Program Director

Job Description

Job Description

TITLE : Program Director

DEPARTMENT : Youth Services

PROGRAM: SONYC The School for Global Leaders

REPORTS TO:  Deputy Director of Manhattan Youth Programs 

SALARY: $70,000-$75,000 annually

LOCATION:  LES: The School for Global Leaders, 14 Stanton St, NY, NY 10002

SCHEDULE: School Year: Monday – Friday; 10 am – 6 pm. Some evenings/weekends may be required. 

Summer: 8 am – 4 pm or 10 am - 6 pm

DATE: August 2026

JOB SUMMARY: The Program Director is directly responsible for the successful day-to-day operation of the after-school program and for ensuring that quality services are provided. In addition, the Program Director is responsible for supervising the program and staff.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND  SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Degree required: Bachelor's degree 
• At least three (3) years of experience working in a community center or school-based after-school program; at least two years of which were in a supervisory capacity.
• Required to obtain SACC Program Director (30-hour) credentials.
• Ability to work independently, assess priorities, and take initiative.
• Effective oral, written, and collaborative skills.
• Experience in lesson planning, curriculum development, and implementation of structured programming for middle school students.
• Familiarity with program budgeting and fiscal management is a plus.
• Familiarity with DYCD Connect and database management is a plus.
• Ability to maintain State Central Registry (SCR) clearance- $25 nonrefundable fee required and fingerprint clearance throughout the duration of employment.
• Experience working with students in urban school and/or community-based settings
• Must be computer literate.
• Capacity to thrive under pressure while working on multiple tasks and projects.
• Spanish speaking is a plus.
• Must be able to build and maintain a positive working relationship with the school's administration & personnel.
• Knowledge of the public education system and positive youth development best practices.
• Strong public speaking, writing, and organizational skills.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of New York State Learning Standards.
• Knowledge in STEM, Health & Sexuality, Careers & Life Planning, Sports & Adventure, and Academic Enrichment is highly desirable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Development:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of our funded Department of Youth & Community Development [DYCD] COMPASS contract, Holiday Camp & Summer programming.
• Coordinate ongoing outreach, application, and enrollment process.
• Ensure the program exceeds an 85% Average Daily Attendance.
• Implement the following core components: 
  • Academic Support, STEM
  • Academic & Creative Arts Enrichment
  • Physical Activity/Healthy Living
  • Parent/Caretaker Involvement
  • Leadership
• Work in partnership with the school administration to ensure after-school activities align with the day school's learning and vision.
• Actively seek partnership opportunities to enhance programming.
• Coordinates part-time staff schedules and program activities; Supervises and provides leadership to part-time staff.
• Serves as the primary liaison for school administration, parents, and other community entities and constituencies.
• Ensures that program participants are engaged in daily activities and programming.
• Attends regular school meetings, staff meetings, training, and workshops as needed.
• Participates in ongoing efforts to advocate for program needs via community coalition building and via administering feedback surveys and program assessments 
• Identify and schedule field trips and actively seek new opportunities for participants.
• Prepare and maintain timelines and action items to support implementation of major events and initiatives.
• Work closely with school administration to provide school-day support for after-school programming.
• Maintain a professional and positive working relationship with the school administration and personnel.
• Seek partnership opportunities and bring in at least 3 new partners a year to leverage resources to support programs.

• Facilitate live and pre-recorded activities.s
• Use web-based platforms to engage youth, such as Zoom and Google Classroom.
• Monitor participant engagement and safety while on live sessions remotely
• Facilitate wellness checks/calls to families 
• Follow remote working plan, policies & procedures as highlighted by supervisor 
• Maintain remote/virtual attendance logs & records. 
• Ensure any remote links, videos, and content are age-appropriate, clean, andnon-offensive; do not reveal anyone's identity.
• Ensure that the deadlines meet the goals and objectives of the programs

• Conduct periodic assessments and evaluations and assist in curricula and programmatic refinement (i.e., pre/post surveys/tests).
• Have parent orientations and parent meetings

Administrative:

• Ensure quality assurance of data reported to DYCD via DYCD Connect database platform.
• Ensure attendance tracking and reporting meets contractual requirements regarding enrollment and attendance. 
• Respond to all electronic and phone communication within 2 business days
• Ensure all DOH School-Aged Child Care and DOH Summer Day Camp regulations and procedures are complied with and conduct quarterly self-checklist inspections
• Coordinate and execute all major events and activities along with GSS's Program Directors
• Communicate with school personnel and administration and DYCD key stakeholders, as well as participate in meetings
• Prepare a monthly calendar of events, programs, meetings, and activities.
• Create a budget plan that supports program needs and ensure timely spending.
• Collaborate on cross-borough and agency/ department wide events and strategic planning efforts.
• Ensure DYCD/DOE social media policy is adhered to by all GSS staff, participants,s and families.
• Commit to Grand St. for two years if awarded a funded personal development or education grant. 

Facility:

• Maintain and diligently follow up with the custodian to ensure timely response to facility issues.s
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Supervisor./CPO.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit a resume and a thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications for the position you are applying for. If selected, we ask that you also provide us with three (3) professional references we can contact (at least one (1) should be a former supervisor). Please click the link below or use it in a search bar to apply online through our career center.

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