Afterschool Program Coordinator

About Us

Harlem Grown is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability and nutrition. We operate local urban farms, increase access to and knowledge of healthy food for Harlem residents, and provide farm-based development programs to Harlem youth.

Founded in 2011 by Tony Hillery with one school partnership, one urban farm and an idea to help Harlem children, today Harlem Grown’s farms and greenhouses are used as classrooms and as venues to cultivate a connection to the environment and food among young people. Harlem Grown operates 14 urban agricultural sites featuring soil-based urban farms, hydroponic greenhouses, and a mushroom chamber.  All of our sites are located between 122^nd and 152^nd Streets in Central Harlem, Manhattan. 

Our Programs

Harlem Grown cultivates deep community roots by growing fresh food, strong youth, and lasting relationships. We meet children where they live, learn, and grow—offering opportunities that extend beyond our farms to the classroom and into their futures. Through Food and Farm Education, we help youth build healthy habits, leadership skills, and a deeper connection to their community. Our urban farms provide free produce and nutritious meals for families while creating joyful spaces for connection and support. Through 14 urban farms and year-round programming, we provide free produce, nutritious meals, and cooking lessons while creating joyful spaces for connection and support. In addition, our programs increase economic opportunity for families and develop leadership and advocacy skills so participants can drive transformational change in their communities.

At Harlem Grown, we grow healthy children and communities through hands-on education, access to resources, and long-term youth support. Our Food and Farm Education —including summer camp, in-school and after-school programs, mobile education, service learning, and farm tours—delivers farm-based lessons to children in our community. We offer free community resources like farmstands, Saturdays on the farm, and events that provide fresh food and create spaces for support and connection. Through academic support, internships, and career readiness programs, we help our young people build confidence and skills to thrive from elementary school through adulthood.

Position Overview:

The Afterschool Program Coordinator reports to the Site Director and works a Monday through Friday schedule to support the daily operations and compliance of Harlem Grown's youth and community programming. We are currently hiring for one position based at the Frederick Samuel Community Center.

This role centers on two priorities: ensuring the program remains in full compliance with DOH, DYCD, and SACC requirements through accurate documentation, operational readiness, and consistent day-to-day procedures, and driving recruitment and enrollment so that afterschool and summer camp programs operate at full capacity.

The Coordinator also supervises Activity Specialists and Group Leaders, supports summer programming, and provides program coverage as needed, including stepping into classrooms or leading activities. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to creating a positive, safe, and supportive environment for participants, families, staff, and community partners.

Responsibilities 

Compliance & Program Quality 

• Support compliance with all applicable DOH, SACC, DYCD, and Harlem Grown policies, procedures, and licensing requirements. 

• Support and monitor key program records, including student enrollment, attendance, medical and consent forms, and employee documentation. 

• Support the timely completion, collection, and renewal of all required program documents, certificates, and internal compliance materials for school-age child care and summer camp operations. 

• Prepare the program for inspections, site visits, and compliance reviews by keeping documentation, procedures, and practices current. 

• Monitor health, safety, supervision, and staff-to-participant ratio practices to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and organizational expectations. 

• Review lesson plans to ensure activities are age-appropriate, experiential, educationally sound, and aligned with Harlem Grown’s logic model. 

Recruitment & Enrollment 

• Lead recruitment efforts to achieve and maintain full enrollment for after-school and summer camp programs. 

• Greet participants and their families, provide information about program services, and sign participants in and out throughout program operating hours. 

• Develop relationships with parents through family engagement strategies and regular communication. 

• Support community outreach, marketing, and family events that drive enrollment and retention. 

Program Operations & Staff Supervision 

• Supervise and evaluate the performance of Activity Specialists, Group Leaders, and other program staff. 

• Support the onboarding and training of staff and interns, with an emphasis on compliance, safety, supervision, and program procedures. 

• Support the coordination of staff and program schedules. 

• Step in as the lead in a classroom when needed to support program coverage and ensure continuity of daily activities. 

• Assist with Summer Camp by providing both administrative and programmatic support. 

• Support program evaluation and reporting requirements. 

• Work closely with the Program Leadership Team to ensure programs align with Harlem Grown’s mission, goals, and regulatory requirements. 

• Serve as a role model, demonstrating and reinforcing Harlem Grown’s core values. 

• Perform additional duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Required  

• Bachelor’s degree 

• Must be 18 years of age or older 

• 1-year supervisory experience within an educational or nonprofit context. 

• Demonstrated experience in program coordination or management, preferably within an educational or nonprofit context. 

• Proven ability to lead, train, and manage a diverse team of staff and volunteers. 

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with a keen attention to detail. 

• Excellent communication skills for effective interaction with students, parents, staff, and community members. 

• Experience in budget management and program evaluation. 
• Familiarity with compliance regulations and best practices for licensed programs. 

At Harlem Grown, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. We are an equal opportunity employer, and are committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, where each individual feels as if their identity, experience, and values are represented and supported. We are dedicated to creating a space where children, especially those of color, are given the opportunity and skills to lead healthy and ambitious lives. We strongly believe in building a team that reflects and appreciates the underrepresented population of students, families, and people that we serve. Become a member of our family.