Program Director

Position Type: Full-Time

Program: LES S.T.A.R.S. Afterschool Program (DYCD COMPASS School-Based)

Reports To: Executive Director of Afterschool Programs

Location: NYC Public School Site (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, or other assigned location)

The Program Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and daily operation of an LES S.T.A.R.S. Afterschool Program funded by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). The Program Director ensures the delivery of a safe, engaging, and high-quality afterschool program that promotes academic achievement, social-emotional development, youth leadership, family engagement, and enrichment opportunities for students.

The Program Director supervises all site staff, maintains compliance with DYCD, NYC Public Schools, and LES policies, develops strong partnerships with school leadership and families, and ensures the program consistently meets or exceeds contractual performance expectations.

Essential Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Operations

• Direct all daily operations of the afterschool program.
• Ensure program activities align with LES, DYCD, and school objectives.
• Develop and maintain daily program schedules.
• Supervise program setup, dismissal, and emergency procedures.
• Ensure student safety and positive youth development practices.
• Monitor program quality and implement continuous improvements.
• Maintain an organized, professional, and welcoming program environment.

Staff Supervision

• Recruit, interview, onboard, train, and supervise site staff.
• Conduct staff meetings and professional development.
• Observe staff performance and provide coaching.
• Complete performance evaluations.
• Monitor staff attendance, timekeeping, and schedules.
• Foster teamwork and a positive work culture.

DYCD Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with all DYCD COMPASS School-Based requirements.
• Maintain accurate attendance records.
• Ensure timely entry of required data into DYCD systems.
• Monitor participant enrollment and retention.
• Maintain participant files and required documentation.
• Prepare for DYCD monitoring visits and audits.
• Ensure all required policies and procedures are followed.

School Partnership

• Serve as the primary liaison between LES and the school administration.
• Build positive relationships with principals, assistant principals, teachers, guidance counselors, and school support staff.
• Coordinate space usage and special events.
• Participate in school meetings when appropriate.
• Support alignment between school-day and afterschool programming.

Family Engagement

• Develop meaningful partnerships with parents and caregivers.
• Organize family engagement workshops and events.
• Communicate regularly regarding student progress and participation.
• Respond professionally to parent concerns.
• Encourage family participation in LES activities.

Student Development

• Ensure delivery of:
• Homework assistance
• Academic enrichment
• STEM
• Literacy
• Arts
• Sports and recreation
• Leadership development
• College and career awareness
• Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
• Character development
• Promote student attendance and retention.
• Support positive behavior interventions.
• Encourage youth leadership opportunities.

Budget & Administrative Responsibilities

• Monitor site expenditures.
• Assist with purchasing and inventory.
• Maintain equipment and supply records.
• Ensure proper use of program resources.
• Submit required reports on time.
• Maintain confidential student and staff records.

Community Partnerships

• Develop partnerships with community organizations.
• Coordinate guest speakers and enrichment opportunities.
• Represent LES professionally throughout the community.
• Promote LES programs and services.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Human Services, Social Work, Public Administration, Youth Development, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Minimum 3 years managing youth development or afterschool programs.
• Experience supervising multidisciplinary staff.
• Experience working with school-age youth.
• Experience collaborating with schools and community organizations.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Ability to work flexible afternoon and occasional evening hours.

Preferred

• Master's Degree.
• Previous experience managing a DYCD COMPASS, SONYC, or Beacon program.
• NYC Public Schools partnership experience.
• Budget management experience.
• Grant-funded program experience.
• Bilingual (Spanish or other languages spoken by the school community).

Technical Skills

• Microsoft Word
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• Outlook
• Google Workspace
• Google Sheets
• Student Information Systems
• Attendance Management Systems
• Virtual Meeting Platforms
• Data Reporting Systems
• Budget Tracking Software

Physical Requirements

• Ability to supervise indoor and outdoor activities.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to respond appropriately during emergencies.
• Ability to travel between LES locations if needed.

Pay: $30.00 - $50.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30 - $50