Program Director

Benefits:

Competitive salary

Free uniforms

Training & development

COMPASS After-School Program Director — Job Description

The COMPASS After-School Program Director is the on-site leader responsible for the full implementation, management, and oversight of the COMPASS program, which serves middle or elementary school students in NYC through extended-day, after-school, and summer programming.

Program Overview

COMPASS is a youth development initiative offering hands-on STEAM learning, leadership development, wellness activities, and creative exploration. The program fosters student agency, collaboration, and social-emotional growth in inclusive environments that support diverse learning needs. It integrates project-based learning, advisory structures, community partnerships, and career-connected experiences to build confidence, technical skills, and a strong sense of belonging.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Management: Plan, implement, and evaluate high-quality academic, enrichment, recreation, STEM, arts, wellness, and social-emotional learning activities. Establish and monitor program goals, outcomes, and performance metrics

Staff Supervision & Development: Recruit, hire, onboard, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff (Group Leaders, Activity Specialists, Youth Assistants). Approve schedules, timesheets, and payroll. Provide coaching, professional development, and guidance on classroom management and lesson planning

Compliance & Safety: Ensure adherence to DYCD and School-Age Child Care (SACC) regulations, maintain safe and compliant program environments, and manage program records and reporting

Fiscal & Resource Management: Assist with monitoring program budgets and expenditures, ensure responsible use of program resources and equipment, support inventory management and purchasing processes, monitor staffing allocations and operational needs

Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of experiencing working in youth development, education, recreation, or community-based programming. experience managing after-school, summer, community-based, or youth development and working with diverse youth and families.

Partnership & Communication: Serve as the bridge between the program, partner schools, and community stakeholders. Build and maintain relationships with school administrators, parents, and community partners

Curriculum & Activity Design: Develop and manage STEM activities, creative/performing arts, sports, tutoring, and enrichment workshops. Incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL) and culturally responsive pedagogy.

Marketing & Fundraising: Promote the program to target communities and schools; participate in grant writing and fundraising as needed.

Required Certifications and Clearances: Background check, mandated reporter training, CPR/First Aid Certification, completion of all required DYVD trainings, additional clearances as required by DYCD and organizational policies.

Special Projects: Manage quarterly theme team projects, host parent meetings, and recruit voucher families.

Reporting & Location

Reports to: School Partnerships Director or Director of Youth Services, depending on the organization

Location: On-site at 263 West 153rd Street, New York NY 10039

Schedule: Typically, Monday–Friday, 1:00 PM –6:00 PM, with evenings and weekends as needed

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field; Master’s degree preferred

Experience: Proven experience in youth development, after-school program management, and working with urban youth.

Skills: Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building abilities; familiarity with DYCD/SACC requirements; ability to manage budgets and multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

In summary, the COMPASS After-School Program Director is a central figure in delivering high-quality, inclusive, and compliant youth programming, balancing leadership, staff management, curriculum design, and community engagement to support student success and well-being.