Job Title:Director of Afterschool Programs

REPORTS TO: The PJA Executive Director

FTE: 1.0 FTE, Benefits Eligible

FLSA STATUS: Exempt 

ABOUT PJA: Portland Jewish Academy (PJA) is an inclusive school that strives to recognize, understand, and honor all of our families. We value the diversity in our community and we continuously work to provide an education for students in all of our programs that is equitable, accessible, and just. While PJA’s base operation is an Early Childhood and K-8 school, we also offer an on-site afterschool program for PJA students and off-site afterschool programs serving public schools in the Portland Metro area. The 2024-25 school year program will include four site locations.

JOB SUMMARY:The Director of Afterschool Programs is responsible to plan, support, supervise, evaluate and direct all aspects of before and afterschool programming. This position ensures program compliance with state licensing requirements and works in partnership with Portland Public Schools, families, staff and students in the development of programs. The Director of Afterschool Programs is responsible for ensuring that programming reflects the mission and values of Portland Jewish Academy. Upon hire, this Director of Afterschool Programs will recruit and hire the newly created Afterschool Program Registrar role and determine staffing changes for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (These examples represent the essential functions of the position. They are not, however, inclusive of all the duties the position may be assigned to perform.)

• Maintain the highest standards and best practices of PJA by ensuring that federal, state and district ordinances, licensing guidelines and compliance requirements are met across all programs. Provide effective leadership for the Afterschool Program Department. Develop departmental policies and procedures. Supervise program development; develop long- and short-term strategic plans for the department. Complete and negotiate site contracts and annual renewal agreements with the Portland Public School District; support Program Coordinator planning and coordination with host school personnel. Complete annual licensing paperwork for each program with Program Coordinators/Registrar; ensure compliance. Frequent monitoring and assessment of programming to ensure it is developmentally appropriate, high-quality, educational and fun. Ensure alignment with PJA mission and values and with district, state and host school requirements.
• Hire, train and supervise site based staff and teams; ensure adequate program staffing. Supervise and support staff to ensure quality program delivery and adherence to key program policies and practices. Develop and implement annual staff orientation and inservice training. Work with Program Registrar to monitor, support and document employee annual professional development. Conduct monthly check ins and team meetings with Program Coordinators.
• Evaluate and monitor program efficacy. Meet for program updates with a variety of stakeholders including PJA administration, host school personnel and principals, Portland Public Schools and other afterschool-affiliated organizations. Conduct monthly site visitations. Conduct parent/guardian conferences as necessary. Develop annual and semi-annual program surveys; evaluate results. Work with Program Coordinators to modify programs based upon program feedback. With Program Registrar, oversee maintenance of physical organization of all sites and shared space at PJA including program kitchen, closet, shed.
• In conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer, create and manage program budget. Collect, review, edit and submit billing and payroll information. Manage petty cash funds. With Program Registrar, manage enrollment and registration for all programs.
• Plan activities and field trips for Vacation Day programs; schedule with vendors; create participation forms each term; distribute, collect and process vacation day program enrollments; mail enrollment confirmations. Ensure Program Coordinator/Registrar maintenance of staff schedules to cover additional Vacation Day program hours.
• Ensure a smooth flow of communication between programs, families and PJA administration. Review, update and maintain website content. Ensure that all records and documents are complete and properly maintained. Compile and submit required written reports. Attend and participate in required training, functions, committees and meetings, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:Candidates may bring any combination of experience and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. This would typically include:

• Master’s Degree in an education-related field or equivalent and one year of program management experience; or five to seven years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of youth program policies, practices and operations.
• Thorough knowledge of OCC regulations and three to five years supervisory experience is strongly preferred.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Documentation of obtaining step 10 in the Oregon Registry of Professional development preferred.
• Knowledge of business management practices.
• Knowledge of leadership skills and employee support and supervisory practices.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Maintain 18 hours of approved professional development per license year. Must maintain enrolled status in the Oregon Central Background registry.
• Attain state required health and safety training and required district training within 30 days of hire.
• Knowledge of youth development and age appropriate programming, including best practices in academic enrichment, social, emotional and life skill development, youth-adult partnerships and mentoring and knowledge of developmentally-appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Knowledge of OCC licensing policies and procedures for managing a licensed child care facility.
• Ability to organize and execute work independently, sometimes under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to proactively problem solve and thrive in a fast-paced environment, often managing multiple priorities at one time.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, various computer applications (Microsoft Office, G Suite) and the use of standard office machines.
• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, creativity, energy, organization, self-motivation, empathy and patience.
• Ability to respectfully take direction from administrative partners.
• Ability to be a positive role model for youth and adults at all times.
• Ability to communicate effectively: writing correspondence as necessary and speaking before groups of prospective or current families and students or employees.
• Ability to remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high-pressure situations.
• Ability to support the PJA and its leadership and to project a positive and professional image of the PJA.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and/or sub at programs as needed.
• Ability to create and maintain accurate records and to prepare reports as necessary.
• Ability to meet and deal courteously and effectively with other employees, students and parents, regulatory agencies, community groups and the public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is performed both in an office environment and in an environment that is quite noisy and busy and may include exposure to biological and outdoor weather conditions including bodily fluids and waste; germs; childhood diseases; wet, humid or hot conditions. Physical requirements may include lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds, bending, stooping, reaching, standing, climbing, and walking.

PJA is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Portland Jewish Academy (PJA) is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, compensating, and promoting the best-qualified individuals for positions at all levels in the organization. We provide Equal Opportunity Employment (EEO) to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made based on how an individual's skills and qualifications meet the responsibilities of the position for which they have applied. An individual will be free from discrimination based on characteristics protected by law such as race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related physical, mental, or sensory disability, or other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local laws. Discrimination and/or harassment based on any of those factors are totally inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated. PJA will make reasonable accommodations, including modification of organizational policies and procedures in appropriate cases for qualified individuals with disabilities if it can do so without undue hardship.