Director of Afterschool Programs

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Afterschool Programs

DREAM Program, Inc. Department: Programs
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Travel: Approximately 85-90%; Must be able to travel to all afterschool program locations across Philadelphia. Evening programming and occasional weekend events are expected throughout the school year.

  Position Summary

DREAM is seeking a collaborative, strategic, and youth-centered Director of Afterschool Programs to lead and strengthen high-quality afterschool programming across our Philadelphia region. Grounded in the needs of youth and families living in Philadelphia’s affordable housing communities, this role will ensure that local programming reflects DREAM’s mission while responding to the unique strengths and opportunities of the communities we serve.

Based in Philadelphia, the Director of Afterschool Programs serves as the regional leader for all afterschool enrichment initiatives, providing vision, oversight, and support to staff, AmeriCorps members, volunteers, and community partners. This position is responsible for cultivating engaging, safe, and impactful programming that promotes academic growth, social-emotional development, and meaningful relationships for youth throughout the school year.

Beyond leading the Philadelphia region, this role will serve as a key organizational thought partner in shaping DREAM’s broader afterschool strategy. As one of the organization’s primary afterschool leaders, the Director will help develop, refine, and document best practices, systems, and resources that can be adapted by other DREAM regions as afterschool programming continues to grow. By modeling excellence in Philadelphia, this position will play an instrumental role in establishing a scalable, high-quality afterschool framework that supports consistent program implementation across the organization while remaining responsive to local community needs.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader, systems thinker, and coach who thrives in building relationships, developing teams, and translating innovative ideas into sustainable, high-quality programming that advances DREAM’s mission and impact.

Overview of Responsibilities

Lead Regional Afterschool Programming

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for DREAM’s afterschool programming across the Philadelphia region, ensuring programming reflects the needs, strengths, and aspirations of youth and families living in local affordable housing communities.
• Ensure consistent implementation of DREAM’s youth development philosophy, curriculum, and program quality standards across all Philadelphia sites.
• Foster a culture of safety, belonging, literacy, academic enrichment, and social-emotional-development where every young person can thrive.
• Regularly assess program quality through observations, data analysis, and stakeholder feedback, using insights to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• Build authentic relationships with youth, families, schools, housing partners, and community organizations to strengthen engagement and deepen community impact.

Strengthen and Scale DREAM’s Afterschool Model

• Serve as a regional leader whose work helps shape and refine DREAM’s organizational approach to afterschool programming.
• Partner with national and regional leaders to develop and document best practices, systems, and resources that support consistent, high-quality implementation across regions.
• Pilot innovative strategies and evaluate program effectiveness to inform future expansion and organizational learning.
• Contribute to the development of scalable tools, training resources, and operational frameworks that strengthen DREAM’s growing afterschool portfolio.

Provide Supervision and Leadership

• Recruit, supervise, coach, and develop Philadelphia-based program staff, AmeriCorps members, interns, and volunteers.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture grounded in accountability, continuous learning, and shared ownership.
• Provide regular supervision, performance feedback, and professional development that empowers staff to deliver exceptional youth experiences.
• Model DREAM’s values through coaching, relationship-building, and responsive leadership.

Coordinate Partnerships and Operations

• Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with schools, housing communities, community-based organizations, and local stakeholders throughout Philadelphia.
• Oversee regional program operations, including enrollment, scheduling, staffing, resource management, and communication to ensure efficient and responsive program delivery.
• Collaborate across departments to align regional operations with organizational priorities and support seamless implementation of programming.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, funder requirements, risk management protocols, and youth safety standards.

Support Organizational Growth

• Represent the Philadelphia region as a strategic thought partner in organizational planning, cross-regional collaboration, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in organizational trainings, retreats, leadership meetings, and special projects that strengthen DREAM’s overall impact.
• Share successes, challenges, and lessons learned from Philadelphia to inform decision-making and support emerging afterschool programs in other DREAM regions.
• Champion a culture of innovation, equity, collaboration, and continuous improvement that advances DREAM’s mission and long-term vision.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• 2–7 years of experience in youth development, education, mentoring, afterschool programs, or nonprofit leadership.
• Experience supervising employees, volunteers, and teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives and execute program goals.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience developing systems, processes, or program models preferred.
• Familiarity with AmeriCorps requirements and youth-serving programs preferred.
• Experience working across multiple teams or locations is a plus.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Creativity, flexibility, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• A contagious energy for DREAM's mission and youth development.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for this position is based on experience and qualifications.

Anticipated salary: $55,000–$65,000 annually , along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Employees also receive:

• Access to Employee Assistance Program.
• DREAM gear/uniform provided and required.
• Reimbursement for work-related travel expenses.
• Opportunities for leadership development and cross-regional collaboration.

About DREAM

DREAM partners with youth and families living in affordable housing communities to close the Opportunity Gap through mentoring, social-emotional learning, and enrichment programs.

DREAM is a flexible, mission-driven workplace that values autonomy and trust. We are looking for someone who takes ownership of their work and thrives in an environment where initiative is recognized and rewarded. This is a role for someone who is energized by meaningful work, comfortable navigating a growing organization, and ready to make a real impact.

Operating across multiple regions, DREAM values collaboration, adaptability, and accountability. We seek teammates who are excited to contribute beyond their immediate responsibilities, support colleagues across the organization, and help strengthen programs for the youth and communities we serve.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The DREAM Program is an equal opportunity employer and incorporated 501(c)(3) organization. DREAM prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants.

At-Will Employment

Employment with The DREAM Program is voluntary and at-will. Employment may be terminated by either the employee or The DREAM Program, with or without cause or notice, at any time.