Program Director

Job Description

Job Description

TITLE: Cornerstone Program Director

DEPARTMENT: Youth and Community Development Services

PROGRAM: DYCD Cornerstone Initiative

LOCATION: Lafayette Gardens Community Center, 442 DeKalb Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205

WORK SCHEDULE: School Year : Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., occasional weekends 

Summer: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; at least 3 days out of the summer program weeks PD must

close program at 11pm; Saturdays & Sundays (various); 

SALARY RANGE: $70,000-$75,000 

REPORTS TO: Brooklyn Deputy Director

DATE: September 2026

JOB SUMMARY: Grand Street Settlement Cornerstone Program Directors are responsible for the overall

development, implementation, and supervision of the NYCHA Community Center. In addition, there is an

expectation of high-quality, innovative programming for our elementary, middle school, high school, and adult

participants.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree and equivalent of 5+ years in youth services required; at least 2 of those years are in a supervisory role required; master's degree in a related field preferred

• Familiarity with the community, key stakeholders, and resources

• Experienced in designing, planning, and implementing structured programs

• 2+ years in supervising more than 10 program staff 

• 2+ years of budget, contract, and grant management experience

• Ability to work independently, assess priorities, and take initiative 

• High level of proficiency in administrative work 

• Capacity to thrive under pressure while working on multiple tasks and projects

• Knowledge of the public education system and positive youth development best practices

• Strong public speaking, writing, and organizational skills 

• A team player with demonstrated commitment to working with urban youth and young adults  from an asset-based perspective

• Ability to set up and maintain a work environment that challenges gender stereotypes and is  LGBTQIA+-friendly 

• A background in partnering with the Department of Education and local community-based organizations to support programs

• Have skills in experiential learning and group facilitation with youth 

• Must be an outstanding strategic thinker

• Must be flexible, cooperative, and willing to work in a team environment 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

• Proficiency in a variety of internet research and communication functions

• Experienced in DYCD programming regulations and DYCD online

• Must obtain NYC Dept. of Health fingerprint clearance and State Central Registry (SCR)  clearance ($25 fee) 

• Must have NYS Food Handler’s Certificate 

• Must be CPR and Advanced First Aid Certified 

• Bilingual (Spanish or Chinese preferred) a plus

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program & Community Development:

• Required to complete SACC Program Director's (30-hour) credentials 

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to full-time and part-time program staff

• Recruit, hire, orient, and evaluate program staff assigned to center-based after-school program,  evenings, Saturdays, and summer day camp

• Provide direct/indirect supervision of all program staff and delivery of services on a day-to-day  basis, in order to ensure that all goals, targets, and performance outcomes are met on a   daily/weekly/monthly basis

• Responsible for participant recruitment and retention strategies by utilizing the DYCD online  report