Afterschool Program Site Manager, Cambridge

Job Description

Job Description:\n\nUnder the direction of Director of Afterschool Programs, the Afterschool Program Site Manager oversees and manages the day-to-day operations of our new Discovery Club afterschool program site in Cambridge. Serving as the primary on-site leader with meaningful autonomy and accountability for site-level program delivery, staff support, and family relationships, the site manager ensures a safe, engaging, and well-run program for children and families while supervising staff, maintaining compliance, and serving as the primary on-site leader. This role partners closely with the Director of Afterschool Programs to implement shared standards and continuously strengthen program quality. The Program Manager is the first point of contact for this satellite program, is primarily responsible for the quality and culture of the site on a daily basis, and is a key contributor to the broader afterschool program across JCCGB for continuity and alignment. JCC Greater Boston is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston’s core values - Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation - which resonate with many who do not identify as Jewish. Primary responsibilities include, and are not limited to: 1. Site Operations & Program Implementation Serve as the primary on-site leader during program hours, managing daily operations and program delivery with confidence, consistency, and sound professional judgment. Lead daily operations including scheduling, staffing coverage, attendance, and transitions, ensuring a smooth, safe, and well-organized program environment. Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios and full adherence to safety procedures at all times; exercise independent judgment in managing routine operational challenges, and consult with the Director on more complex issues as they arise. Manage space setup, supply needs, and site cleanliness in coordination with facilities staff and site partnership agreements. Implement curriculum and enrichment plans developed in alignment with program standards and in collaboration with the Director, ensuring all activities are engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate. Support educators in classroom management, behavior guidance, and daily program routines, serving as the consistent on-site leadership presence for program staff. Adapt programming as needed to meet the needs of diverse learners, bringing concerns or patterns to the Director's attention for collaborative problem-solving. Cultivate a warm, organized, and nurturing environment that reflects the program's values and supports the wellbeing of every child. 2. Family Engagement & Community Relations Serve as the primary point of contact for families at the Cambridge site, building positive, trust-based relationships through consistent, professional, and caring communication. Communicate proactively and regularly with families regarding schedules, programming, and their children's daily experiences. Respond to parent questions and concerns with professionalism and care, independently managing routine communications and day-to-day family needs. Escalate complex, sensitive, or unresolved family concerns to the Director of After Schools in a timely and appropriate manner, with the expectation of active director partnership in resolution. Contribute to a welcoming, community-centered environment at drop-off and pick-up that strengthens family connection to the program and to JCCGB. Manage routine day-to-day coordination with host site partners and shared-space stakeholders, escalating more complex or persistent challenges to the Director as needed. 3. Compliance, Documentation & Collaboration Maintain accurate site records and ensure regulatory compliance, working in close partnership with the Director of After Schools on documentation systems, organizational planning, and continuous improvement. Maintain required EEC licensing documentation and daily program records in accordance with regulatory standards and organizational policies. Participate in licensing visits, internal audits, and compliance-related trainings, with support and preparation guidance from the Director. Communicate regularly and proactively with the Director of After Schools regarding staffing, enrollment, program needs, and emerging site issues. Participate in cross-site leadership meetings and planning conversations, contributing a Cambridge site perspective and practical feedback to inform organizational decision-making. Bring a solutions-oriented mindset to daily challenges, taking initiative on matters within the scope of the role while actively engaging the Director's guidance on more complex operational or programmatic questions. Standard Leadership ExpectationsActively model JCC Greater Boston’s mission, vision, and values, fostering a positive, welcoming, inclusive culture where individuals feel valued, respected, and supported to succeed.Lead with integrity, positivity, and accountability, building trust and modeling the behaviors that strengthen organizational culture.Maintain a safety-first, solution-oriented mindset that prioritizes inclusion, risk awareness, and high standards of service and accountability.Set and communicate a clear vision aligned with organizational priorities and lead change with clarity, empathy, and resilience.Build collaborative partnerships across teams, volunteers, vendors, and community stakeholders while representing the organization with professionalism.Drive operational excellence through sound judgment, data-informed decision-making, and responsible financial stewardship.Provide calm, decisive leadership in complex or high-pressure situations while promoting continuous improvement and professional growth.Attend JCCGB All Staff meetings, and other meetings and trainings as assigned.Perform other duties as required to support departmental and organizational success. Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervise, coach, and support afterschool educators and any support staff Supervisory responsibilities include, and are not limited to: Lead daily check-ins, staff communication, and on-the-spot problem-solving Support onboarding and training of new staff Provide input for performance evaluations and professional development needs Foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration, accountability, and joy  Identify key areas of staff growth and set individual annual goals aligned with strategic plan, and departmental objectives. Observe staff performance to ensure high standards of quality, instruction, and safety; oversee overall performance and progress of goals and conduct performance reviews in accordance with JCC standards and the Performance Management Program Review and update goals periodically to ensure continued alignment with organizational priorities. Uphold JCC policies and procedures and model alignment. Create and maintain an environment that supports professional growth and achievement. Build and maintain a positive working relationship to achieve desired outcomes and the ongoing professional growth of the direct report. Conduct regular check-ins, supervisory meetings to provide ongoing guidance, coaching, and direction, and conduct formal assessments following JCC’s Performance Management process. Provide clear, constructive developmentally-based and growth-oriented feedback; implement course correction action when needed. Assist in scheduling, hiring, onboarding, and training staff for assigned positions. Ensure all staff are properly trained in JCC safety and customer service protocols, and fulfill compliance training requests. Facilitate continuous professional development opportunities. Assist with the management of time and attendance of staff and ensure correct reporting of payroll for processing in accordance with established PR procedures and deadlines. Communicate effectively with supervisors and/or HR regarding departmental or personnel issues. Foster a positive, collaborative work culture that promotes teamwork, accountability, and service excellence. This full-time, salaried position offers a comprehensive benefits package, a supportive in-person work environment, and a competitive starting salary range of $59,000 - 62,000 K annually. The salary offered will ultimately be determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and JCC's internal equity. About JCC Greater Boston Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to its mission of creating a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse community by nurturing meaningful and lasting relationships. Through our network of early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes, JCC Greater Boston provides highly valued connections, learning, and experiences for the Jewish community and friends. JCC Greater Boston staff enjoy working in an innovative, friendly, and welcoming environment where their talents and contributions are appreciated. In our recent employee survey, staff rated their direct management and organizational alignment experiences close to 90% positive. If you want to upgrade your working experience and have a better work-life balance, we encourage you to explore becoming part of the JCC team! The JCC is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston's core values: Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation, which we hope resonate with all. To learn more about what makes JCC Greater Boston a wonderful place to work, please visit our careers page at JCC Greater Boston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich a diverse environment, we actively encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented group. Requirements Education and Experience: College degree required - bachelor’s degree strongly preferred. Requires 2–4 years of experience in afterschool, camp, or youth programming, including at least 1-2 years prior experience supervising staff or a program. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC’s discretion to meet this minimum hiring criteria. Skills and Abilities: Must have strong computer skills: social media literacy, proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel. Requires knowledge and familiarity with the needs of families with school aged children, with a creative ability to translate ideas, feedback, and data into innovative and meaningful experiences that meet the needs of after school families, including but not limited to: Strong interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment Displays project management skills from design to implementation, managing deadlines with great attention to detail and maintaining high quality standards. Demonstrates excellent organizational and time management skills Demonstrates the ability to multitask and manage situations effectively and diplomatically; ability to adapt to evolving needs and circumstances. Must be a self-starter who takes the initiative. Demonstrates a history of superb interpersonal and active listening skills Must have a record of successfully working well independently and with others, building/sustaining collaborative working relationships. Demonstrates a commitment to building strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders. Physical Requirements: This primarily in-person position is based in Cambridge. Certain administrative tasks may be performed remotely. Must be able to handle a fast-paced, child-centered work environment. In the course of regular work, you may need to bend, reach, lift and carry up to 30 lbs and able to get down at eye level with children regularly. Must be able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities. Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time. ADA Statement: Individuals must possess these criteria for knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation and using some other combination of skills and abilities. Benefits In addition to a rewarding career within our mission-driven, values-driven, and family-centric environment, JCC Greater Boston proudly offers full-time employees a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes:Competitive cost-sharing Health and Dental Insurance JCC Sponsored/Paid Health Reimbursement Account JCC Sponsored/Paid Group Life Insurance/LTD CoverageGenerous paid time off supporting a quality work-life balanceTax-deferred 403(b) retirement savings plan Voluntary Supplemental Vision InsuranceAdditional Voluntary Supplemental Life/ADD coverage for you and your familyAbilityAssist Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Norton Cyber Security ProgramLegalEase Insurance program JCCGB Perks! This position is eligible for a free individual membership to JCC Greater Boston's top class fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Newton – offering virtual and in-person programs including indoor swimming, many fitness classes, and workout facilities, as well as discounts to many JCCGB events, classes, outdoor pool, and more! Complimentary individual membership includes: Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal-Sidman Access to group fit classes, Arts & Culture adult programming at member rates Discounts on a variety JCCGB's fitness/wellness programs and servicesFree wellness events!Discounted child care at JCCGB Early Learning Centers and after-school programDiscounted JCCGB camp tuition Benefits are subject to review and change by the Organization, and plan documents are the primary determinant. A Great Place to Work! JCC Greater Boston is consciously evolving as a great place to work! In our recent 2023 employee engagement survey, at least 88% of our staff gave us top ratings on:Supportive colleaguesTeam camaraderieHow their managers treat themIndividual autonomyKnowing what their work contributes to and how it impacts others