Program Director - Afterschool Program

We hire for this position in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Manhattan.  

Openings vary across 30 sites throughout the school year. Our complete list is at nyjtl.org/aces-sites  

About New York Junior Tennis & Learning  

For over fifty years, New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) has honored its founder Arthur Ashe’s legacy by celebrating the diversity of children, encouraging them to reach their highest potential through free tennis and academic programs. NYJTL is the largest provider of youth tennis and education programs in the nation, providing services in 100 unique sites across all five boroughs while reaching nearly 90,000 kids. In addition, NYJTL designed, funded (with NYC), built and operates the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in the South Bronx. All NYJTL community tennis and after school programs are offered at no cost to its participants. 

The mission of NYJTL is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court. It believes life skills gained through tennis, academics, healthy living, and character development are a catalyst for long-term achievement. 

Position Summary:  

The Program Director provides overall leadership and management for a DYCD-funded after-school program. This position is responsible for contract compliance, program quality, staff supervision, school partnership, family engagement, and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment that meets DYCD performance indicators and agency standards. 

Primary Responsibilities  

Program Leadership & Compliance 

• Oversee all aspects of daily program operations in alignment with DYCD COMPASS/SONYC guidelines, SACC/DOHMH regulations, and agency policies.
• Ensure compliance with enrollment targets, hours of operation, activity requirements, and staffing ratios.
• Serve as primary contact for DYCD program managers, school administration, and agency leadership.
• Prepare for and participatein DYCD site visits, monitoring, and audits; implement corrective action plans as needed.

Program Design & Quality 

• In collaboration with the Education Specialist, ensure a balanced schedule that includes academics, enrichment, recreation, and social-emotional learning.
• Monitor and support quality of instruction, youth engagement, and behavior management across all activities.
• Use data (attendance, surveys, observations, assessments) to drive continuous program improvement.
• Ensure youth voice and choice are integrated into program planning and activities.

Staff Supervision & Development 

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise program staff (Assistant Director, Education Specialist, Group Leaders, Activity Specialists, Tutors, and Support Staff).
• Conduct regular staff meetings, one-on-ones, and performance evaluations.
• Provide coaching and feedback; identify professional development needs and coordinate trainings.
• Manage staff schedules, time sheets, and coverage to ensure adequate supervision and program continuity.

School & Community Partnerships 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with school leadership, teachers, counselors, and support staff.
• Coordinate with school-day personnel to align program activities with academic and social-emotional priorities.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations, arts/sports providers, and volunteers.

Family Engagement & Communication 

• Promote regular communication with families through newsletters, calls, emails, meetings, and events.
• Plan and oversee family engagement activities (family nights, showcases, orientations, etc.).
• Address parent/guardian concerns promptly and professionally.
• Administration, Data, & Budget
• Ensureaccurateandtimelydata entry into DYCD Connect and any internal data systems (attendance, enrollment, activities).
• Track progress toward contract deliverables and prepare reports for agency leadership and funders.
• Manage program budget in collaboration with central office; monitor expenses and purchasing within approved limits.
• Maintain complete and organized program records (enrollment, incident reports, staff files, etc.).

Safety & Crisis Management 

• Ensure implementation of all safety procedures, including arrival/dismissal, emergency drills, incident reporting, and mandated reporting.
• Respond to emergencies, behavioral crises, and conflicts following agency and DYCD protocols.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all youth and staff.

Required Skills/Experience:  

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Youth Development, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in youth development, after-school, or related fields, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong understanding of DYCD-funded programs, positive youth development, and NYC after-school landscape.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with school staff, families, and community partners.

Preferred: 

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience managing a DYCD COMPASS/SONYC contract.
• Familiarity with SACC/DOHMH regulations and NYC DOE systems.
• Bilingual language skills.