Position Summary:

The Program Director is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the program, which is funded by the Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD). Responsibilities include but are not limited to the hiring, training, evaluation, supervision, and management of daily operations of a diverse staff ranging from seasoned activity specialists to high school interns. Additionally, the Program Director is responsible for program development, managing relations with schools and partners, managing the program’s budget, and meeting all contractual DYCD obligations. The Program Director will be responsible for marketing the program to target communities and schools, representing the program at off-site meetings and conferences, and establishing relationships with colleges and universities. The individual will participate in grant writing and fundraising efforts on behalf of the program, as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Implement a program focused on social and emotional support activities tied to project-based learning.
• Ensure DYCD online database is updated weekly, including attendance, work scope, program schedule, and staffing.
• Ensure Challenge Based Learning, Clubs, and Health and Wellness workshops, which allow the students to learn in smaller groups.
• Create and maintain a welcoming, productive, and encouraging environment for participants, their families, and community members.
• Ensure a strong relationship between the school day curriculum and the COMPASS program; conduct regular meetings with the principal and key school staff, and attend school and curriculum development training.
• To generate support, articulate the program’s vision, mission, and goals to East Harlem CBOs, school staff, administrators, students, families, and community leaders.
• Collaborate with families to solve problems.
• Facilitate weekly team meetings with program staff and partners.
• Monthly supervisory meetings with key staff to discuss performance, strengths, and challenges
• Host monthly parent meetings.
• Manage other privately funded contracts.
• Ensure program milestones are met.
• Produce program reports as needed.
• Participate in Youth Services programmatic committees.
• Attend committee, programmatic, departmental, and agency-wide leadership staff meetings.
• Additional duties as assigned by the Deputy Director and Program Managers.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education/Social Work or related field preferred, not required;
• (OR) Associate's degree in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation or a related field AND Two years of direct experience working with children under 13 years of age, including at least one year in a supervisory capacity in a child care program or related field of work;
• (OR) School Age Child Care Credential or other Office recognized credential specific to the school-age developmental period. AND Two years of direct experience working with children under 13 years, including at least one year in a supervisory capacity in a childcare program or related field of work;
• At a minimum, three years of experience in youth development programs providing educational enrichment activities, with demonstrated success providing services to elementary/middle school school-age youth in direct service or supervisory role.
• Knowledge of performance-based contracts.
• Familiarity with the DYCD-funded COMPASS programs is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience practicing youth development principles and working with urban youth ages 5 to 16.
• Have demonstrated an understanding of the challenges facing youth in an urban setting.
• Ability and commitment to create a positive environment built on supportive relationships among staff and students.
• Capacity to empower staff to serve as role models for students and create high expectations for student behavior, school and program attendance, work habits, and attitudes toward learning
• Strong verbal and written skills.
• Strong, demonstrated computer skills.
• Demonstrated ability to perform multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced, challenging, and constantly changing environment.
• Strong commitment to working with youth.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

• Leading Others: Creates a sense of urgency throughout the organization on the importance of achieving outcomes. Inspires, influences, and enables team members to reach their goals
• Facilitating Change: Approaches challenges with creativity and flexibility. Demonstrates analytical thinking. Guides change to meet Union Settlement’s goals.
• Managing Performance: Evaluates and revises goals semi-annually with the team. Provides consistent supervision and documents performance highlights and concerns
• Applying and Developing Expertise: Embraces and leads the team to achieve milestones. Seeks and supports professional development opportunities for team members. Manages finances and budgets effectively
• Communicating and Collaborating: Listens well and actively engages with others with honesty and integrity and holds team accountable to the same standard