: Strong organizational and administrative skills, including the ability to manage data and reporting. Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Forms, etc.) and other standard office technology required.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $66,300.00 per year
Education:
Work Location: In person
